Understanding the history of marriage in the Bible provides insights into its evolving significance, customs, and spiritual meaning. From the earliest accounts in Genesis to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, the Bible offers a rich tapestry of narratives and principles that shape our understanding of this sacred union. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of biblical marriages, exploring their historical context, cultural practices, and enduring lessons.

The Genesis of Marriage: Creation and Covenant

The story of marriage in the Bible begins in the Garden of Eden with the creation of Adam and Eve. In Genesis 2:18, God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This pivotal moment establishes the foundation for marriage as a divine institution designed to provide companionship, support, and procreation. The creation of Eve from Adam’s rib symbolizes the intimate connection and unity between husband and wife.

The First Marriage

The union of Adam and Eve is more than just a historical event; it’s a theological statement. God Himself performs the first marriage, emphasizing its sacredness and importance. Genesis 2:24 states, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This verse highlights the principles of leaving, cleaving, and becoming one, which are essential to a successful marriage. Leaving signifies the establishment of a new family unit, cleaving represents the commitment and loyalty between spouses, and becoming one flesh symbolizes the deep physical, emotional, and spiritual union that marriage entails. The creation narrative also underscores the equality and mutual respect that should characterize the marital relationship. Adam and Eve are created as partners, each with unique roles and responsibilities, yet both equally valued in God’s eyes. This sets a precedent for future marriages to be built on a foundation of love, respect, and shared purpose.

Marriage as Covenant

In the Old Testament, marriage is often portrayed as a covenant, a sacred agreement between a man and a woman, witnessed by God. This covenant is not merely a social contract but a binding commitment that carries significant spiritual weight. The concept of covenant is central to understanding God’s relationship with His people, and marriage serves as a microcosm of this divine-human relationship. Just as God is faithful to His covenant with Israel, husbands and wives are called to be faithful to their marital vows. This covenantal view of marriage emphasizes the permanence and sanctity of the union. Divorce, while permitted in certain circumstances, is not ideal and is often viewed as a failure to uphold the covenant. The prophets frequently use the imagery of marriage to describe God’s relationship with Israel, highlighting His faithfulness and love, as well as Israel’s unfaithfulness and idolatry. This metaphorical use of marriage underscores the profound spiritual significance of the marital bond. Throughout the Old Testament, stories of marriages, both successful and troubled, illustrate the challenges and rewards of living within the covenant of marriage. These narratives provide valuable lessons and insights into the complexities of human relationships and the importance of seeking God’s guidance in matters of the heart.

Customs and Traditions: Marriage in the Old Testament

Marriage customs and traditions in the Old Testament offer a glimpse into the social and cultural context of biblical times. These practices varied across different periods and regions, but some common elements include betrothal, dowry, and the wedding ceremony.

Betrothal

Betrothal was a formal agreement, similar to an engagement, that preceded the actual marriage. It was a legally binding commitment that could only be broken by divorce or death. During the betrothal period, the couple was considered to be married in the eyes of the law, even though they did not yet live together or consummate the marriage. The purpose of betrothal was to allow the families of the bride and groom to finalize the arrangements for the marriage, including the dowry and other financial considerations. It also provided a time for the couple to get to know each other and prepare for their life together. Betrothal ceremonies often involved formal contracts and public declarations of intent. The length of the betrothal period could vary, but it typically lasted for several months to a year. Breaking a betrothal was a serious matter that could have significant social and legal consequences. The story of Joseph and Mary in the New Testament provides an example of betrothal. Mary was betrothed to Joseph when she conceived Jesus, and Joseph faced a difficult decision about how to handle the situation. His eventual decision to marry Mary demonstrated his righteousness and compassion.

Dowry and Bride Price

The dowry was the property or money brought by the bride to the marriage, while the bride price was the payment made by the groom or his family to the bride’s family. These financial arrangements were an integral part of the marriage process. The dowry provided the bride with financial security in case of her husband’s death or divorce. It also served as a form of inheritance for her children. The bride price, on the other hand, compensated the bride’s family for the loss of her labor and contribution to the household. It also served as a symbol of the groom’s commitment to provide for his wife. The amount of the dowry and bride price varied depending on the social status and wealth of the families involved. In some cases, the bride price could be substantial, reflecting the value placed on women in ancient society. The story of Jacob working for Laban to earn the right to marry Rachel and Leah illustrates the practice of bride price. Jacob had to work for Laban for many years before he could finally marry the women he loved.

Wedding Ceremony

Old Testament wedding ceremonies typically involved feasting, music, and processions. The wedding could last for several days, with the entire community participating in the festivities. The bride would often wear elaborate clothing and jewelry, and the groom would be accompanied by his friends and family. The ceremony itself might involve religious rituals and blessings, as well as the signing of a marriage contract. The consummation of the marriage was an important part of the wedding celebration, symbolizing the couple’s union and commitment to each other. The wedding feast was a time of joy and celebration, with plenty of food, drink, and entertainment. The guests would offer their blessings and well wishes to the newlyweds, and the couple would begin their new life together. The Song of Solomon provides a beautiful and poetic description of the love and passion between a husband and wife, reflecting the joy and intimacy that was celebrated in ancient weddings.

Marriage in the New Testament: A Higher Calling

Marriage in the New Testament takes on a new dimension, influenced by the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. While the Old Testament emphasized the practical and social aspects of marriage, the New Testament focuses on its spiritual significance and its reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church.

Jesus' Teachings on Marriage

Jesus reaffirmed the sanctity of marriage and emphasized its permanence. In Matthew 19:4-6, He quotes Genesis 2:24, stating, "Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Jesus’ words underscore the divine origin of marriage and its intended lifelong commitment. He also addresses the issue of divorce, stating that it is only permissible in cases of sexual immorality. This teaching was a departure from the prevailing Jewish practice, which allowed for divorce on a variety of grounds. Jesus’ emphasis on the permanence of marriage reflects His commitment to upholding the sanctity of the marital bond and protecting the well-being of families. His teachings also highlight the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in marriage. While divorce may be permissible in certain circumstances, Jesus encourages couples to work through their differences and seek healing and restoration.

Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church

In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul presents a powerful analogy between marriage and the relationship between Christ and the Church. He writes, "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body." This passage highlights the mutual love, respect, and submission that should characterize the marital relationship. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church. Wives are called to respect and submit to their husbands’ leadership. This mutual submission is not about one partner dominating the other, but about each partner putting the needs of the other above their own. The analogy between marriage and the relationship between Christ and the Church underscores the spiritual significance of marriage. It is a sacred union that reflects God’s love and grace, and it is a powerful witness to the world.

Singleness and Marriage

While the Bible affirms the goodness of marriage, it also recognizes the value of singleness. Jesus Himself was single, and Paul encourages those who are able to remain single to do so, in order to devote themselves fully to the Lord’s service. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul writes, "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." Paul acknowledges that singleness is not for everyone, and that marriage is a good and honorable estate. However, he also recognizes that singleness can provide unique opportunities for service and devotion to God. The Bible does not present marriage as the only path to fulfillment or happiness. Rather, it emphasizes that both singleness and marriage are valid and valuable ways of living, each with its own unique blessings and challenges. The key is to seek God’s guidance and to live according to His will, whether single or married.

Conclusion

The history of marriage in the Bible reveals a profound and multifaceted understanding of this sacred institution. From the creation narrative in Genesis to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom and guidance for those seeking to build strong, lasting marriages. By understanding the historical context, cultural practices, and spiritual principles that shape biblical marriages, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and significance of this divine union. Whether you are single, engaged, or married, the Bible’s teachings on marriage can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own journey. Embrace the lessons of the past, and strive to create a marriage that honors God and blesses your family and community. Remember, marriage is not just a social contract; it is a sacred covenant that reflects God’s love and grace to the world.