Topical Bible: Marriage: Celebrated with Feasting

◄ Marriage: Celebrated with Feasting ►

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Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. Throughout the Bible, marriage is often celebrated with feasting, symbolizing joy, community, and divine blessing. The celebration of marriage with feasting is a recurring theme in Scripture, reflecting the importance and sanctity of the marital union.

Old Testament Celebrations

In the Old Testament, marriage feasts were significant social events, often lasting several days. One of the earliest examples is the marriage of Jacob to Leah and Rachel. Laban, their father, gathered all the people of the place and held a feast (Genesis 29:22). This celebration underscores the communal aspect of marriage, where family and friends come together to witness and rejoice in the union.

The account of Samson also highlights the tradition of marriage feasting. Samson held a feast as was customary for young men (Judges 14:10). This indicates that feasting was an expected part of the marriage process, marking the transition into a new phase of life.

New Testament Celebrations

In the New Testament, the wedding at Cana is a prominent example of marriage celebrated with feasting. Jesus performed His first miracle at this wedding, turning water into wine, thus blessing the occasion with His presence and divine intervention (John 2:1-11). This event not only emphasizes the joy and festivity associated with marriage but also signifies the importance of Christ's presence in the marital relationship.

The parable of the wedding banquet, as told by Jesus, further illustrates the significance of feasting in marriage celebrations. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son (Matthew 22:2). This parable highlights the joy and honor associated with marriage, as well as the invitation to partake in the blessings of God's kingdom.

Symbolism and Significance

Feasting in the context of marriage is rich with symbolism. It represents abundance, joy, and the communal sharing of happiness. The act of coming together to celebrate a marriage reflects the unity and fellowship that marriage brings not only to the couple but also to the wider community.

In biblical times, the marriage feast was also a time for covenantal blessings. It was an opportunity for families to unite, for communities to strengthen bonds, and for the couple to receive the blessings of those around them. The presence of food and drink symbolizes God's provision and the hope for prosperity and fruitfulness in the new marriage.

Eschatological Implications

The imagery of marriage feasting extends beyond earthly celebrations to eschatological promises. The Book of Revelation speaks of the marriage supper of the Lamb, where the church, as the bride of Christ, is united with Him in eternal celebration (Revelation 19:9). This ultimate feast signifies the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the eternal joy that awaits believers.

In summary, marriage celebrated with feasting is a biblically rooted tradition that underscores the joy, community, and divine blessing inherent in the marital covenant. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the eschatological hope of eternal union with Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 29:22
And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 14:10
So his father went down to the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.
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Matthew 22:2,3
The kingdom of heaven is like to a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
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John 2:1-10
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
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Library

Of Certain Deities Peculiar to Barbarians, and their Sacred Rites ...
... carried away to contract an incestuous marriage with her ... account her sacred rites
are celebrated with the ... Mother, and when, satiated with feasting, they were ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxi of certain deities peculiar.htm

Croesus.
... found the whole city given up to feasting and revelry ... persons among the Greeks, who
were celebrated for their ... in the army, and made provision for his marriage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter iv croesus.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... feasts and sacrifices that are to be celebrated in the ... the tithe of his other fruits,
in feasting with his ... it is that he is averse to this marriage, whether he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
... Mourning shall be turned into feasting, and it shall be ... This will be a marriage supper,
and what better music ... of the place where it shall be celebrated, in the ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/11 the comforts belonging to.htm

Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ...
... He had a wife celebrated for her beauty, and ... the stock of Israel; yet because this
marriage was of ... of the most eminent character, were feasting together; [now ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning the fortitude.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... Why feasting, and this in a time when ... Nevertheless, the adulterous marriage with
Herodias followed. ... that the Herodians would have celebrated their birthdays. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

Index of Subjects.
... 6, [971]11, [972]14; his descent from David proved by his marriage, [973]11 ... Luxury,
why compared to thorns, [1070]283; in feasting reproved, [1071]301, and in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Christ Our Passover
... afterwards he gave the parable of the marriage of the ... that there were more than these
two Passovers celebrated until the ... I do not see the use of this feasting. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ our passover.htm

Huss and Jerome.
... the Omnipotent that His worship should be celebrated in an ... with the poor, and consume
not thy substance in feasting. ... as if they were going to a marriage feast. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /6 huss and jerome.htm

Huss and Jerome
... the Omnipotent that His worship should be celebrated in an ... with the poor, and consume
not thy substance in feasting. ... as if they were going to a marriage feast. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 6 huss and jerome.htm