Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the giving of presents to a bride was a customary practice that signified various aspects of the marriage covenant, including the establishment of a legal and social bond, the expression of love and commitment, and the provision of security and honor. This tradition is rooted in the cultural and religious contexts of the ancient Near East and is reflected in several biblical narratives.1. The Bride Price (Mohar): The concept of the bride price, or "mohar," was a significant aspect of marriage arrangements in biblical times. It was a payment made by the groom or his family to the bride's family as a form of compensation and a demonstration of the groom's ability to provide for his future wife. This practice is evident in the account of Jacob and Laban, where Jacob worked for seven years to earn the right to marry Rachel. Genesis 29:18-20 states, "Jacob loved Rachel and said, 'I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.' Laban replied, 'It is better for me to give her to you than to another man. Stay with me.' So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her." 2. Gifts to the Bride: In addition to the bride price, gifts were often given directly to the bride as a token of affection and to ensure her well-being. These gifts could include jewelry, clothing, or other valuable items. In Genesis 24, when Abraham's servant sought a wife for Isaac, he presented Rebekah with gifts as part of the marriage proposal. Genesis 24:22 records, "And when the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels." 3. The Role of Dowry: While the bride price was paid by the groom, the dowry was a contribution from the bride's family, often consisting of property, money, or goods that would support the new household. This practice is illustrated in the account of King Saul offering his daughter Michal to David. In 1 Samuel 18:25 , Saul said, "The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies." This request was a test of David's valor and commitment. 4. Symbolic and Spiritual Significance: The giving of presents to the bride also holds symbolic and spiritual significance in the biblical narrative. It reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, often depicted as a marriage. In the prophetic literature, God is portrayed as the bridegroom who adorns His bride, Israel, with gifts of love and faithfulness. Isaiah 61:10 beautifully captures this imagery: "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." 5. New Testament Context: In the New Testament, the concept of the bride is elevated to represent the Church, the bride of Christ. The gifts given to the Church are spiritual in nature, including grace, salvation, and the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:25-27 draws a parallel between Christ's love for the Church and the marital relationship: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." The tradition of giving presents to the bride, therefore, is deeply embedded in the biblical understanding of marriage, reflecting both cultural practices and profound theological truths. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 24:53And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. Nave's Topical Index Library The Portrait of the Bride Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1564-1567 Matthew's Feast. Discourse on Fasting. The Epistle to the Ephesians. Another Portrait Gallery The virgins Immediately after the Queen and Spouse. The Complement of Genesis. The Season of Epiphany. Periods of Church History. The Holy Family in Bethlehem after the Departure of the Kings. Resources What is the marriage supper of the Lamb? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Solomon refer to his wife as his sister (Song of Solomon 4:9)? | GotQuestions.org What is Beulah Land? | GotQuestions.org Bride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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