Topical Bible: Marriage: Given by Kings

◄ Marriage: Given by Kings ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, marriage is often depicted as a sacred covenant instituted by God. However, there are instances where marriages are arranged or given by kings, reflecting the socio-political dynamics of the time. These royal marriages often served to solidify alliances, secure peace, or consolidate power.

One notable example is the marriage of Solomon to the daughter of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. This union is recorded in 1 Kings 3:1: "Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace, the house of the LORD, and the wall around Jerusalem." This marriage was strategic, enhancing Solomon's political alliances and demonstrating the influence and reach of his kingdom.

Another significant instance is the marriage of Ahab, king of Israel, to Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. This marriage is mentioned in 1 Kings 16:31: "And as if following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not enough, he married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal." This union had profound religious and cultural implications, as Jezebel's influence led to the promotion of Baal worship in Israel, which was contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia takes Esther as his queen. Esther 2:17 states, "And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the other virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti." This marriage, though not initially arranged by a king, becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative, as Esther's position enables her to intercede for the Jewish people, highlighting the providential role of marriage in God's plan.

The marriages given by kings in the Bible often reflect the complexities of human governance and divine sovereignty. While these unions were sometimes fraught with challenges, they also served as instruments through which God's purposes were fulfilled, demonstrating the intricate interplay between divine will and human agency.

Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:17,21
And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give you to wife: only be you valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just.
... our sins in his own blood," also add: "and hath made us kings and priests ... While
"the children of this world marry and are given in marriage," "they which ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the kingdom given to the.htm

The Record of Two Kings
... as long, namely, through the reigns of four kings, and was ... the statutes of Omri,
as if he had given edicts for ... His marriage with Jezebel, and the flood of Baal ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the record of two kings.htm

Whether any Gifts Should be Assigned as Dowry to the Blessed?
... the bride is called "a donation in view of marriage." In this sense dowry is taken
(3 Kings 9:16 ... although it is customary for a dowry to be given by the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether any gifts should be.htm

The Greek Kings of Egypt.
... Both these places were named after the Greek Kings of Syria ... of the house of David
there given, comes down ... by his giving his daughter Berenice in marriage to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvi the greek kings.htm

The Holy Family in Bethlehem after the Departure of the Kings.
... Of this marriage there was a son, who was called one ... almost like a cuckoo-basket',
the name given by our ... took all that still remained of the kings' gifts and ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiv the holy family in.htm

Table of Contents
... MARRIAGE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN TO JOSEPH 141 1. ABOUT MARY AND JOSEPHS WEDDING AND ...
PERSONAL NOTES: RELICS NEARBY THAT THE THREE KINGS HAD GIVEN TO THE HOLY ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/table of contents.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... Basemath (Genesis 36:3), the name Machalath, therefore, having been given when Esau ...
even a funeral, had to give way to a marriage-procession. ... 1721] 2 Kings 9:35 ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

Now it came to Pass, when She was Fourteen Years Old...
... by Solomon, there have been in it virgins, the daughters of kings and the ... But when
they came to the proper age they were given in marriage, and followed the ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 8 now it came.htm

National Privileges
... of faith it happens to them; their marriage is not ... eat; this is My body which is
given for you ... of God, so unutterable, that prophets and kings, whatever they ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xxii national privileges.htm

How Alexander Honored Jonathan after an Extraordinary Manner; and ...
... in-law and kinsman, by Cleopatra's marriage to him ... their appurtenances; as also what
the kings my predecessors ... of this epistle be taken, and given to Jonathan ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how alexander honored.htm