Dictionary of Bible Themes Marriage between two individuals united their families and involved the whole community. Parents, particularly fathers, took an active part in selecting partners for their children. There was often a long period of betrothal; wedding celebrations were usually elaborate and might last a week or more. Genesis 38:6The choice of a marriage partner See also Parents usually chose a suitable partner Genesis 24:2-4; 21:21Genesis 24:57-58 Occasionally mothers made the wedding arrangements. The wishes of the couple See also Genesis 34:4,8-9Rebekah is consulted about her proposed marriage to Isaac. Judges 14:21 Samuel 18:20 Genesis 29:28 The bride-price Exodus 2:21Daughters were "given" by their fathers 1 Samuel 18:21Genesis 29:18; 34:12 See also Fathers often received payment Genesis 29:30Exodus 22:16-17 Deuteronomy 22:28-29 1 Samuel 18:17,27 Judges 1:12-13 Daughters were given as a reward See also 1 Samuel 18:25pp Jos 15:16-17 Genesis 24:53The exchange of wedding gifts Gifts from the bridegroom's family Genesis 24:59; 29:24,29Gifts from the bride's father Servants given to the bride as a dowry: Judges 1:14-15Cities and land given as a dowry: 1 Kings 9:16pp Jos 15:18-19 2 Samuel 3:14The period of betrothal See also Betrothal followed payment of the bride-price Genesis 29:19-20Genesis 19:14 Jacob worked for Laban during his period of betrothal to Rachel. Deuteronomy 22:23-24A betrothed couple were regarded as husband and wife Matthew 1:18-20Unfaithfulness during the period of betrothal is treated as adultery Genesis 29:21Divorce is required to break a betrothal. Sexual relationships took place only after the wedding Joel 1:8Luke 1:27 Betrothed women were referred to as virgins: Matthew 1:251 Corinthians 7:36-38 Deuteronomy 20:7 Soldiers and marriage Deuteronomy 24:5Engaged soldiers were to marry before going into battle Recently married soldiers were exempted from military service for a year. Ezekiel 16:9-13The wedding celebrations The bride wore an elaborate dress and jewellery See also Psalms 45:13An allegorical description of God dressing Jerusalem as a bride. Isaiah 61:10Jeremiah 2:32 Revelation 21:2 Psalms 45:14 John 3:29 Attendants on the bride and groom See also Judges 14:11,20Matthew 9:15 Matthew 25:1-10 pp Mk 2:19 pp Lk 5:34 Genesis 29:22Judges 14:10 The wedding banquet Matthew 22:2Revelation 19:9 Psalms 78:63 Isaiah 62:5 Wedding festivities Jeremiah 7:34; 33:11Matthew 22:3-4 The invitation to a wedding Matthew 22:5-7Invited guests were called when the feast was ready. Luke 14:18-21It was an insult to the host to refuse to attend: Matthew 22:11-12See also Guests were expected to dress appropriately. 4410 banquets5655 birth 5659 bride 5661 brothers 5680 family 5684 fathers 5731 parents 5743 widows |
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