The Old and New Testaments share the theme of the ancient Jewish Marriage and Betrothal Ceremony. New Testament authors used existing Jewish Midrashic techniques to incorporate these themes into their writing. This course helps students examine four bridegroom threads from the Old Testament and how New Testament writers used them. The interwoven worldview of Biblical Judaism formed a unified New Testament Midrashic worldview, constituting the oldest written Midrash, predating the written Talmud, and is a product of First Century Hellenistic Judaism.

In the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, the institution of marriage is highly revered and holds significant cultural and religious importance, but why? Because they form one of the recognized templates upon which the Bible is structured, and which the Messiah fulfills. Jewish marriage customs and traditions have been passed down for generations, with the betrothal ceremony being a crucial part of the process. Understanding the biblical context of Jewish marriage and betrothal ceremonies can provide valuable insights into the sacred nature of this union.

In the biblical context, marriage is seen as a covenant between a man, a woman, and God. The betrothal ceremony, which is the first part of the wedding ceremony, signifies the formal agreement between the bride and groom and their families. It symbolizes a sacred commitment and sets the foundation for the consummation of the marriage to come. The betrothal period was legally binding and required a divorce to break, highlighting the seriousness of the commitment.

The imagery of marriage is often used in the Bible to symbolize the relationship between God and His people. The love, faithfulness, and unity within marriage are mirrored in the covenantal relationship between God and His followers. By exploring the importance of Jewish marriage and betrothal ceremonies in the biblical context, we can deepen our understanding of the spiritual significance of marriage and its representation of divine love and commitment.

Key Lesson Concepts:

• Marriage is a covenant between a man, a woman, and God
• The betrothal ceremony signifies a sacred commitment and foundation for marriage
• The relationship between God and His people is often likened to a marriage covenant