Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the selection of a wife is a significant decision that carries spiritual and covenantal implications. The Scriptures provide guidance on the importance of choosing a spouse who shares a commitment to the faith and the values of God's covenant community. This principle is rooted in the desire to maintain spiritual purity and fidelity to God's commands.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament provides several instances where the selection of a wife from among the ungodly led to spiritual compromise and turmoil. A key example is found in the life of Solomon. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's marriages to foreign women who worshiped other gods led him astray. 1 Kings 11:1-4 (BSB) states, "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. They were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.' Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away." The patriarch Abraham also emphasized this principle when he instructed his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac from among his own people, rather than from the Canaanites. Genesis 24:3-4 (BSB) records Abraham's command: "I want you to swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac." New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to uphold the importance of spiritual unity in marriage. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, advises believers to marry "only in the Lord." In 1 Corinthians 7:39 (BSB), Paul writes, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only in the Lord." Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 6:14 (BSB) warns against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers, a principle that extends to marriage: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" Theological Implications The biblical injunction against marrying the ungodly is not merely a cultural or ethnic concern but a theological one. It underscores the importance of maintaining a household that honors God and upholds His commandments. The union of marriage is seen as a reflection of the covenant relationship between Christ and the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:25-32 (BSB). Therefore, a marriage that aligns with God's will is one that fosters spiritual growth and mutual edification in the faith. Practical Considerations In practical terms, selecting a wife from among the godly ensures a shared foundation of beliefs, values, and life goals. It facilitates a harmonious partnership where both spouses can support each other in their spiritual journeys and in raising children in the faith. The biblical model encourages believers to seek partners who will walk alongside them in their commitment to God, ensuring that their household remains a beacon of faithfulness and devotion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:3And I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that you shall not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 26:34,35 Genesis 28:1 Library Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation Christ the Believer's Husband The Marriage of Cana The Great Assize The Gospel Supper A Corps Commander Translated from the Greek. V. ... Resources Why did God allow polygamy / bigamy in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did David need Abishag to keep him warm when he had wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible truly teach monogamy / monogamous relationships? | GotQuestions.org Wives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wives of Ministers should be Exemplary Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Faithful to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Subject to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Love Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Remain With Them for Life Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Reverence Them Wives: Good are a Blessing to Husbands Wives: Good are a Token of the Favour of God Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent Wives: Good are Praised by Husbands Wives: Good: Bring Honor on Husbands Wives: Good: Duty of, to Unbelieving Husbands Wives: Good: Secure Confidence of Husbands Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches Wives: Not to be Selected from Among the Ungodly Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit Wives: should be Adorned with Good Works Wives: should be Adorned with Modesty and Sobriety Wives: should be Adorned: Not With Ornaments Wives: should Seek Religious Instruction from Their Husbands Related Terms |