Marriage Covenant or Wordly Contract? They are Not the Same
When you believe that your partner will keep their word, respect your boundaries, and protect your vulnerabilities, that is the safe place of trustworthiness. Not everyone has that. With trustworthiness both partners are present—not just physically, but emotionally. They listen, validate, and respond with care. They are consistent through emotional security, and the bond will most usually thrive. When your behaviors and reactions are predictable, you should know how your partner will respond in moments of stress or joy.
Whenever we think about marriage, we never want to think about the possibility of an affair, because nobody wants to deal with this kind of trauma and pain.
The sad thing is, unfaithfulness is always a possibility when you’re married, and it’s not caused by a singular factor. Every disloyalty has a story, and every affair is different from another.
You’re building a family together which means that your priorities, personalities, and values will change. Most of the time, it would be hard to keep up, especially if you and your spouse are not on the same page. Now, throw betrayal into the mix.
People who feel unhappy, unsatisfied, unheard, or unseen in a marriage are more prone to have an affair. Why? They are looking for something to fill the gap. They’re looking for someone who can make them feel special again. A feeling they lost when they started making a family. Does that sound like a selfish idea?
We all know by now that a marriage requires two people to remain committed and loyal to each other. Sadly, one kept holding on to the marriage, while the other person already decided to let go.
What is it all about though? What does it mean?
The Biblical word for marriage is chuppah. The English word we use has supplanted it, namely because that is the acceptable language for this country. As we stroll down this path, we will see the connections and get an aha moment. …maybe.
Chuppah refers to the wedding canopy under which the ceremony takes place. Another term, kiddushin, is used for the betrothal or sanctification aspect of marriage, as it signifies the couple being set apart for each other. Additionally, nisuin is used to refer to the second stage of marriage, which involves the couple living together and working to establish their home together.
Kiddushin derived from the same root as "kadosh" (holy). It emphasizes the sacred and sanctified nature of the marital bond. It is the first stage of marriage, where the couple is betrothed.
Other terms like "chathan" (GOD, bridegroom) and "kallah" (mixed multitude, bride) are also used in relation to marriage.
Please understand these words identify with the Biblical understanding, and each term provides a deeper insight into the descendants of the sons (Israelites) of Jacob (Israel) understanding of marriage, which encompasses both the legal and spiritual aspects of the union.
This Biblical Covenant (marriage) was made between GOD and the Israelites at Mount Horeb, also referred to as Mount Sinai. Following their exodus from Egypt, some steps were taken to get the bride prepared for her groom and some time was to be taken to get her equipped for where she would live. There is MORE to this than the 40 years in the desert, but by now, I think you are getting the picture. It is detailed primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
The Chuppah (hoopah) appears in the Bible, specifically in Joel 2:16 and Psalms 19:5, in relation to marriage and intimacy. While the Bible doesn't detail a specific wedding ceremony, the chuppah, or wedding canopy, is rooted in these Biblical verses and symbolizes the new home the couple will build.
The chuppah is a central element of Israeli (Jacob’s sons) wedding ceremonies today, often representing the couple's home and the open, welcoming nature of their new life together.
NOTE: In Joel 2:16 and Psalms 19:5, the chuppah is referred to as a bridegroom's chamber or a bride's chamber.
NOTE: Everything (like you and I) has a beginning. The chuppah term is Biblical, the modern wedding canopy as a portable structure developed later, likely during the Middle Ages.
The Covenant at Horeb, also known as the Mosaic Covenant, is a pivotal event in the Biblical narrative, marking the formal establishment of Jacob’s (Israel) sons (as GOD's) chosen people. This Covenant was made between GOD and the Israelites (to include the mixed multitude that journeyed with them) at Mount Horeb, also referred to as Mount Sinai, following their exodus from Egypt.
NOTE: It is detailed primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
The Covenant at Horeb is introduced in Exodus 19, where the Israelites, having been delivered from Egyptian bondage, arrive at the wilderness of Sinai. God calls Moses to ascend the mountain, where He proposes a covenant with the people of Israel. The terms of this covenant are encapsulated in the Ten Commandments and various laws and ordinances that follow.
In Exodus 24, the Covenant is ratified through a solemn ceremony.
NOTE: "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient"
If we consider the vows we take at our own wedding, the idea and purpose derive from THIS. Faithfulness to one another has not been securely believed because we want to do our own things---especially when things get difficult or we get in our feelings.
Significant Foundations of the Covenant
1. The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, forms the core of the covenant. These commandments are found in Exodus 20:1-17 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:6-21. They establish fundamental principles for worship and ethical conduct, including the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the prohibition of idolatry, and guidelines for interpersonal relationships.
2. The Book of the Covenant: GOD provides additional laws covering various aspects of daily life, including civil, ceremonial, and moral regulations Exodus 21-23.
3. Ratification Ceremony: In Exodus 24, the Covenant is ratified through a solemn ceremony. Moses builds an altar at the foot of the mountain and offers sacrifices. He reads the Book of the Covenant to the people, who respond, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient" Exodus 24:7. Moses then sprinkles the blood of the sacrifices on the people, symbolizing the binding nature of the Covenant.
4. The Tablets of Stone: GOD inscribes the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone, which Moses receives on the mountain Exodus 31:18. These tablets serve as a tangible representation of the Covenant and are later placed in the Ark of the Covenant.
The prophets of the TANAHK (Old Testament) frequently call the people back to the Covenant made at Horeb, highlighting their failure to uphold its terms and the resulting consequences.
This Covenant also foreshadows the BRIT (New Covenant), prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which is fulfilled in Yeshua (Jesus). The New Covenant offers a renewed relationship with GOD, characterized by the internalization of His Laws (the Bible) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The Covenant at Horeb is a cornerstone of the Biblical foundation that shaped the account of Israel's history and pointing forward to the ultimate redemption through the Messiah.