The second half of the wedding ceremony called the “hometaking” refers to a part of the wedding ceremony and the actual bridal canopy that covers the bridal couple. The original meaning was “room” or “covering.” It was a special room built in the bridegroom’s father’s home and is referenced in Psalm 19:5 and Joel 2:15. …
A bride in ancient Israel did not know what day or hour her groom would return for her. In fact, the groom himself didn’t know when he’d go to claim her. Only his father knew as he was the person who decided when everything was ready, including the chamber (Mark 13:32). The time frame…
Another biblical theme that is reflected in the customs of first-century Jewish marriage is the teaching of holiness. The bride was set apart for her groom while he was away. She belongs to her beloved. But, after a while, as his departure becomes longer or his return is delayed, the thought of considering another might…
When the marriage covenant is set and all that remains is the ceremony, unlike our culture, the groom would return to his father’s house to prepare the wedding chamber for her. This was a long separation that may last a year. This culture appears to be alluded to when Jesus tells his apostles in John…
Brides in ancient Israel went to the mikvah (pool) for ritual immersion in water as a preparation for the wedding ceremony. Washings have, traditionally, carried the thought of a change or a new life. For her, she will become a married woman, i.e., she will belong to a man as his wife. She will…
As suggested when two couples are betrothed, the groom gives gifts to his bride as Abraham’s servant loaded 10 camels full of gifts when he went to find a bride. Eliezer gave Rebekah jewelry and clothing (Gen. 24:53). Eventually, the groom would give a ring which was the main feature of the betrothal ceremony. The…
Upon the groom’s acceptance of all the ketubah (marriage covenant), a cup of wine is shared to seal it. Whenever a covenant is signed, wine has been used for over 2,000 years in the creation of a covenant. Each of them would share the same cup and a second cup would be shared months later…
It is generally thought that the prearranged marriages was the work of the bridegroom’s father and once his selection was made, neither the bride nor her parents had a choice. In the case of Isaac and Rebekah’s marriage contract, Eliezer, Abrahams’ servant, discussed the marriage between Rebekah and Isaac. When morning arose, they sent for…
The Jewish marriage ceremony had two parts that began with the betrothal. Two Hebrew words were used to describe this part but the one that will be our focus is the word Kidushin. It means holiness or set apart. Marriage is considered holy because God is a part of that relationship. This period could last…
Brides in Bible times were purchased. The bride price was the amount paid to the bride’s father. Deuteronomy 24:1 speaks of a man taking a wife. The term translated “took” could be translated as “acquired.” The amount not only compensated the father for the loss of a worker in his home, but the amount was…