Marriage is sacred and significant throughout the Bible. It was used as an analogy of God and Israel and of Christ and the Church. There were many patterns of marriage mentioned in the Old Testament. The Bible mentions an evolution from promiscuity to polygamy to monogamy, which was the divine intention (Gen. 2:24).
Marriage was initiated by a father on behalf of his son (Gen. 24:4). The bride was at first purchased, as Leah and Rachel were purchased by Jacob (Gen. 31:15). Sometimes the purchase price demanded was barbaric (1 Sam. 18:25) and sometimes was paid off on terms of service (Gen 29:20,28). When the price was paid the betrothal commenced. The bride was usually eleven years old and the betrothal lasted a year until marriage. Sexual intercourse was forbidden under heavy penalty until marriage but now the couple could speak together, usually for the first time in their lives. Mary and Joseph were so betrothed (Matt. 1).
Israel was spoken of as God’s bride (Isa. 62:5). God betrothed Israel to Himself out of His love for her (Hos. 2:19,20). But Israel became faithless chasing after other gods, playing the part of an adulteress (Exo. 34:15; Judg. 8:27, 33). Jeremiah called Israel to return to her husband, with her illegitimate children (Jer. 3:1, 14). Hosea is built around this theme of constant love and wanton adultery.
Jesus called Himself the Bridegroom. In the parable of the wise and foolish virgin (Matt. 25:1-13) the foolish were those who were not prepared for His coming. He also indicated to the disciples of John the Baptist that He was the bridegroom whom they should expect (Mk 9:14-15). Paul says he betrothed the Church at Corinth to Christ as the bridegroom (2 Cor. 11:2). The Church was to be a pure bride. The marriage relationship was again used as a symbol of the relationship between the Church and Christ (Eph. 5:22-23). John, in Revelation, sees the Church as the bride of Christ joined in a never-ending union (Rev. 19:7, 21:9).
FOR TODAY
The Church must always be faithful to the bridegroom even when we live in an “evil and adulterous generation.” In a world of scientific achievement and technological advance it becomes easier to break away from the Church’s first love. As in all marriages the only answer lies in promoting togetherness and close daily companionship between the bride and groom. Each Christian should daily seek to know Christ’s will.
Every marriage requires the discipline of love. Partners take each other for better or for worse and in times when there are difficulties there is always someone else who appears more attractive or to present greater potential for satisfaction. But the discipline of love holds the partners faithful until they find that the discipline has its own reward. This is true also of Christians and their commitment to Christ.
A beautiful marriage requires both partners to trust each other and to be proud of each other. Christians who are hesitant to talk about their commitment to Christ lack also the trust or the pride. A beautiful Christian relationship can only exist where we are both trustful and proud of our Lord.
And the Bridegroom shall come unexpectedly! The Church is only in the betrothal stage; the completeness of marriage is yet to come. Christ’s return shall catch people unawares but the wise bride is always waiting eagerly.
REV THE HON DR GORDON MOYES AC MLC