Throughout the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, marriage is a recurring theme that unfolds over time. In the Old Testament, marriage is often portrayed as a covenant between a man and a woman, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and faithfulness. However, as we transition to the New Testament, we see a shift towards a more spiritual understanding of marriage, where the relationship between the Messiah and those who choose to follow him is used as a metaphor for the union between a husband and wife.

In the Old Testament, marriage was primarily seen as a social and legal contract, with duties and responsibilities outlined for both parties. The emphasis was on procreation and family lineage. The New Testament builds on and expands the theme. by introducing a deeper spiritual dimension to marriage, highlighting the sacrificial love and mutual respect that should characterize the relationship between a husband and wife in the context of a relationship between the Messiah, his bride, and the joining of family: specifically the opportunity to know Messiah's Father, which was foreign to the holy people prior to Yeshua (Jesus).

Key Lesson Concepts:

• Old Testament views marriage as a social and legal contract
• New Testament emphasizes a spiritual understanding of marriage
• Jesus and his students teach using the marriage symbolism and structure introduced by Ezra