Topical Encyclopedia Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant and a joyous occasion celebrated with great rejoicing throughout the Scriptures. From the earliest accounts in Genesis to the prophetic visions in Revelation, marriage is depicted as a divine institution that reflects God's covenantal relationship with His people.Old Testament Celebrations In the Old Testament, marriage is often portrayed as a time of festivity and communal joy. The union of a man and a woman is not only a personal commitment but also a public celebration involving family and community. In Genesis 24, the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah is marked by a journey of faith and divine orchestration, culminating in a joyful union. The narrative highlights the importance of family involvement and divine guidance in the marriage process. The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and marriage, vividly describes the beauty and joy of marital love. The imagery of a wedding procession and the rejoicing of friends and family underscore the communal aspect of marriage celebrations. In Song of Solomon 3:11 , the daughters of Zion are called to witness the joy of King Solomon's wedding day, a day of gladness and celebration. New Testament Celebrations In the New Testament, Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee underscores the significance of marriage celebrations. In John 2:1-11 , Jesus turns water into wine, symbolizing the abundance and joy that characterize a godly marriage. This miracle not only affirms the sanctity of marriage but also highlights the presence of Christ as central to the celebration. The parables of Jesus often use wedding imagery to convey spiritual truths. In Matthew 22:1-14 , the Parable of the Wedding Banquet illustrates the kingdom of heaven as a royal wedding feast, emphasizing the joy and honor of being invited to such a celebration. Similarly, the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 underscores the anticipation and joy associated with the coming of the bridegroom. Prophetic and Eschatological Imagery The prophetic books and Revelation use marriage imagery to depict the relationship between God and His people. In Isaiah 62:5 , the prophet declares, "As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you." This imagery conveys the deep joy and commitment inherent in God's covenant with His people. Revelation 19:7-9 presents the marriage supper of the Lamb, a future celebration where the Church, as the bride of Christ, is united with Him in eternal joy. "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory! For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." This eschatological vision encapsulates the ultimate celebration of marriage, where divine and human joy converge in perfect harmony. Cultural and Historical Context In biblical times, marriage celebrations were elaborate events, often lasting several days. They included feasting, music, and dancing, reflecting the communal nature of the occasion. The joy of marriage was not only a personal experience but a shared celebration that reinforced social bonds and community cohesion. Throughout Scripture, marriage is consistently portrayed as a joyous occasion, a reflection of divine love and faithfulness. The celebration of marriage with great rejoicing underscores its significance as a foundational institution ordained by God, meant to be honored and cherished by all. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 33:11The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endures for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, said the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 3:29 Library Colossians iv. 12, 13 St. Athanasius, Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy Second Five Years. Homily on Habib the Martyr, Composed by Mar Jacob. 1 John ii. 17-Dec The Comforts Belonging to Mourners Psalm XLII. Resources What is the validity of marriage in today's world? | GotQuestions.orgIf marriage is so difficult, why should I even consider it? | GotQuestions.org What biblical principles should be applied to a Christian marriage ceremony? | GotQuestions.org Marriage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Marriage: A Benediction Pronounced After Marriage: A Covenant Relationship Marriage: A Dowry Given to the Woman's Parents Before Marriage: A Herald Preceded the Bridegroom Marriage: Betrothal a Quasi-Marriage Marriage: Betrothal Made With the Spirit Marriage: Celebrated for Seven Days Marriage: Celebrated with Feasting Marriage: Celebrated with Great Rejoicing Marriage: Ceremony Attested by Witnesses Marriage: Christ's Union With his Church Marriage: Consanguinous, Abraham and Sarah Marriage: Consent of the Parties Necessary To Marriage: Contracted at the Gate and Before Witnesses Marriage: Contracted in Patriarchal Age With Near Relations Marriage: Daughters Given In, As Rewards of Valor Marriage: David Gave One Hundred Philistine Foreskins for a Wife Marriage: Designed For: Increasing the Human Population Marriage: Designed For: Preventing Fornication Marriage: Designed For: Raising up Godly Seed Marriage: Designed For: The Happiness of Man Marriage: Early Introduction of Polygamy Marriage: Elder Daughters Usually Given In, Before the Younger Marriage: Expressed by Giving Daughters to Sons, and Sons to Daughters Marriage: Expressed by Joining Together Marriage: Expressed by Making Affinity Marriage: Expressed by Taking to Wife Marriage: Garments Provided for Guests At Marriage: God's Union With the Jewish Nation Marriage: Indissoluble During the Joint Lives of the Parties Marriage: Infidelity of Those Contracted In, Punished As If Married Marriage: Levirate (The Brother Required to Marry a Brother's Widow) Marriage: Modes of Demanding Women In Marriage: Not Binding After Death Marriage: Obligations Under, Inferior to Duty to God Marriage: Often Contracted by Parents for Children Marriage: Parents' Consent Requires in the Mosaic Law Marriage: Parents Contract for Their Children: Abraham for Isaac Marriage: Parents Contract for Their Children: Hagar Selects a Wife for Ishmael Marriage: Parents Contract for Their Children: Laban Arranges for his Daughters' Marriage Marriage: Parents Contract for Their Children: Samson Asks his Parents to Procure Him a Wife Marriage: Parents Might Refuse to Give Their Children In Marriage: Presents Given to Parents to Secure Their Favor Marriage: Priest not to Contract, With Divorced or Improper Persons Marriage: should be Only in the Lord Marriage: should be With Consent of Parents Marriage: The Bride: Adorned With Jewels For Marriage: The Bride: Attended by Bridesmaids Marriage: The Bride: Called to Forget Her Father's House Marriage: The Bride: Given a Handmaid At Marriage: The Bride: Gorgeously Apparelled Marriage: The Bride: Received Presents Before Marriage: The Bride: Stood on the Right of Bridegroom Marriage: The Bridegroom: Adorned With Ornaments Marriage: The Bridegroom: Attended by Many Friends Marriage: The Bridegroom: Crowned With Garlands Marriage: The Bridegroom: Presented With Gifts Marriage: The Bridegroom: Rejoiced Over the Bride Marriage: The Bridegroom: Returned With the Bride to his House at Night Marriage: The Expectation of the Promised Seed of the Woman An Marriage: The Groom Exempt One Year from Military Duty Marriage: The High Priest not to Contract, With a Widow or a Divorced Marriage: The Jews were Allowed Divorce From, Because of Hardness of Their Marriage: The Jews: Betrothed Themselves some Time Before Marriage: The Jews: Careful in Contracting for Their Children Marriage: The Jews: Considered Being Debarred From, a Cause of Grief Marriage: The Jews: Considered Being Debarred From, a Reproach Marriage: The Jews: Contracted when Young Marriage: The Jews: Exempted from Going to War Immediately After Marriage: The Jews: Forbidden to Contract With Idolaters Marriage: The Jews: Forbidden to Contract, With Their Near Relations Marriage: The Jews: Obliged to Contract With a Brother's Wife Who Died Without Marriage: The Jews: Often Contracted With Foreigners Marriage: The Jews: Often Contracted, in Their own Tribe Marriage: The Jews: Often Punished by Being Debarred From Marriage: The Jews: Sometimes Guilty of Polygamy Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Marriage: Wedding Robes Adorned With Jewels Marriage: Wives Among the Israelites Must be Israelites Marriage: Wives Obtained by Kidnapping Marriage: Wives Obtained by Purchase Marriage: Wives Taken by Edict Related Terms Marriage-feasts (6 Occurrences) |
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