Topical Bible: Marriage: God's Union With the Jewish Nation

◄ Marriage: God's Union With the Jewish Nation ►

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Marriage, as depicted in the Bible, is not only a sacred covenant between individuals but also serves as a profound metaphor for the relationship between God and the Jewish nation. This divine union is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the depth of God's commitment and love for His chosen people.

Covenantal Relationship

The concept of marriage as a covenant is central to understanding God's relationship with Israel. In the Bible, a covenant is a solemn agreement, often sealed with promises and obligations. This is evident in God's covenant with Abraham, where He promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:2-3). This covenantal relationship is further solidified at Mount Sinai, where God gives the Law to Moses, establishing Israel as His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5-6).

Symbolism of Marriage

The prophets frequently use the imagery of marriage to describe God's relationship with Israel. In the book of Hosea, God commands the prophet to marry an unfaithful woman, symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry (Hosea 1:2). Despite Israel's infidelity, God's enduring love and desire for reconciliation are evident: "I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion" (Hosea 2:19).

Similarly, the prophet Isaiah speaks of God's unwavering commitment to Israel, likening it to the joy of a bridegroom over his bride: "As a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5).

Faithfulness and Unfaithfulness

The theme of faithfulness is central to the marriage metaphor. God's faithfulness to Israel is contrasted with Israel's frequent unfaithfulness. The book of Jeremiah laments Israel's spiritual adultery, yet also highlights God's willingness to forgive and restore: "Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD, for I am your Master, and I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and bring you to Zion" (Jeremiah 3:14).

Restoration and Renewal

Despite Israel's repeated transgressions, the Bible promises a future restoration of this divine marriage. The book of Ezekiel speaks of a new covenant, where God will cleanse His people and give them a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:25-27). This renewal is a testament to God's unending love and His desire to dwell among His people.

The Ultimate Fulfillment

The marriage metaphor finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where the relationship between Christ and the Church is depicted as a marriage. This reflects the continuity of God's covenantal love from Israel to the Church, emphasizing the unity and faithfulness that characterize God's relationship with His people.

In summary, the metaphor of marriage in the Bible serves as a powerful illustration of God's enduring love, faithfulness, and commitment to the Jewish nation. Through the imagery of marriage, the Scriptures reveal the depth of God's desire for a covenantal relationship with His people, marked by love, justice, and redemption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
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Jeremiah 3:14
Turn, O backsliding children, said the LORD; for I am married to you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
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Hosea 2:19,20
And I will betroth you to me for ever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies.
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Library

The Royal Marriage Feast.
... invite them and the world to the marriage-supper of ... man's goodness that recommends
him to God's favour: the ... In their union and relations they resemble the two ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xii the royal marriage feast.htm

Controversy
... little regard for one another; there was little union among them ... said, "they neither
marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 66 controversy.htm

A Warning Rejected.
... that exists between Christ and His church is represented by the union of marriage. ...
to Himself by a solemn covenant, He promising to be their God, and they ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /21 a warning rejected.htm

A Warning Rejected
... that exists between Christ and His church is represented by the union of marriage. ...
to Himself by a solemn covenant, He promising to be their God, and they ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 21 a warning rejected.htm

The Bible
... Jezebel stands for the union of Paganism and Judaism. ... in the "field" of the air,
and the marriage of the ... laver, the bath of regeneration, even the Word of God. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

Entire Sanctification in Prophecy.
... sanctification, your engagement is consummated by the marriage union. Engagement
must precede marriage, it is true ... designed for all of God's children without ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter v entire sanctification in.htm

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
... the different parts of the Discourse, and their union in the ... God, but as to man;
not for God's sake, but ... of those who give their daughters in marriage to sages ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvii second visit to.htm

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ...
... [695] Reference to this union of Levi ... of the children of Abraham, for which God provides
this ... account of Joseph and Mary's immediate marriage is inconsistent ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the annunciation of.htm

The Secret of Gladness
... and meritorious in the sight of God.' The modern ... the shrill wedding greetings at
the marriage of some ... communion, the deepest, most mystical union of spirit and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the secret of gladness.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans
... may continue to sin in order to give God fresh opportunities ... Our baptism implies
union with the sinless Christ ... Our marriage to Christ must be fruitful (vi.1-vii ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xiii the epistle of.htm