Musing – Biblical example of “How to Get Married” Part 2 of 2

Hebraic Musing – Biblical example of “How to Get Married” Part 2 of 2

The story of Abraham & his Servant & Isaac & Rebekah continues.  How many present day customs are described in this marriage story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24:1-56?   Comments in bold parenthesis are added to illustrate customs and biblical principles to consider.  Last week we explored courting; now let’s look at – The Proposal, Betrothal and Wedding.

Propose because she’s the one:  When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.  [engagement or friendship ring]. Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?” [asking permission from Dad to spend the night; or for hand in marriage?]. She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milcah bore to Nahor.” … Then the man … worshiped the LORD, saying, “The Lord … has led me … to the house of my master’s relatives.”   NIV. 

She passes the “good family test” and the family approves:  “Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn”

Asking permission from bride’s father/family:  Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. Here is Rebekah; take her and go [giving away the bride], and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has directed” [Recognizing God as the arranger]. When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD [thankfulness].

The engagement ring or symbol:  Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother [dowry?].   Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night there. [Engagement party?]  …

The bride still has to say “Yes” to the proposal:  Then they said, “Let’s call the girl and ask her about it.” … “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she said. [bride has to say “Yes”]. So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way [to the groom’s family] …

A blessing from the family:  And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the gates of their enemies” [family said good-bye and blessed her, prophetically!] … So the servant took Rebekah and left.

The bride goes [Down the aisle] to the waiting groom:  Now Isaac … went out to the field … as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She … asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself [not to see each other before the wedding]. Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. [The Holy Spirit tells the Father He found a bride for the Son!]

The wedding:  Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah [Simply by consummating the marriage and living together in the Father’s house]. So she became his wife, and he loved her…. [Notice there is not a rabbi, priest or minister there to “officiate”?]

Points to ponder

How many customs did you identify?

Why do we cry at weddings?

“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”   Rev 19:9

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   December 20, 2016

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage” “Musings - A Victorious Life”  “Musings - The Torah and New Testament”
Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      www.InsightsByYosef.com

Sources – “Hebraic Insights” by Yosef, p.190; and “Biblical Marriage” by Yosef, p.30.