Subject: Bride and Guests at Lamb's Wedding |
Bible Note: When a son became old enough to be married or the father thought it was time, they called upon a matchmaker, who would find a girl ready for marrige. Gen 21:21, Judg 14:3, 1 same 18:17. The girl chosen by the matchmaker lived at home, her family knowing she was a virgin, so they could find her a husband when the time came. The girl worked for her mother and father, and was refered to as a maiden. Once the betrothal was agreed upon between the familys, the couple were already married in the eyes of the people. There were no religious rites performed. There was normally a festval held by the family and freinds to celebrate the betrothal, in which the bride and groom were not required to go. Then there was a wedding feast for the two familys in which the bride and groom were required to go, and after to consummate their marrige. Gen 29:27, Judg 14:10. The girls where kept by the family to make sure they would stay virgins, because it was hard to get a match if they were not, the men did not except them. Example was Joseph and Marry. |