It seems to have been the practice from the beginning for fathers to select wives for their sons (Genesis 24:3; 38:6 ). Sometimes also proposals were initiated by the father of the maiden (Exodus 2:21 ). The brothers of the maiden were also sometimes consulted (Genesis 24:51; 34:11 ), but her own consent was not required. The young man was bound to give a price to the father of the maiden (31:15; 34:12; Exodus 22:16,17; 1 Samuel 18:23,25; Ruth 4:10; Hosea 3:2 ) On these patriarchal customs the Mosaic law made no change.
In the pre-Mosaic times, when the proposals were accepted and the marriage price given, the bridegroom could come at once and take away his bride to his own house (Genesis 24:63-67 ). But in general the marriage was celebrated by a feast in the house of the bride's parents, to which all friends were invited (29:22,27); and on the day of the marriage the bride, concealed under a thick veil, was conducted to her future husband's home.
Our Lord corrected many false notions then existing on the subject of marriage (Matthew 22:23-30 ), and placed it as a divine institution on the highest grounds. The apostles state clearly and enforce the nuptial duties of husband and wife (Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18,19; 1 Peter 3:1-7 ). Marriage is said to be "honourable" (Hebrews 13:4 ), and the prohibition of it is noted as one of the marks of degenerate times (1 Timothy 4:3 ).
The marriage relation is used to represent the union between God and his people (Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:1-14; Hosea 2:9,20 ). In the New Testament the same figure is employed in representing the love of Christ to his saints (Ephesians 5:25-27 ). The Church of the redeemed is the "Bride, the Lamb's wife" (Revelation 19:7-9 ).