Topical Encyclopedia In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, marriage was often seen as a significant and expected milestone in the life of a young woman. The Scriptures reflect a worldview where marriage and family were central to societal structure and personal fulfillment. The absence of marriage for a young woman was frequently viewed as a misfortune or calamity, impacting not only her personal life but also her social standing and economic security.Cultural Context In ancient Israelite society, marriage was not merely a personal choice but a communal expectation. It was a means of securing alliances, ensuring the continuation of family lineage, and providing economic stability. A young woman who remained unmarried could face social stigma and economic vulnerability. The family unit was the primary social and economic unit, and marriage was integral to its perpetuation. Biblical References The Bible contains several references that highlight the importance of marriage for young women and the distress associated with remaining unmarried. In Isaiah 4:1 , the prophet describes a time of judgment and calamity, saying, "On that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, 'We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!'" This passage underscores the desperation and social disgrace associated with being unmarried, as women seek to remove their reproach by any means necessary. In the book of Judges, the account of Jephthah's daughter (Judges 11:37-38) further illustrates this theme. Jephthah's daughter laments her fate, saying, "Let me wander the hills for two months and weep with my friends, because I will never marry." Her mourning reflects the deep sorrow and sense of loss associated with not fulfilling the expected role of a wife and mother. Social Implications The societal implications of a young woman not being given in marriage were profound. In a patriarchal society, a woman's identity and security were often tied to her role as a wife and mother. Without marriage, a woman might lack protection and provision, as well as the opportunity to bear children, which was considered a blessing and a means of legacy. The book of Ruth provides a narrative of redemption from such a plight. Ruth, a widow, faces the potential calamity of remaining unmarried and childless. Her account highlights the importance of marriage and family in restoring her social and economic status. Boaz's willingness to marry Ruth not only redeems her but also secures her future and that of her mother-in-law, Naomi. Theological Considerations From a theological perspective, marriage is often seen as a divine institution ordained by God. 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 view of marriage underscores its significance in God's design for human relationships and community. The New Testament also reflects the importance of marriage, though it introduces a broader understanding of singleness and celibacy as viable and honorable states, particularly in the context of Christian service (1 Corinthians 7:8). However, the cultural backdrop of the Old Testament and much of the New Testament era still viewed marriage as the normative and desirable state for young women. In summary, the biblical narrative and cultural context of ancient Israel reflect a worldview where not being given in marriage was considered a calamity for a young woman. This perspective was shaped by societal norms, economic realities, and theological beliefs about the role and purpose of marriage in God's creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 11:37And she said to her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains, and mourn my virginity, I and my fellows. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 78:63 Isaiah 4:1 Library Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ... V. ... Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. Compel them to Come In Croesus. An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. Against Jovinianus. Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a woman of God? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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