Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5742 wedding The public acknowledgment and celebration of a couple's marriage. The wedding followed betrothal and was a preliminary to sexual union. The occasion was marked by feasting, singing and rejoicing. The bride wore a wedding dress, jewellery and ornaments and both she and the groom were waited on by attendants. Wedding garments The bride's wedding dress Psalm 45:13 See also Genesis 24:65; Ezekiel 16:10; Revelation 19:7-8; Revelation 21:2 The bride's jewellery and ornaments Isaiah 49:18 See also Isaiah 61:10; Jeremiah 2:32; Ezekiel 16:11-12 Wedding festivities Weddings were occasions for rejoicing Wedding festivities might last for a week or two: Genesis 29:27-28; Judges 14:12 Songs 3:11; Isaiah 62:5; Jeremiah 7:34 Wedding songs Psalm 45:1 Title; Psalm 78:63 The wedding banquet Judges 14:10 See also Genesis 29:21-22 A feast celebrates Jacob's wedding; Matthew 22:2 a wedding banquet given by a king for his son; John 2:3-10 Jesus Christ changes water into wine at a wedding feast; Revelation 19:9 the marriage supper of the Lamb Guests and attendants at weddings Wedding guests John 2:1-2 See also Matthew 22:3-10,11-12 Wedding guests were expected to wear appropriate clothes; Luke 14:8-10 Attendants on the groom John 3:29 See also Judges 14:11,20; Matthew 9:15 pp Mark 2:19 pp Luke 5:34 Bridesmaids Psalm 45:14 See also Matthew 25:1-10 Wedding gifts 1 Kings 9:16 See also Genesis 24:59; Genesis 29:24,29; Judges 1:14-15 Elements in the wedding ceremony Covering the bride Sometimes the groom would cover the bride with his cloak as a symbol of protection: A covenanted commitment Blessing the couple Consummating the marriage Joel 2:16 See also Genesis 29:23; Psalm 19:5 See also
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