Topical Bible: Marriage: The Jews: Betrothed Themselves some Time Before

◄ Marriage: The Jews: Betrothed Themselves some Time Before ►

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In ancient Jewish culture, marriage was a significant covenantal relationship that was deeply rooted in religious and social traditions. The process of marriage among the Jews involved several stages, with betrothal being a critical phase that preceded the actual marriage ceremony. Betrothal, or "erusin," was more than a mere engagement; it was a binding agreement that legally recognized the couple as husband and wife, although they did not yet live together or consummate the marriage.

Biblical Context and Practices

The practice of betrothal is evident in various biblical narratives and laws. In Deuteronomy 20:7 , it is written: "Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in battle and another man marry her." This verse highlights the seriousness of the betrothal period, acknowledging the man's commitment to his betrothed even before the marriage is finalized.

The betrothal period served several purposes. It allowed time for the groom to prepare a home for his future wife, often by building an addition to his father's house. This period also provided an opportunity for the bride's family to prepare for the wedding and for the couple to grow in their understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities within the marriage covenant.

Cultural and Legal Implications

Betrothal was a formal agreement, often arranged by the families of the bride and groom. It involved the payment of a "bride price" or "mohar," which was a form of compensation to the bride's family and a demonstration of the groom's commitment and ability to provide. The legal nature of betrothal is underscored in Matthew 1:18-19 , where Joseph, upon discovering Mary's pregnancy, considered divorcing her quietly, indicating that breaking a betrothal required a formal divorce process: "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly."

Spiritual Significance

The betrothal period also held spiritual significance, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. The prophets often used marriage imagery to describe God's relationship with Israel, portraying God as the faithful husband and Israel as the bride. This imagery is evident in Hosea 2:19-20 : "So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD."

In the New Testament, the Church is described as the bride of Christ, awaiting the consummation of the marriage at His return. This eschatological hope is reflected in Revelation 19:7 : "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready."

Conclusion

The Jewish practice of betrothal was a profound and multifaceted tradition that laid the foundation for marriage. It was a period marked by legal, social, and spiritual dimensions, reflecting the deep commitment and covenantal nature of marriage as ordained by God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 20:7
And what man is there that has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.
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Judges 14:5,7,8
Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
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Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
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Library

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... to leave the Temple, that she had betrothed herself to ... to the Mishnah were usual
amongst the Jews of old ... Redeemer was in expectation only, a marriage rich in ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

How Herod Sailed Out of Italy to Judea, and Fought with Antigonus ...
... retired to the city Emmaus; and what Jews he met ... himself went to Samaria, to complete
his marriage, and to ... son of Aristobulus; for he had betrothed her already ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how herod sailed.htm

How, Upon Herod's Going Down into David's Sepulcher, the Sedition ...
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... the king's daughter, to whom he had been betrothed,
and wholly ... the thirtieth day after should be the day of marriage; and sware he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how upon herods.htm

Book 13 Footnotes
... in-law to Herod because his granddaughter Mariarune was betrothed to him, although
the marriage was not ... in time esteemed the very same people with the Jews. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 13 footnotes.htm

Matt. I. 17
... indeed the Scripture is wont to call betrothed husbands sons ... And He commits her not
for marriage; but to dwell ... For "His people" are not the Jews only, but also ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... The other Jews rather disliked them because of their ... Meanwhile the betrothed couple
went together into a ... discussed their plans and their marriage contract; if ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

John i. 35-37
... her, that she no more remembers those who betrothed her ... 29 ), since he alone was
present at the marriage, he it ... Psalm 1:3 ); and Moses commanded the Jews to do ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xviii john i 35-37.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... the women became virtually that of her betrothed, unless he ... without which the Rabbis
regarded a marriage as merely ... at present in use among the Jews sets forth ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

The Bishop at Work
... the first was in defence of the Jews, and the ... allowed little Grace, aged four, to
be betrothed to Adam ... little heiress was again hunted into marriage, this time ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter v the bishop at.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... the date of the betrothal and that of the marriage. ... they suffered what, in the eyes
of the Jews, was one ... to whom the Virgin should be given and be betrothed.". ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm