A.  Described as:

Instituted by God

Gen. 2:18–24

Honorable among all

Heb. 13:4

Permanent bond

Matt. 19:6

Intimate bond

Matt. 19:5

Blessed of God for having children

Gen. 1:27, 28

Dissolved by death

Rom. 7:2, 3

Means of sexual love

Prov. 5:15–19

Centered in love and obedience

Eph. 5:21–33

Worthy of Jesus’ presence

John 2:1–11

B.  Prohibitions concerning:

Near of kin

Lev. 18:6–18

Fornication excludes remarriage

Matt. 5:32

Polygamy forbidden

Lev. 18:18

Idol worshipers

Ex. 34:16

C.  Arrangements for (among Hebrews):

Arranged by parents

Gen. 21:21

Parties consenting

Gen. 24:8

Parental concern in

Gen. 26:34, 35

Romance involved in

Gen. 29:10, 11

Commitment considered binding

Gen. 24:58, 60

Unfaithfulness in, brings God’s judgment

Heb. 13:4

D.  Ceremonies of (among Hebrews):

Time of joy

Jer. 7:34

Bride richly attired

Ps. 45:13–15

Bride veiled

Gen. 24:65

Bridegroom decks himself

Is. 61:10

Wedding feast in bridegroom’s house

Matt. 22:1–10

Distinctive clothing of guests

Matt. 22:11, 12

Christ attends

John 2:1–11

Festivities following

John 2:8–10

Gifts bestowed at

Ps. 45:12

Parental blessing on

Gen. 24:60

Change of name

Ps. 45:10, 16

Consummation of

Gen. 29:23

Proof of virginity

Deut. 22:13–21

E.   Purposes of:

Man’s happiness

Gen. 2:18

Continuance of the race

Gen. 1:28

Godly offspring

Mal. 2:14, 15

Prevention of fornication

1 Cor. 7:2, 9

Complete satisfaction

Prov. 5:19; 1 Tim. 5:14

F.   Denial of:

As a prophetic sign

Jer. 16:2

For a specific purpose

Matt. 19:10–12

As a sign of apostasy

1 Tim. 4:1–3

To those in heaven

Matt. 22:30

G.  Figurative of:

God’s union with Israel

Is. 54:5

Christ’s union with His Church

Eph. 5:23–32^[1]