Topical Bible: Marriage: Modes of Demanding Women In

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In the biblical context, marriage is a sacred covenant established by God, and the modes of demanding women in marriage reflect the cultural and societal norms of ancient times. The Bible provides various examples of how marriages were initiated and formalized, often involving family arrangements, dowries, and mutual agreements.

1. Parental Arrangements and Betrothal:
In ancient Israel, marriages were often arranged by the parents of the bride and groom. This practice is evident in the account of Isaac and Rebekah. Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac, and Rebekah was chosen based on divine guidance and familial consent (Genesis 24). The betrothal was a formal agreement that preceded the marriage ceremony, signifying a binding commitment.

2. Bride Price and Dowry:
The concept of a bride price, or mohar, was common in biblical times. This was a payment made by the groom or his family to the bride's family as a form of compensation and commitment. For example, Jacob worked for seven years to earn the right to marry Rachel, although he was initially deceived into marrying Leah (Genesis 29:18-27). The dowry, or gifts given to the bride, was also a customary practice, as seen in the account of Rebekah, who received jewelry and garments from Abraham's servant (Genesis 24:53).

3. Mutual Consent and Love:
While arranged marriages were prevalent, the Bible also acknowledges the importance of mutual consent and love. The Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty of romantic love and mutual desire between a bride and groom. Additionally, the account of Ruth and Boaz highlights a marriage based on mutual respect and kindness, where Ruth's initiative and Boaz's honorable response led to their union (Ruth 3-4).

4. Levirate Marriage:
Levirate marriage was a practice where a man was obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow to preserve the family lineage. This is illustrated in the account of Tamar and Judah's sons, where Tamar sought to fulfill her right to a levirate marriage after her first husband died (Genesis 38:6-11).

5. Covenantal Aspect:
Marriage in the Bible is often depicted as a covenantal relationship, reflecting God's covenant with His people. Malachi 2:14 refers to marriage as a covenant, emphasizing faithfulness and commitment: "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."

6. Prohibitions and Regulations:
The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding marriage, including prohibitions against marrying close relatives (Leviticus 18) and guidelines for divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). These laws were intended to maintain social order and reflect God's holiness.

7. Symbolism of Christ and the Church:
In the New Testament, marriage is used as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:25-32 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, highlighting the sacrificial and selfless nature of marital love.

The modes of demanding women in marriage, as depicted in the Bible, reveal a complex interplay of cultural customs, legal requirements, and divine principles. These narratives provide insight into the historical context of marriage while underscoring its enduring significance as a divine institution.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:3,4
And I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that you shall not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:
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Genesis 34:6,8
And Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to commune with him.
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1 Samuel 25:39,40
And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept his servant from evil: for the LORD has returned the wickedness of Nabal on his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.
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Library

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... of former times by the conventional modes of their ... clause of an important text on
marriage, were designedly ... a Christian society punishes the errors of women. ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... the hand, or whistling, or other modes of treatment. ... 2675] parents and children,
[2676] marriage and celibacy ... of no slight significance, and demanding no slight ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... While the Lydian satrap was demanding reinforcements from ... rabble of servants, hucksters,
and women which followed ... beyond the AEgean: but the marriage of his ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... our Christian membership, [13]294; of imperious women often borne ... Cana, marriage
at, [194]73; miracle at, the ... Himself, [323]130; used different modes of defense ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... suffers an infamous strumpet to inveigle him into a miserable marriage, as he so ...
pawnbrokers' to have been 'vile wretches,' and, in extortion, the women to be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm