Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the practice of parents giving their daughters in marriage was a common and culturally significant event. This practice is rooted in the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where family and tribal affiliations played a crucial role in social and economic stability.Biblical Context and Cultural Practices The giving of a daughter in marriage was not merely a personal family decision but often involved broader community considerations. Marriages were typically arranged by the parents, with the father playing a central role in the decision-making process. This is evident in several biblical narratives and legal texts. In Genesis 24, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac, demonstrating the father's authority and responsibility in arranging marriages. The servant's journey to find Rebekah and the subsequent negotiations with her family highlight the communal and familial involvement in marriage arrangements. Genesis 24:51 states, "Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has decreed." The Mosaic Law also reflects the parental role in marriage arrangements. In Exodus 22:16-17 , the law provides guidance on the situation where a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed: "If a man entices a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he must pay the bride price for her to be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride price for virgins." This passage underscores the father's authority in consenting to or refusing the marriage, even after a premarital relationship has occurred. Dowry and Bride Price The concept of a dowry or bride price was integral to the marriage process. The bride price, or "mohar," was a payment made by the groom or his family to the bride's family. This practice is illustrated in the account of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 29, where Jacob works for seven years to marry Laban's daughter Rachel. The bride price served as compensation to the bride's family for the loss of her labor and as a form of financial security for the bride. Parental Blessing and Consent Parental blessing and consent were vital components of the marriage process. The blessing was not only a formality but also a spiritual endorsement of the union. In the case of Rebekah, her family blessed her before she departed to marry Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 24:60 : "And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, 'Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands of ten thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.'" New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not provide extensive details on the practice of giving daughters in marriage, it reflects continuity with Old Testament customs. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, for example, presupposes the cultural context of arranged marriages and the role of the bridegroom in the marriage process. Conclusion The practice of parents giving their daughters in marriage in biblical times was deeply embedded in the social, economic, and spiritual fabric of the community. It was a process that involved negotiation, consent, and blessing, reflecting the values and structures of ancient Israelite society. Nave's Topical Index Judges 1:12,13And Caleb said, He that smites Kirjathsepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 17:25 1 Samuel 18:20,21 Library St. Ambrose Exhorts Parents to Train their Children to virginity.. ... Whether any Gifts Should be Assigned as Dowry to the Blessed? Letter clxvii . To Rusticus, Bishop of Gallia Narbonensis, with ... Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine Women of the Frankish Church On Obedience to Parents How Isaac Took Rebeka to Wife. St. Ambrose Meets the Objection of those who Make the Desire of ... Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ... The Birth of Jesus the Messiah was on this Wise... Resources How should Christian parents handle a teen daughter who has become pregnant? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jairus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the priests of On? Was Joseph wrong to marry the daughter of a pagan priest (Genesis 41)? | GotQuestions.org Daughter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |