4. Marriage Realized Among the Chosen People.pdf

Marriage Realized Among the Chosen People

Marriage Realized Among the Chosen People Genesis 29: 21-30 Women = subordinated with men = role are determined by men Marriage = linked to succession of generation; form tribe; continuity Sexuality= as means couples are to involve in creative and historical plan of God through reproduction “Procreation” = held in great esteem

Marriage Realized Among the Chosen People Genesis: Polygamy is allowed: Gen. 29: 21-30 Divorce = only on the initiative of the husband (Dt. 24:1-2) Barrenness = disgrace (Gen. 30:2) Concubinage = tolerated as substitute for barren wife

Marriage Realized Among the Chosen People Genesis: Rise of Levirate law = Obligation of brother of deceased husband to take his wife, son or daughter If a brother refuses (Onan) = Rejects to fulfill the law; preventing conception of male = Considered as stealing his brother’s inheritance (Dt. 25:5-10)

Marriage Realized Among the Chosen People Prophetic Vision of Marriage • Hosea: 1st to envision relation between husband and wife = “Covenant” – Comparing marriage as covenant between God and Israel: Yahweh’s love His people • Special relationship / Deepened Israel’s understanding of marriage (Jer. 3:14; Ezek. 16:18; Is. 54:5-8) – Essential element of relationship expected to pervade between husband and wife = “Faithful love of God” – Covenant fidelity = steadfast, forgiving love, strength of duty and kindness.

Marriage Realized Among the Chosen People Hebrew Bible: OT • Richer perception / concretization of marriage found: Ruth and Tobit – elevated sense of marriage – witness to fidelity and tenderness of spouses – life of integrity and fidelity • Tobit 8:5-8 – A spiritual picture of a couple • living before God in prayer, fidelity • dedicated to lifelong and Godly marriage

Marriage Realized Among the Chosen People Tension in spite of the significance of marriage by the prophets - which should take precedence? - Patriarchal – genealogical emphasis: • Descendancy is above Love • Genealogical (family line is important)

- Prophetic messianic emphasis: • Love took preeminence than serving the specie • Demands monogamy

Marriage Realized Among the Chosen People Tension in the significance of marriage - In reality: despite valuing relationship • Pregnancy / child-bearing is supreme • Source of dignity of conjugal union - Jewish people: • Pregnancy and birth is paramount • Children as blessings / favor from God • Procreation in the context of the covenant assured = continuity of the Jewish community as chosen people of God.

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