Topical Bible: Marriage: Celebrated for Seven Days

◄ Marriage: Celebrated for Seven Days ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, marriage was not merely a private affair but a communal celebration that often extended over several days. The practice of celebrating a marriage for seven days is rooted in ancient Jewish customs and is evidenced in several biblical accounts. This extended celebration underscores the significance of marriage as a covenantal union blessed by God and honored by the community.

Biblical Instances and Cultural Context

The seven-day marriage celebration is first notably mentioned in the account of Jacob and Leah in the Book of Genesis. After Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel, Laban, Leah's father, instructed Jacob to "complete the bridal week" with Leah before marrying Rachel (Genesis 29:27). This passage highlights the customary week-long celebration that was expected to honor the marriage.

Another instance is found in the Book of Judges, where Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman is described. The text states, "Samson held a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom" (Judges 14:10). The narrative goes on to describe a seven-day feast, during which Samson posed a riddle to his guests. This account illustrates the festive and communal nature of marriage celebrations, which included feasting and entertainment.

Symbolism and Significance

The seven-day celebration of marriage holds deep symbolic meaning within the biblical context. The number seven often represents completeness and perfection in the Bible, as seen in the seven days of creation. Thus, a seven-day marriage celebration can be seen as a reflection of the completeness and divine blessing of the marital union.

Marriage, as instituted by God, is a covenant that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). The extended celebration serves to emphasize the joy and sanctity of this covenant, inviting the community to witness and partake in the joy of the newlyweds.

Community Involvement and Joy

The communal aspect of the seven-day celebration is significant. It was not only a time for the bride and groom to rejoice but also an opportunity for family, friends, and the broader community to participate in the festivities. This communal involvement reflects the biblical principle that marriage is not just a private contract but a public covenant that impacts the wider community.

The joy and festivity of a seven-day celebration also serve as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities that come with marriage. It is a time to honor God’s design for marriage, to seek His blessing, and to commit to upholding the values and responsibilities that marriage entails.

Conclusion

The practice of celebrating marriage for seven days in biblical times underscores the importance and sanctity of the marital covenant. It reflects a deep cultural and spiritual understanding of marriage as a divinely instituted union, celebrated with joy and reverence by the entire community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 14:12
And Samson said to them, I will now put forth a riddle to you: if you can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... comforted her and gave her strength to consent to her marriage. ... wedding of Mary and
Joseph, which lasted for seven or eight days, was celebrated on Mount ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

The Same Subject Continued.
... So he that giveth his virgin in marriage doeth well ... And they purify themselves seven
days, the period in which ... on the seventh day the rest is celebrated; and on ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii the same subject continued.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... oracles were effected; and the passover of deliverance celebrated, and marriage
with aliens ... twenty-two years, three months, and seven days; Marcus Aurelius ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Seven Ecumenical Councils
... Marriages and birthday feasts are not to be celebrated in Lent ... Excursus on the Marriage
of the Clergy ... Since the book of the Acts tells us that seven deacons were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/

Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ...
... He had a wife celebrated for her beauty, and excelling ... of the stock of Israel; yet
because this marriage was of ... you can expound it in these seven days' thee, I ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning the fortitude.htm

Greek Plagiarism from the Hebrews.
... six is called by the Pythagoreans marriage, as being ... For the Zeus celebrated in poems
and prose compositions ... in these words: "And when seven days have passed ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv greek plagiarism from the.htm

Song of Songs
... This lasts for seven days (cf. ... of its often sensuous expression, the love here
celebrated is not ... tend to ennoble ideals in a country where marriage was simply ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/song of songs.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... or he who gives his sister, in marriage to a ... The feast of Tabernacles is to be
celebrated with garlands on ... and with a procession round the altar seven times on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... The degrees of relationship in which marriage is forbidden must ... this way they have
in these latter days abused the ... every place more than six or seven times in ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... not very unlike those of the celebrated Dr. Hugh ... Mrs. Van Dyck joy upon your marriage,
and hope ... Sunday, February 8, 1846, lacking twenty-seven days to complete ...
/.../centenary commemoration 2.htm