Definition and Cultural Context:
Betrothing in biblical times refers to the formal engagement or promise of marriage between a man and a woman. This period was more binding than modern-day engagements and was considered the first stage of marriage. The betrothal was a legally recognized agreement, often involving a written contract and the exchange of a bride price or dowry. It was a covenantal promise that could only be broken by a formal divorce.

Biblical References:
The concept of betrothal is evident throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the customs and legal practices of ancient Israelite society. In Deuteronomy 20:7 , the law provides an exemption from military service for a man who is betrothed: "Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in battle and another man marry her."

In the New Testament, the betrothal of Mary and Joseph is a significant event. Matthew 1:18-19 states, "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly." This passage highlights the seriousness of betrothal, as Joseph is referred to as Mary's husband even before the consummation of the marriage.

Legal and Social Implications:
Betrothal was a binding agreement that required a formal divorce to dissolve. The betrothed couple was considered legally married, although they did not live together or engage in marital relations until the wedding ceremony. The betrothal period allowed time for the groom to prepare a home and for the bride to prepare for her new role.

The betrothal process often involved negotiations between families, emphasizing the communal and familial nature of marriage in biblical times. The bride price, or mohar, was a customary payment made by the groom's family to the bride's family, symbolizing the groom's commitment and ability to provide for his future wife.

Moral and Theological Significance:
Betrothal in the Bible is not only a social contract but also carries deep theological significance. It is often used metaphorically to describe the relationship between God and His people. In Hosea 2:19-20 , God declares His commitment to Israel: "So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD."

This imagery underscores the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people, characterized by faithfulness, love, and commitment. The betrothal metaphor is also present in the New Testament, where the Church is described as the bride of Christ, awaiting the consummation of the marriage at His return (Revelation 19:7-9).

Conclusion:
The practice of betrothing in biblical times was a significant and binding commitment, reflecting the values of covenant, faithfulness, and preparation for marriage. It served as a foundational element in the social and religious life of the Israelite community, with enduring theological implications for understanding God's relationship with His people.Betrothing

[MARRIAGE.1]

Betrothing

The engagement of a man and woman to marry each other at a future time. Parents anciently often betrothed their daughters without their consent, and even while very young, as is still the case in oriental countries. Sometimes a regular written contract was made, in which the bridegroom bound himself to give a certain sum as a portion to his bride. The marriage was not complete until the bride was at least twelve years old; yet the betrothal could be dissolved only by divorce or death, Matthew 1:18-25 Luke 2:27. God speaks of betrothing his people to himself, in bonds of tender affection, and pledging his word that all his gracious promised will be fulfilled to them, Jeremiah 2:2 Hosea 2:19,20. Of this, ministers are the instruments, through the preaching of the gospel, 2 1 Corinthians 11:2. Hence the word BEULAH.

The Mystical Union with Immanuel.
... I say unto thee, in thy blood, Live. Tho thou art poor, betrothing thee,
I will make thee partaker of Myself and of My treasure. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvi the mystical union with.htm

Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... virgin mother, therefore, escaped entirely the manner of women even before she brought
forth: doubtless, in order that the Holy Spirit, betrothing her unto ...
/.../the writings of methodius fragments/oration concerning simeon and anna.htm

Christ the Believer's Husband
... We are not used to marry people against their wills. This is what the Jews called
betrothing, or espousing, a thing previous to the solemnity of marriage. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the believers husband.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... Joseph, however, was clearly pointed out, in the manner described, as being the
chosen man. "Accordingly, the usual ceremonies of betrothing being over, he ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... The prohibition against intermarrying with the Canaanites was originally uttered
by the same patriarch; and the rule concerning the betrothing of the elder ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Why didn't Jesus marry? | GotQuestions.org

When were Joseph and Mary considered married? | GotQuestions.org

What are the bodily discharges mentioned in Leviticus 15, and why did they make a person unclean? | GotQuestions.org

Betrothed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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