In
the Hebrew Scriptures marriage was instituted
in Paradise when humans were in innocence (Genesis 2:18-24). Here
we have its original charter, which was confirmed by the Lord,
as the basis on which all regulations are to be framed (Matthew
19:4-5). It is evident that monogamy was the
original law of marriage (Matthew 19:5; 1 Cor. 6:16). This law
was violated in after times, when corrupt usages began to be introduced
(Genesis 4:19; Genesis 6:2). We meet with the prevalence of polygamy
and concubinage in the patriarchal age (Genesis
16:1-4; Genesis 22:21-24; Genesis 28:8-9; Genesis 29:23-30, etc.).
Polygamy was acknowledged in the Mosaic law and made the basis
of legislation, and continued to be practised all down through
the period of Jewish history to the Captivity, after which there
is no instance of it on record.
It
seems to have been the practice from the beginning for fathers
to select wives for their sons (Genesis 24:3; Genesis 38:6). Sometimes
also proposals were initiated by the father of the maiden (Exodus
2:21). The brothers of the maiden were also sometimes consulted
(Genesis 24:51; Genesis 34:11), but her own consent was not required.
The young man was bound to give a price to the father of the maiden
(Genesis 31:15; Genesis 34:12; Exodus 22:16-17; 1 Samuel 18:23,
25; Ruth 4:10; Hosea 3:2) On these patriarchal customs the Mosaic
law made no change.
In
the pre-Mosaic times, when the proposals were accepted and the
marriage price given, the bridegroom could come at once and take
away his bride to his own house (Genesis 24:63-67). But in general
the marriage was celebrated by a feast in the house of the bride's
parents, to which all friends were invited (Genesis 29:22, 27);
and on the day of the marriage the bride, concealed under a thick
veil, was conducted to her future husband's home.
Our Lord corrected many false notions then existing on the subject
of marriage (Matthew 22:23-30), and placed it as a divine institution
on the highest grounds. The apostles state clearly and enforce
the nuptial duties of husband and wife (Ephes. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18,
19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). Marriage is said to be “honourable”
(Hebrews 13:4), and the prohibition of it is noted as one of the
marks of degenerate times (1 Tim. 4:3).
The
marital relationship is used to represent the union between God
and his people (Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:1-14; Hosea 2:9, 20).
In the New Testament the same figure is employed in representing
the love of Christ to his saints (Ephes. 5:25-27). The Church
of the redeemed is the “Bride, the Lamb's wife” (Rev.
19:7-9).
