In biblical times, the practice of giving presents to the bride before marriage was a significant cultural tradition, reflecting the customs and values of ancient societies. This practice is documented in several instances throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the importance of marriage and the honor bestowed upon the bride.

One of the earliest examples can be found in the account of Rebekah, who received gifts from Abraham's servant as part of the marriage arrangement with Isaac. In Genesis 24:22, the Berean Standard Bible states, "And after the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold." These gifts were not only a sign of wealth and prosperity but also served as a token of the servant's sincerity and the family's commitment to the marriage covenant.

Similarly, in the account of Jacob and Rachel, we see the concept of a bride price or dowry, which was a customary practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Although Jacob worked for Laban for seven years as a form of bride price for Rachel, the underlying principle of giving something valuable in exchange for the bride is evident. Genesis 29:18 records, "Jacob loved Rachel and said, 'I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.'"

The giving of presents to the bride was not merely a transactional arrangement but also a demonstration of the groom's ability to provide and care for his future wife. It was a gesture of goodwill and respect towards the bride and her family, acknowledging the union's significance and the responsibilities it entailed.

In the case of David and Michal, Saul's daughter, the concept of a bride price is again highlighted. Saul demanded a rather unusual bride price from David, as recorded in 1 Samuel 18:25 : "Then Saul replied, 'Say to David, ‘The king desires no other bride price except a hundred Philistine foreskins, as revenge on his enemies.’" This request, while unique, underscores the expectation of a significant offering in the context of marriage.

The tradition of giving presents to the bride before marriage is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the values of honor, commitment, and provision. These practices underscore the sacredness of marriage as an institution ordained by God, where the union of man and woman is celebrated and revered.Genesis 24:53
And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Portrait of the Bride
... in that great future when the bride shall pass ... who know the sweetness of His partially
received love, shall ... Him rises above the emblem of a marriage, as high ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the portrait of the bride.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... sermon - Jesus had made use of an expression which received its symbolic ... On the evening
of the actual marriage (Nissuin, Chathnuth), the bride was led ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

Another Portrait Gallery
... the scarlet chair in which the bride should have ... deceased bridegroom, and are there
received by living ... The paper clothes, presents, and marriage-contract are ...
/.../chapter xxi another portrait gallery.htm

The Parable of the Wedding Feast
... out to intimate to those who had received previously an ... Persons compelled to sit
at a marriage-feast would not ... palace, the king, the prince, his bride, or his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the parable of the wedding.htm

The Season of Epiphany.
... held (as I may say) a court, and received the homage ... and ministers in the temple;
they are the Bride of the ... the Bridegroom and the guests at the marriage feast ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vi the season of.htm

The End of Theology
... the super-eminent power which Christ had received from the ... Christ will introduce
his spouse into his bride-chamber. ... her who is united in the bonds of marriage. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/the end of theology.htm

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1564-1567
... Dr. M'Crie does not mention the age of the bride! ... it is to be presumed that the marriage,
though in ... If Knox had received from Calvin favourable replies to his ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xvii knox and queen.htm

On the Baptism of Christ.
... the fathers taught, and which our mind has received and assented ... Rebekah at the well:
and a marriage that was ... Jacob also, hastening to seek a bride, met Rachel ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the baptism of christ.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... In the early days, among the Hebrews, marriage by purchase from the father ... we are
writing a dowry was given with the bride, and she also received a portion ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Post-Nicene Mothers
... was nothing in the treatment which he received from those ... I am bound to call my Lord's
bride 'lady'), to ... or yet to recount the drawbacks of marriage, such as ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/v post-nicene mothers.htm

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