Dictionary of Bible Themes Marriage is used to describe the relationship between God and Israel in the OT and between Jesus Christ and the church in the NT. Contemplating marriage deepens understanding of God's love for his people; examining God's covenant love for his people similarly enriches an understanding of marriage. Ezekiel 16:8-14God's marriage relationship with Israel God's marriage covenant with Israel See also Jeremiah 31:32The covenant at Sinai was seen as a form of marriage. Ezekiel 16:59-60Isaiah 54:5 See also God as Israel's husband Hosea 2:7Joel 1:8 Jeremiah 2:2 See also Israel's early devotion Ezekiel 16:43Hosea 2:15 Jeremiah 3:20 The breakdown of God's marriage to Israel See also Israel's adultery Jeremiah 2:32Ezekiel 16:32-34 Hosea 1:2; 9:1 Hosea 2:2 Israel's alienation from God is likened to a divorce See also Isaiah 50:1Israel's unfaithfulness led to a form of divorce between God and his people. This was sometimes identified with the exile. Jeremiah 3:6-10Jeremiah 3:12-14 The renewal of God's marriage to Israel Hosea 3:1-3God calls his bride to return See also Isaiah 54:6-8Hosea 2:14 Isaiah 62:4-5 See also The renewed relationship Jeremiah 31:31-33Ezekiel 16:62 Hosea 2:16,19-20 Ephesians 5:25-33 Jesus Christ's marriage relationship with the church Jesus Christ's love as a model for marriage John 3:29Jesus Christ is described as a bridegroom See also Matthew 9:15John the Baptist describes Jesus Christ as the bridegroom and himself as the best man. Matthew 22:2; 25:1-13pp Mk 2:19-20 pp Lk 5:34-35 2 Corinthians 11:2Revelation 19:7-9 The church as Christ's bride See also Revelation 21:2,9-10; 22:17See also 1030 God, compassion1035 God, faithfulness 1085 God, love of 1349 covenant at Sinai 1680 types 6243 adultery, spiritual 6740 returning to God 7020 church, the 8251 faithfulness to God 8840 unfaithfulness to God |
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