1 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Marriage is the union between a man and a woman that is a sacred "oneness" intended by God when He united Adman and Eve in the first marriage relationship (Genesis 2:18-25). The union of a man and a woman as husband and wife becomes the foundation for a home and family.

Marriage was instituted by God when He declared, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him" (Genesis 2:18). So God fashioned woman and brought her to man. On seeing the woman, Adam exclaimed, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man" (Genesis 2:23). This passage also emphasizes the truth that "a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This suggests that God's ideal is for a man to be the husband of one wife and for the marriage to be permanent.

God's desire for His people was that they marry within the body of believers. The Mosaic Law clearly stated that an Israelite was never to marry a Canaanite. The Israelite would be constantly tempted to embrace the spouse's god as well (Exodus 34:10-17; Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Likewise, the apostle Paul commanded the members of the church at Corinth, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Marriages between Israelites were directed by law, and all incestuous relationships were outlawed (Leviticus 18:6-8; 20:19-21). In addition, priests were forbidden to marry prostitutes and divorced women (Leviticus 21:7,13-14). Daughters who inherited their father's possessions had to marry within their tribe or lose their inheritance (Numbers 27:8; 36:2-4).

In Old Testament times, the parents chose the mate for their son. The primary reason for this was that the bride became part of the clan. Although they were married and became "one flesh," the couple remained under the authority of the bridegroom's father. The parents chose someone who would best fit into their clan and work harmoniously with her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Sometimes the parents consulted with their children to see if they approved of the choice of mates being made for them. For example, Rebekah was asked if she wanted to marry Isaac (Genesis 24:58). Samson demanded that a certain girl be acquired for him. Although his parents protested, they completed the marriage contract for Samson (Judges 14:1-4).

Frequently people married at a young age, a fact

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Marriage God's way?
We want to hear your view. Write now!