Harbor Baptist Church

Back in December 2024, we commenced an article series on marriage, exploring its origins, development, and the Christian perspective on this sacred institution. We concluded that one of the most vital elements of a healthy Christian marriage is to ground it in scripture.

As we continue our exploration of marriage within the framework of scripture, we turn our attention to the Old Testament for insights into its structure and cultural practices. When we examine the nature of marriage during this time, it becomes clear that the dynamics differed significantly from contemporary understandings of matrimony.

The Nature of Old Testament Marriage

In the Old Testament, the concept of marriage often revolved around the straightforward act of a man taking a woman into his home. This act marked the practical establishment of their union. Unlike the formalized ceremonies or extensive engagements prevalent today, many biblical marriages were initiated through the man fulfilling certain obligations, after which the couple was essentially considered married.

For instance, we see this dynamic play out in the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. In Genesis 24:67, after Rebekah’s family agrees to the union, Abraham’s servant brings her home to Isaac, and the couple consummates their relationship. This simple act effectively solidified their marital bond. Marriages were less about elaborate rituals and more about the fulfillment of roles and duties defined by their respective cultural context. We see this even more clearly in the account of Jacob’s marriage to Leah in Genesis 29:26-30, where he “fulfilled her week” as was the custom of the time and such signified the marital union.

Practical Aspects of Old Testament Marriage

The practicalities surrounding marriage in the Old Testament often centered on the responsibilities and roles assumed by both partners. The husband would provide for, protect, and lead the family, exemplified in narratives such as that of Jacob, who worked for seven years to marry Rachel. Upon fulfilling this obligation, he took her home, and their relationship developed within the bounds of their daily life (Genesis 29:20).

Moreover, the concept of marriage was woven into the fabric of family and community life, where the primary focus was on producing offspring and continuing family lineage. For example, in the case of Leah and Rachel, both women became mothers, often competing to bear children to gain favor within their household (Genesis 29:31-35, Genesis 30:1-8). This illustrates how the practical aspects of marriage revolved around family growth and stability rather than purely emotional or romantic connections.

This cultural context experienced an ebb and flow in the Old Testament. Several marriages during this time were polygamous in nature, such as Jacob’s marriages to Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29:23-30) and Abraham’s marriages to Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah (Genesis 16:3, Genesis 25:1). While polygamy was common in the Old Testament and even to some extent in the New Testament, as Christians we know from verses like 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6 and especially Romans 13:1-2 that such practice is forbidden for us today.

The Simplicity and Complexity

While the act of a man taking a woman home might appear simple, the cultural implications were profound. Marriages served not only personal desires but also community and familial alliances, creating complex interpersonal relationships. Take, for instance, King David’s marriages, where political alliances often dictated unions, showcasing how practical arrangements influenced the structure of relationships (2 Samuel 5:13, 1 Samuel 18:27, 2 Samuel 11:3).

The union between a man and a woman, initiated by the man’s action and obligation, set the tone for their lives together. The Old Testament often emphasizes the fulfillment of these basic marital expectations over ceremonial formalities, allowing for a nuanced understanding of companionship rooted in everyday realities.

Conclusion

The Old Testament portrayal of marriage offers a captivating glimpse into its practical nature, characterized by the straightforward assumption of roles. The man’s act of taking the woman home signified more than mere cohabitation; it was the establishment of a union grounded in shared responsibilities, community ties, and familial continuity.

As we reflect on these ancient practices, we recognize that the essence of marriage remains focused on partnership, support, and the fulfillment of mutual obligations. While marriages today are often laden with ceremonial expectations and emotional complexities, the Old Testament model reminds us that at its core, marriage is a covenantal commitment enriched by the everyday life shared between a husband and wife.

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Over the course of this next year we will explore many aspects of the institution we call marriage, from this introduction, to where we can find it in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, what the biblical roles are for both Husband and Wife, what is the differences between contractual and covenant relationship, exploring the biblical definition of marriage today, what the cultural ramifications are for marriage, how the church should view marriage, practical advice for those preparing for marriage, as well as advice for those who are neck deep in it, how to deal with the stark realities of divorce and re-marriage in today’s world, and lastly, what the future might hold for the institution of marriage itself.

We hope you will join us on this journey to explore what marriage is, what it could be, and how we can get there from where we are today. Subscribe to this blog so you can be alerted when the next part of this series is posted.

Please join us each Sunday at Harbor Baptist Church for fellowship during our main 10:30 AM Service, Sunday School (9:30 AM), and at our various Small Groups throughout the week.