Topical Bible: Marriage: The Jews: Careful in Contracting for Their Children

◄ Marriage: The Jews: Careful in Contracting for Their Children ►

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In ancient Jewish culture, marriage was not merely a personal or romantic union but a significant social and religious institution. The Jewish community placed great emphasis on the careful contracting of marriages, particularly for their children, ensuring that these unions aligned with religious, familial, and social expectations.

Biblical Foundations and Parental Responsibility

The Jewish approach to marriage was deeply rooted in biblical teachings and traditions. Parents played a crucial role in arranging marriages for their children, often seeking partners who shared their faith and values. This practice is evident in several biblical narratives. For instance, Abraham's careful selection of a wife for his son Isaac illustrates the importance of maintaining religious and cultural continuity. In Genesis 24:3-4 , Abraham instructs his servant, "I want you to 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."

Cultural and Social Considerations

Jewish parents were mindful of the social and economic implications of marriage. They often sought alliances that would strengthen family ties and enhance social standing. The account of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 29 highlights the negotiations and agreements that were part of the marriage process. Jacob's service to Laban in exchange for his daughters Leah and Rachel underscores the contractual nature of marriage arrangements.

Legal and Religious Contracts

Marriage in Jewish tradition was formalized through legal and religious contracts, known as ketubah. These contracts outlined the rights and responsibilities of both parties, ensuring the protection and welfare of the bride. The ketubah served as a binding agreement, reflecting the seriousness with which marriage was regarded in Jewish law and custom.

Moral and Spiritual Considerations

The Jewish community placed a high value on the moral and spiritual compatibility of marriage partners. The book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the virtues of a good wife, emphasizing the importance of character and faithfulness. Proverbs 31:10 states, "A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies." This focus on virtue and piety was integral to the Jewish understanding of marriage as a covenant before God.

Intermarriage and Religious Purity

The Jewish people were also cautious about intermarriage with surrounding nations, as it posed a threat to religious purity and identity. The book of Ezra recounts the return of the exiles to Jerusalem and the subsequent reforms to address intermarriage. Ezra 9:12 warns, "Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it as an inheritance to your children forever."

In summary, the Jewish approach to marriage, particularly in contracting for their children, was characterized by careful consideration of religious, social, and moral factors. This meticulous process ensured that marriages were not only personal unions but also vital components of the community's spiritual and cultural continuity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:2,3
And Abraham said to his oldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray you, your hand under my thigh:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 28:1,2
And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said to him, You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Seven Ecumenical Councils
... is not lawful to receive unleavened bread from the Jews? ... are not to be joined in
marriage with heretics ... carry their case to court should be careful to inform ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/

The Sermon on the Mount.
... commandments, but only the large are careful about the ... be associated in the mind
of the Jews with sin ... to free herself by contracting another marriage, and this ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 4.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... of others, if they are to avoid contracting [2628] their ... 2675] parents and children,
[2676] marriage and celibacy ... of the Gentiles, [2698] a patron of the Jews. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ...
... before, but they ought to be careful about that ... make an imaginary Peter - Apostle
of the Jews - speak and ... share in the festivities at his marriage, proposed to ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxi the cavils of.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... Apostles, the "children" of the Jews who cast out devils, and are their judges,
[516]318; witnesses of Christ, [517]318; reaped among the Jews, sowed among the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the size of the bricks and the careful dressing of ... to demand one of the daughters
of Bsarhaddon in marriage. ... for a welcome change in the fortunes of the Jews. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... have run too great a risk of contracting impurities, such as ... him not to give Mandane
in marriage to a ... all under his sway, promising on their capitulation that ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm