Topical Bible: Marriage: Daughters Given In, As Rewards of Valor

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In the biblical context, marriage often served as a means of forming alliances, securing peace, and rewarding valor. The practice of giving daughters in marriage as a reward for acts of bravery or military success is documented in several instances within the Scriptures. This practice reflects the cultural and societal norms of the ancient Near East, where familial and tribal alliances were crucial for survival and prosperity.

One of the most notable examples of this practice is found in the account of Caleb and his daughter Achsah. In the Book of Joshua, Caleb promises his daughter in marriage to the man who successfully conquers Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb's nephew, rises to the challenge and captures the city, thereby earning Achsah as his wife. The passage reads: "And Caleb said, 'I will give my daughter Achsah in marriage to the one who strikes down and captures Kiriath-sepher.' So Othniel son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it, and Caleb gave his daughter Achsah to him in marriage" (Joshua 15:16-17).

Similarly, the account of King Saul and David illustrates this practice. Saul, seeking to motivate his warriors and secure his kingdom, offers his daughter Michal in marriage to David as a reward for his valor against the Philistines. Saul's offer is recorded in 1 Samuel 18:17: "Then Saul said to David, 'Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the LORD.'" Although Merab was initially promised, it is Michal who eventually becomes David's wife, further solidifying David's position within the royal family.

These narratives highlight the intertwining of familial relationships and political strategy in ancient Israel. Daughters given in marriage as rewards of valor were not merely personal unions but were often strategic moves to strengthen alliances and ensure loyalty. The marriages served to honor the bravery and accomplishments of warriors, while also reinforcing the social and political structures of the time.

The practice of giving daughters in marriage as rewards underscores the patriarchal nature of ancient Israelite society, where women were often seen as instruments for forging alliances and securing the future of the family or tribe. While these practices may seem foreign to modern sensibilities, they reflect the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative, providing insight into the values and priorities of the time.

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Judges 1:12
And Caleb said, He that smites Kirjathsepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
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1 Samuel 17:25
And the men of Israel said, Have you seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who kills him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.
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1 Samuel 18:27
Why David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
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Library

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... community in favor of the sons and daughters of Africa ... Let thousands fall before
Africa be given up!" This ... Having entered into the marriage state about the year ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm