Torah and Scripture References Regarding Biblical Marriage
Understanding The Holy Scripture
For Billions of people, living and passed, the Bible has been the cornerstone of their existence. When new problems arose, their first resource was the text, a trusted-and consistent-guide to life. Even though it may appear that the Bible is only discussed within religious context, it has shaped the Western Culture.
The Bible is premised on the assumption that Humans are created, in the Image of a Creator. He has created life, with both design and purpose. This can be experienced in the Order of the Universe, with consistent laws allowing us to interact with (and develop) our environment.
Instead of focusing on the flames (if I may source a specific Greek Philosopher) the Torah (Hebrew Bible) instructs us to look for the shadows. A parallel can be made when discussing WIFI access, it exists without seeing it (visually). We know that it exists by the influence it has in our lives. Even though God rarely shows His Face, we see his work in everyday life, especially when a bride and groom come together in Holy Matrimony.
By rooting the ceremony in Tradition, you are affirming the past while embracing modernity. The passages are timeless, relevant beyond trend and fashion. The writer is the Creator, executed through the hand of the Prophet Moses. Even though the Ancient Israelites returned to Idol Worship, the Almighty never forsake them, a testimony to the unconditional love He has for all of us.
I have chosen some of my favourite excerpts, hoping that it will bring you as much value as it gives me. While accepting the material nature of our existence, the words illuminate our Souls, both the Individual and the Collective. Even when hope is not clear, “Capital H Hope” can be found in God. The words remind us that Free Will is a double edged sword, bringing both risk and reward. Our God expects us not to stumble, but instead to stand up, learn from our mistakes, and work for peace.
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"And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, 'The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.'" - Exodus (Shemot) 34:6. Our Peace comes from reconciling ourselves to our nature, mandated and epitomized by the Creator of All. As God is, so shall we. May we choose charity over justice.
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"If you see your fellow’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it; you must take it back to your fellow." - Deuteronomy (Devarim) 22:1. We do not exist on islands, instead that we are interconnected. As proclaimed in the Golden Rule, “Do unto Others as You would Want Them to do Unto You”. Look out for your neighbour, be a good citizen, care about the problems experienced by others.
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"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." - Numbers (Bamidbar) 6:24 to 6:26. Even when outside familiar lands, know that the Creator watches over ALL his people, even those who run from His Providence. Faith is assurance in His Promises, found repeated throughout the Cannon. The Torah gives Hope, because it is Hope.
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“Enjoy life with the wife you love.” - King Solomon, Ecclesiastes 9:9 A Husband is made for His Wife, just as a Wife is made for her Husband. In the chaos of life, marriage is an oasis in the desert. Sex is not only a priveledge of marriage, but the expression of the Divine Love experienced through faithfulness. By pledging yourselves ONLY to each other, you are making quite a radical declaration. Just as God Chose Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, your spouse chose you, to the disqualification of all others.
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Any love that depends on a specific cause, when that cause is gone, the love is gone; but if it does not depend on a specific cause, it will never cease. - Pirkei Avot, 5:19 There is no such thing as conditional love, something that is a fallacy in its own rite. Love is freely given and freely accepted. Many Kings have tried to buy love, but it is never genuine, as the women are under duress or pressure. To clarify, you love who someone is, not what they do for you.