Topical Bible: Marriage: A Covenant Relationship

◄ Marriage: A Covenant Relationship ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Marriage, as depicted in the Bible, is a sacred covenant relationship established by God. It is foundational to human society and reflects the divine order and purpose. The concept of marriage as a covenant is deeply rooted in Scripture, emphasizing commitment, fidelity, and the union of two individuals into one flesh.

Biblical Foundation

The institution of marriage is first introduced in the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 2:24 , it is written, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This passage underscores the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman, characterized by leaving, cleaving, and becoming one.

Covenant Nature

Marriage is described as a covenant, a solemn agreement that involves promises and commitments before God. Malachi 2:14 highlights this aspect: "Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant." This verse emphasizes the seriousness of marriage as a covenantal relationship, with God as a witness to the vows exchanged.

Roles and Responsibilities

The New Testament further elaborates on the roles and responsibilities within the marriage covenant. Ephesians 5:22-33 provides a detailed description of the relationship between husbands and wives, drawing a parallel to Christ and the Church. Husbands are called to love their wives "just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25), while wives are instructed to submit to their husbands "as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22). This mutual respect and love reflect the covenantal nature of marriage.

Permanence and Fidelity

The covenant of marriage is intended to be permanent and exclusive. Jesus reaffirms this in Matthew 19:6 : "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." This teaching underscores the indissolubility of the marriage bond and the call to fidelity within the relationship.

Marriage as a Reflection of Divine Love

Marriage is not only a covenant between two individuals but also a reflection of God's love for His people. The prophetic book of Hosea illustrates this metaphor, where the relationship between Hosea and his unfaithful wife, Gomer, symbolizes God's steadfast love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness. This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where the Church is described as the Bride of Christ, highlighting the sacrificial and redemptive love inherent in the marriage covenant.

Conclusion

Marriage, as a covenant relationship, is a profound and sacred institution ordained by God. It is characterized by commitment, love, and mutual respect, reflecting the divine relationship between Christ and His Church. Through the covenant of marriage, individuals are called to live out God's design for human relationships, embodying His love and faithfulness in their union.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 2:4
And you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant might be with Levi, said the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introduction
... women demand that such a hateful word be stricken from the marriage ceremony ... the
creatorial title (see Gen.1:1). "Lord" is God in covenant relationship, that is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/introduction.htm

A Question for Communicants
... unto death." Do you understand that covenant relationship, every one ... forth, and commune
with, and covenant with. ... When the great marriage supper is spread, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/a question for communicants.htm

Introduction
... describes God as the one true to His covenant relationship in reference ... Abraham's
Covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba (21:22-34).13. ... Isaac's Marriage (16:1-67 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/introduction.htm

"Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord. "
... do you know anything of the covenant relationship between God ... his name, and have
received his covenant promises ... Esau's double marriage with Hittite women was a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/thou art now the blessed.htm

The Feast on the Sacrifice
... It was the sign of covenant, harmony, and relationship, and was ... all through Scripture;
it culminates in Christ's parables and in the 'Marriage Supper of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the feast on the sacrifice.htm

Questions and Answers
... have the slightest disposition to break that marriage covenant. ... into the conditions
of this covenant with the ... God and retains this divine relationship in him ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xii questions and answers.htm

Devout Customs and Usages
... up; 'godfathers,' and 'godmothers,' because of the spiritual relationship into which ...
a "token and pledge" of the vow and covenant made in marriage, but is ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... who became children of the covenant,' perfect Israelites ... but only as implying a new
relationship to God ... 58 b). It is a curious circumstances that marriage with a ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

What Jesus Says of the Meaning of his Miracles
... to prophetical phraseology; a generation which apostatized from the marriage covenant
with God ... a sequence thereof, that men deny their God-relationship by their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beth/the miracles of jesus/ii what jesus says of.htm

Chapter xxx
... construct relationship represents a prepositional relationship which immediately ...
who early in her marriage may have ... grace from the faithful covenant God Yahweh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm