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Jewsh Weddin Customs

Ancient Jewish Customs And Parallel To The Church
by William P. Risk(1)

Ancient Jewish Custom

Parallel To The Church

Shiddukhin

The Match
  • Initiated by the father of the groom
  • Agent may be used
  • Choice of groom considered
  • Consent of the bride
  • Christ acted at the initiative of the Father, John 5:30
  • Holy Spirit acts as agent of Father in the world today, 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 4:6.
  • Christ chose His disciples, John 15:16
  • We respond to Christ's love and accept Him, 1 Pet. 1:8

Mohar

The Bride Price
  • Required by law
  • Paid by the father of the groom
  • Reflects the value of the bride

Our mohar was the life of the Son

  • The price was required by the Law, Rom. 8:3,4
  • The mohar was paid, as required, l Cor. 6:20, 1 Pet 1:18
  • The value placed on the bride was high, John 3:1

Mattan

Love Gifts

Given by the groom to the bride.

Not required, an expression of love.

Believers are given gifts by the Lord out of love:

  • Eternal Life, John 10:22-28.
  • Anything, John 14:13-14
  • Peace, John 14:27

Shiluhim

Dowry

Given to the bride by her father to equip her for her new life, part of her inheritance.

Believers are given gifts by the Father to equip them for their new life:

  • The Holy Spirit, John 14:16, 17
  • Sp ritual Gifts, 2 Cor. 1:21-22

Ketubah

The Marriage Contract

Written document stating the mohar, the Rights of the bride, the promises of the groom.

Our written contract stating the mohar, the rights of the Bride, and the promises of the Groom is the New Testament:

  • 2 Cor. 3:5-6
  • Heb. 8:6

Kiddushin

The Betrothal

Sealed with the 'cup of acceptance'

Groom: Preparation of huppah

Bride:

  • Purification (Mikveh)
  • Undistracted devotion
  • Anticipation
  • Cup of the New Covenant, Matt. 26:27-29
  • Christ goes to prepare a place for us, John 14:1-3
  • We are 'set apart', 2 Cor. 11:2, 1 Pet 15:1
  • Purified by 'washing,' l Cor. 6:11
  • We are not to be distracted by:

False Teachers, 2 John 7-11

Worldly Things, l John 2:15

  • We anticipate Christ's return, Matt. 24:42-44

Nissuin

The Nuptials
  • Groom's father decides when he may return for the bride.
  • Arrival unexpected by the bride
  • Abduction of the bride.
  • Finely dressed and crowned.
  • Marriage Feast
  • Bride and Groom dwell together in happiness
  • Only the Father knows when the Son will return, Matt. 13:32
  • We do not know when He will return Mark 1 3:32
  • We will be 'abducted,' I Thess. 4:16-18, Luke 17:34-36
  • We will be crowned, l Pet 5:4, James 1:12. 2 Tim. 4:8
  • He will be crowned, Rev. 14:14
  • We will take part in the marriage feast of the Lamb, Rev. 19:6-9
  • We will dwell forever with the Groom in happiness, I Thess. 4 :17, Rev. 2 1:3.

Miscellaneous:

The Matrimony Dance: The Day of Atonement and the 15th of Av were joyous occasions because of the matrimonial dance. Women who wanted to get married would meet at selected places, often in the vineyards, dressed in borrowed white clothing (so none should be embarrassed), and take part in a matrimonial dance. Men would then show up, knowing that they could select a future bride from the dancers. While looking on the men would respond; Young man, lift up your eyes and choose wisely. Don't look only at physical beauty - look rather at the family - For charm is false, and beauty in vanity. A G-d fearing woman is the one to be praised... (Proverbs 31:30).(2)

End Time Events: Some believe that this marriage between the church and the Messiah (Christ) will take place in heaven after the rapture. The church may be raptured out before the seven year tribulation period begins. This viewpoint is known as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. This final week (7 years) of Daniel's 70 week prophecy may occur parallel to the 7 years when believers in Jesus are in Heaven celebrating the marriage feast.  At the conclusion of the marriage feast the Messiah will return to earth with His followers to set up His Millennial Kingdom.

Acknowledgments:

1). Chart by Bill Risk. For a more in depth research tool please see http://ldolphin.org/risk/ult.shtml

2). The Temple Institute (templeinstitute.org). (7-30-07 Newsletter).

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