Marriage in Biblical Perspective: A Step by Step Process
Marriage in Biblical Perspective: A Step by Step Process
The Bible, being the primary source of Christian teachings, provides a comprehensive and detailed guide on many aspects of life, including marriage. It offers a step by step process on how a man should acquire a wife.
1. Prayer and Seeking God's Will
The first step is prayer and seeking God's will. This is evident in the life of Isaac where Abraham made his servant swear that he would find a wife for Isaac from his relatives and not from the Canaanites (Genesis 24:1-4). The servant prayed for God's guidance in finding the right woman (Genesis 24:12-14).
2. Parental Approval and Consent
In biblical times, parental approval was important in the process of marriage. In Genesis 29:18-19, Jacob asked Laban for his daughter Rachel’s hand in marriage. Laban consented, thus giving his blessing to their union.
3. Dowry or Bridewealth Payment
The next step was the payment of dowry or bridewealth as a means of honouring the bride’s family. For instance, Jacob worked for Laban for seven years to marry Rachel (Genesis 29:15-20).
4. Wedding Ceremony
Afterwards, there would be a wedding ceremony where vows were exchanged before God and witnesses. In Genesis 24:67, after Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, she became his wife.
5. Sexual Intimacy
Sexual intimacy followed this ceremony, marking the consummation of the marriage (Genesis 24:67).
6. Living Together as Husband and Wife
Finally, they began living together as husband and wife, with mutual love, respect and submission to each other as instructed by Paul in Ephesians 5:21-33.
It's important to note that these steps are not laws but rather principles and customs that were observed in biblical times. Today, the Church Fathers would likely advise a man to seek God's will, obtain mutual consent, honour his future wife and her family, make a public commitment before God and the community, consummate the marriage and live out his vows daily.
To conclude, the Bible provides guidance on acquiring a wife through prayer, seeking parental consent, paying dowry, having a wedding ceremony, consummating the marriage and living together as husband and wife. These steps underscore the sanctity of marriage as ordained by God.
