Topical Bible: Marriage: The Expectation of the Promised Seed of the Woman An

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Marriage, as instituted by God, holds a significant place within the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the expectation of the promised seed of the woman. This expectation is rooted in the early chapters of Genesis and unfolds throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the divine purpose and covenantal nature of marriage.

The Genesis Foundation

The concept of marriage is first introduced in Genesis, where God creates man and woman and establishes the marital union. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational verse underscores the divine intention for marriage as a lifelong, exclusive union between a man and a woman.

The Promise of the Seed

The expectation of the promised seed is introduced in Genesis 3:15 , where God declares to the serpent, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel." This verse, often referred to as the Protoevangelium, is seen as the first messianic prophecy, foretelling the coming of a Savior who would defeat sin and Satan.

Marriage as a Covenant

Marriage is portrayed in Scripture as a covenantal relationship, reflecting God's covenant with His people. Malachi 2:14 emphasizes this, stating, "Yet you ask, 'Why?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant." This covenantal aspect of marriage is integral to understanding its role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

The Lineage of the Seed

Throughout the Old Testament, the expectation of the promised seed is carried forward through the genealogies and narratives of key biblical figures. The lineage of the seed is traced through the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and the nation of Israel. God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:3 includes the promise, "And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you," pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Marriage and the Messianic Line

The marriages of biblical figures often play a crucial role in preserving the line of the promised seed. For example, the marriage of Boaz and Ruth, as recorded in the Book of Ruth, is instrumental in the genealogy of David, from whom the Messiah would come. Matthew 1:5-6 highlights this connection: "Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king."

The Fulfillment in Christ

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the promised seed in Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4-5 states, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons." Christ, the ultimate seed of the woman, fulfills the promise of Genesis 3:15, bringing redemption and restoration.

Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church

In Ephesians 5:31-32 , Paul draws a parallel between marriage and the relationship between Christ and the Church: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." Marriage, therefore, serves as a living illustration of the sacrificial love and unity between Christ and His bride, the Church.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative of marriage, intertwined with the expectation of the promised seed, reveals the profound theological significance of this institution. From the Genesis promise to its fulfillment in Christ, marriage is portrayed as a vital component of God's redemptive plan, reflecting His covenantal love and faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 4:1
And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds.
... future coming of the Messiah, the promised Saviour, the ... From money, from marriage,
from business, from houses, from ... thou only upon God; my expectation is from ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiv 2 sam 23 4-5.htm

Questions.
... Which son of Jacob was to be father of the promised Seed? 20. ... 5. What was the prophecy
of this marriage?"verse 17th. ... 40. What general expectation prevailed? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... was not the land which had been promised them as ... and wait only upon God because my
expectation is from ... shall fetch home his spouse, and the marriage shall be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Psalm XLV.
... that is to say, an union of marriage, [1374] without ... not Abraham himself (to whom
was promised the seed ... 1402] Christ was presented to the expectation of mankind ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlv.htm

Of Faith.
... as strangers: and because of the faith in marriage contracts a ... he counted Him faithful
who had promised [778] , and so beyond all expectation gained the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture v of faith.htm

Hebrews xi. 7
... were marrying and being given in marriage"; the air ... 6.] But if the things which He
promised as additional ... are so admirable, so beyond expectation, so magnificent ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxiii hebrews xi 7.htm

The Bible
... and the guardian of the sacredness of marriage, concentrating all ... silence, waiting
to greet that promised Christ who ... of the Jews, and the expectation raised by ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... will have their full fruition in the Marriage Supper of ... awaited in prayer and worship
the promised Coming of ... Holy Ghost.] After ten days of expectation, on the ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... among the Jews against the expectation of the ... then settled, returning afterwards
to the Promised Land by ... is by the supposition of a second marriage of Joseph's ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Illusiveness of Life.
... of life may be a profession"with woman, marriage; the one ... God's rest is inward; that
the promised land is ... be seen beyond the next turn keeps expectation alive ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/vi the illusiveness of life.htm