Topical Bible: Marriage: Often Contracted by Parents for Children

◄ Marriage: Often Contracted by Parents for Children ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, marriage was frequently arranged by parents, reflecting the cultural and social norms of the ancient Near East. This practice is evident throughout the Scriptures, where parental involvement in the selection of a spouse was common and often seen as a duty to ensure the well-being and continuity of the family line.

Old Testament Examples

1. Isaac and Rebekah: One of the most illustrative examples of parental involvement in marriage is the union of Isaac and Rebekah. Abraham, desiring a suitable wife for his son Isaac, sent his servant to his homeland to find a wife from his own kin. Genesis 24:3-4 records Abraham's instructions: "I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac." This narrative highlights the importance placed on familial and cultural continuity.

2. Jacob, Leah, and Rachel: The marriages of Jacob to Leah and Rachel also demonstrate parental involvement. Laban, the father of Leah and Rachel, played a significant role in the marriage arrangements. Genesis 29:19 shows Laban's consent: "Laban replied, 'It is better for me to give her to you than to another man. Stay here with me.'"

3. Samson: In Judges 14, Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman was initially met with resistance from his parents, who preferred a wife from among their own people. Judges 14:3 states, "But his father and mother replied, 'Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?'"

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not provide as many explicit examples of parental arrangement in marriage, the cultural context of the time suggests that such practices continued. The emphasis on family and community in Jewish and early Christian societies would have naturally included parental involvement in marriage decisions.

Cultural and Theological Considerations

In the biblical worldview, marriage was not merely a personal or romantic decision but a covenantal and communal act. Parents, as stewards of their children's future, were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that marriages aligned with familial, cultural, and religious values. This practice was rooted in the belief that marriage was a divine institution with significant implications for the covenant community.

The involvement of parents in arranging marriages also served to protect the interests of the family and maintain social order. By choosing spouses from within their own community or kinship group, families could preserve their heritage and faith, as seen in the repeated biblical warnings against intermarriage with pagan nations (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3-4).

Conclusion

The biblical practice of parents contracting marriages for their children reflects a deep-seated understanding of marriage as a covenantal relationship with communal and spiritual dimensions. While modern practices may differ, the biblical narratives underscore the enduring significance of marriage as a foundational institution ordained by God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:49-51
And now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 34:6,8
And Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to commune with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Domestic Relation.
... Marriages are too often contracted for the comforts of a home ... Instead of sobriety
how often we see them gay, silly ... and give honor to him: for the marriage of the ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Early Impressions. Dangerous Books and Companions. The Saint is ...
... I contracted a habit of reading these books; and this ... They often blamed me for it;
but, as they could ... to the story of her cousin's intended marriage; for in ch ...
/.../the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter ii early impressions dangerous.htm

Whether Seven Years is Fittingly Assigned as the Age for Betrothal ...
... Now signs of this agreeableness are often apparent in ... first; and thus espousals can
be contracted before the ... in like manner if they contract marriage by words ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether seven years is fittingly.htm

Dancing.
... draught of air, and a severe cold is contracted. ... chiefest attraction of worldly-minded
and often of base ... deluded herself with the thought of marriage with her ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iv dancing.htm

Early Years
... [3000] Shortly after joining the emperor he contracted (296 or ... facts are: 1. That
she is often spoken of ... be made legitimate by the subsequent marriage of their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/the life of constantine/1 early years.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... first of her high birth, marriage, and social ... she borrowed money at interest and
often contracted new loans ... bodies and wealthy and noble parents; others have ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... jealousy whenever, neglecting the purity of his holy marriage, we defile ... properly
bear for the sins of their parents, because they are often inflicted for ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... 18 (ceremonial uncleanness contracted) and Lev ... as the nearest relations of Anna before
her marriage, she may ... virtue in his difficult and often interrupted task ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

On Friendship with the World
... to the Romans, which has been often supposed to be ... It is plainly violating of our
marriage contract with ... And if thou hast contracted any such already, break it ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 80 on friendship with.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... was not required for this irregular union, and many a son contracted a marriage
after this ... as if he were of their own flesh and blood, and often settled upon ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm