What Does The Old Testament Say About Marriage
Introduction
The Old Testament is full of stories about how God created men and women to be together. He created both man and woman in his image and equally loved them, with the intention that they would come together as one flesh. The Bible states that marriage is intended primarily for procreation, but also to strengthen the relationship between husband and wife. It further explains how a married couple should treat each other with respect, love, understanding and forgiveness because there will always be differences among spouses which need working through daily by communicating effectively with one another.
The Old Testament teaches that God created man and woman so they may complement one another.
The Old Testament teaches that God created man and woman so they may complement one another.
The two genders are equal in terms of their value, but they have different roles to play. This is why God made them in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Their differences make them suitable for each other, as well as making society run more smoothly if everyone knows their place.
The Bible says that marriage is the “union” between man and woman (Genesis 2:24), meaning it’s an exclusive relationship between a husband and wife that no one else can claim or participate in.
God created marriage with a specific purpose, which is to display the mystery of his love for his people.
God created marriage with a specific purpose, which is to display the mystery of his love for his people. The relationship between a husband and wife is also a picture of Christ’s love for his people. This means that when you get married, you are committing yourself to showing others what God’s love looks like through your marriage.
The Old Testament teaches us that God’s love is unconditional and sacrificial, just like Christ’s was on the cross when he died for us (John 3:16). In the same way that Jesus demonstrated his unconditional love for us by giving up everything he had in order to save us from sin, we are called to demonstrate this kind of sacrifice in our marriages as well!
God calls husbands and wives not only to seek each other’s good but also ensure their partner’s happiness by caring heartily about their needs before even thinking about themselves—even if it means sacrificing something important like career success or financial security (1 Peter 3:7-8). By doing so, the couple will reap great benefits such as joy within their own hearts because they know they have made someone else happy too!
As a picture of Christ’s love for his people, marriage is to be held in high honor among all people.
Marriage is a picture of Christ’s love for his people. As such, it is to be held in high honor among all people. Husband and wife should love each other (Ephesians 5:25). Husband and wife are to put each other first (1 Corinthians 7:3-4). Marriage is a covenant between two parties who promise loyalty and commitment for life (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14-16). A husband should love his wife like Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25).
Marriage is exclusive.
The Old Testament is clear that marriage is exclusive. In fact, it’s the only relationship in which you should be having sex with your partner. There is no biblical authority for extra-marital affairs or multiple marriages.
In addition to being exclusive, a marriage relationship cannot be broken apart (Matthew 19:6). God designed marriage to last until death do you part—and it’s not just God who says so; Jesus affirms this concept when he quotes Genesis 2:24 in Matthew 19:5-6.
Marriage is lifelong.
Marriage is a covenant relationship. Two people who marry are making a commitment to each other that lasts for the rest of their lives (Genesis 2:24). This is true whether or not they ever get divorced, and it is taught in both the Old Testament and New Testament.
This can be seen in Jesus’ teaching on marriage, where He said: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” The New Testament teaches this same principle (Mark 10:9-12).
God created marriage as a partnership between the husband and wife.
The Bible tells us that God created marriage as a partnership between the husband and wife. He created them to complement each other, so that together they would become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Men and women are equal before God, but have different roles in marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33). The husband is called to lead his family by loving his wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25) and by providing for her daily needs (1 Timothy 5:8). The wife is called to submit herself graciously to her husband’s leadership out of reverence for Christ (Eph 5:22-24), trusting him with their physical needs (1 Timothy 5:8)
Marriage provides for sexual intimacy between the husband and wife.
The Old Testament provides a clear definition of marriage, and with it comes clear instructions regarding sexual intimacy. God has given us the gift of sex within marriage so that we may enjoy each other physically and emotionally in covenant relationship. This gift should be given freely, not withheld on account of anger or bitterness.
God’s love is unconditional; He provided Jesus to pay the price for our sins so we can have an intimate relationship with Him through faith (Romans 5:1-2). But our sinful nature can often keep us from giving ourselves fully to another person, even our spouse. God knows this problem, which is why He commands husbands and wives to seek one another out sexually at least once a week (Genesis 2:24).
Drinking alcohol or using drugs before engaging in sexual activity after marriage could lead to serious consequences like unwanted pregnancy or STDs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea which cause infertility (1 Corinthians 6:18-19).
In the Old Testament, polygamy was permitted but not required or encouraged (Genesis 4:19; 2 Samuel 5:13).
In the Old Testament, polygamy was permitted but not required or encouraged (Genesis 4:19; 2 Samuel 5:13). God was displeased with polygamy because it was often practiced as a way to abuse women and children. A man would take multiple wives to increase his wealth and prestige in the community.
God never commanded that men should practice polygamy, nor did he forbid them from doing so. The Old Testament makes it clear that even though the Israelites were allowed to have multiple wives at one time in their history, God did not approve of this lifestyle for them (1 Timothy 3:2-4).
In Jesus’ teachings on marriage and family life, he said “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her” (Matthew 5:32). This means that all forms of sexual activity outside of marriage are forbidden by Christ himself!
People are not made to live alone but to love one another in community.
The Bible teaches that people are not made to live alone but to love one another in community. Marriage is a picture of Christ’s love for his people and was designed to be held in high honor among all people. The Bible also teaches that marriage is exclusive, not polygamous or polyamorous or open relationships, and it is lifelong.
Conclusion
We might expect that the Old Testament would be strictly opposed to divorce and remarriage, but instead it actually allows for both under certain circumstances. The Old Testament also contains strong marriage commands, demanding that husbands and wives stay true to one another. Although the Old Testament does not allow for divorce in every situation, it does acknowledge that there are valid reasons for doing so. As far as remarriage goes, there are many instances throughout scripture where someone who is divorced will remarry (even though they may be told not to). The laws surrounding these topics have evolved over time as God works through human relationships.