The Hebraic Wedding

The Hebraic Wedding

 

Introduction

Next in a series of Harvests & Celebrations studies is The Hebraic Wedding. Details of The Hebraic Wedding reveal a connection between Yom Kippur, The Grape Harvest, The Ingathering of Sukkot, and Feast of Sukkot/Tabernacles. This study will also provide understanding of its significance historically and prophetically.

Historical & Traditional Observance

Part 1: Erusin ("BETROTHAL" or "ENGAGEMENT")

THE PROPOSAL

Historically, when a man presented a marriage proposal, the proposal was offered with a cup of wine. The man would take a drink from the cup (though not required for various circumstances and religious obligations) and offer it to the woman. The symbolic meaning of unity and sanctification presented by the shared cup of wine was a display of two people choosing to enter into a uniting covenant. If the woman drank of it, she was accepting the betrothal and choosing to sanctify herself to the man. Permission of the woman's father is given first, though, outside of an arranged marriage, the woman has the free will to accept or deny proposals. 

​THE MOHAR ("A PRICE") & GIFTS

​After the betrothal, the “mohar”, known as a dowry and the purchase price, is paid for the bride. The value in money or objects was used to pay the father of the bride. Gifts were also given to the bride and the bride's family. (This can also be seen in the betrothal between Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24:22, 50-53).

View the Genesis 24:22, 50-53

Genesis 24:22 KJV - "And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;"

Genesis 24:50-53 KJV - “50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. 51 Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken. 52 And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth. 53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.”

​THE BINDING OATH

​Once the mohar was paid, the two were officially married. There was no option after that point to back out. No custom of walking down the aisle and saying vows took place, as the vow was already made through agreeing by drinking of the betrothal cup.

THE KETUBAH

The mohar was eventually replaced by a “Ketubah”, meaning “written thing”.  A ketubah is a contract or written oath that originally protected the woman and provided security for the woman's father. It called for a payment upon the cessation of a marriage. The Ketubah made it possible for males, who could not afford a bride, to get married.

The Ketubah evolved to include the relational duties that both the man and woman were required to faithfully carry out. 

​THE EROBON ("PLEDGE")

​Historically, a pledge is an additional gift given to the bride. It is a token assuring her of her groom’s return and provides her comfort as she awaits his return. (This same type of pledge is seen between Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38:16-18).

View Genesis 38:16-18

Genesis 38:16-18 KJV - "16 And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me? 17 And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? 18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him."

​THE CHUPPAH PREPARATION

​Historically, when the betrothal was finalized, the bridegroom returned to his father’s house to prepare a place for his bride to dwell with him. The chuppah was originally an added room built onto the existing home.

​MARRIAGE MIKVEH

​While the bride awaits her grooms return, she partakes in a cleansing bath known as a “Mikveh”. Mikveh is Hebrew for “a collection”, which is a body of water used for ritual full immersions. More so than a physical cleanse, this spiritual cleansing marked a beginning of a new life; stepping into and dedicating oneself to a lifelong devotion. Tradition holds that during the mikveh process, the bride immerses herself into the water three times; each time reciting a blessing. The recited blessings vary for each person and tend to be a mix of personal and traditional. The following are three types of blessings that are recited during a bride's mikveh:  

Concerning the Time/Season

"Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam shehecheyanu, v'kiy'manu, v'higiyanu laz'man hazeh."

"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who has kept us alive and sustained us and brought us to this time/season."

Concerning the Immersion

"Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al hatevilah."

"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us concerning immersion."

(or)

"Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher kideshanu bi-tevilah b’mayim chayim."

"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who has sanctified us by immersion in living waters." 

Concerning Devotion

A blessing that is traditionally recited comes from Hosea 2:19-20.

"V’erastich li, l’olam. v’eratich li b’tzedek, u’v’mishpat, u’v’chesed, u’v’rakhamim. v’erastich li b’emunah v'yada’at et Adonai."

"I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness, and in justice, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will betroth you to me with trust and you will know the Lord." 

Hosea 2:19-20 KJV - 19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

​KIDDUSHIN ("SANCTIFICATION" or "DEDICATION")

​The entire first part of a Hebraic marriage is the sanctification or dedication of a woman to a man. Sanctification included fasting, and the process of sanctification continued until the groom returned. 

Part 2: Nissuin ("Marriage")

NISSUIN

The second step within the ancient Hebraic wedding is called “Nissuin”. It is the wedding ceremony. Some of the following Nissuin events can be seen in scripture, in the story of Samson in Judges 14:1-2, 7-13 and Jacob in Genesis 29:21-28. 

View Judges 14:1-2, 7-13 and Genesis 29:21-28

Jacob & Leah

​Genesis 29:20-22 KJV - "20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. 21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her. 22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast."

​Samson & The Woman of Timnath

Judges 14:1-2, 7-13 KJV - "1 And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. ... 7 And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well. 8 And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion. 9 And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion. 10 So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do. 11 And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him. 12 And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments: 13 But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it."

​THE BRIDEGROOM’S RETURN

Historically, after the bridegroom finishes preparing a dwelling place, the bridegroom would await his father's command to retrieve his bride. A trumpet or shofar is sounded and a shout is given; “Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him!” The bridegroom starts a procession from his father’s house while accompanied by his groomsmen. While the bride waited with anticipation for his coming, she would have been cleansed in a mikveh, had her garments on, and her lamp ready; knowing that he could arrive any hour of the day or night. The bridegroom would not go all the way to meet the bride, rather, the bridegroom would come near her home and the bride would and come out to meet him.

​THE CHUPPAH

​​The chuppah was made specifically for the two to dwell together. Over time, the chuppah became known as a bridal chamber where the newlyweds would spend some alone time during their wedding. The chuppah later became known as the canopy that the bride and groom would get married under. 

Entering the chuppah is the final step before the betrothal becomes a completed marriage. The two are joined together to be with one another from that point on. The two would spend a short period of time in privacy, away from the guests, with the main purpose of getting acquainted and enjoying time together. ​While in the chamber, the best man would wait outside the shut doors for the highly anticipated declaration that the marriage was made complete. After spending time in the chuppah, the two are officially referred to as husband and wife. 

​OPENING OF THE GATES

​In relation to Yom Teruah, modern tradition believes, that the gates of heaven are opened for the groom and bride on their wedding day. Whether in the chuppah room or under the chuppah canopy, during the marriage ceremony, it is believe that God hears their prayers and thus the two take the opportunity to pray for others. 

Review Opening the Gates

In Judaic tradition, many believe in that Yom Teruah is the day that the gates of heaven are open, that God may hear their supplication and whatever a person does during the time that the gates are open determine what their next year will be like for them. That is to say, if the person is righteous, they will have a blessed year, but if they have not repented, they will see judgment. Furthermore, one of the pleas is that they be sealed in the book of life.

​DAY OF ATONEMENT

​Traditionally, on the day of the wedding, the bride and groom fast until after the marriage has been completed. They may eat when secluded in their chuppah or wait until they join their wedding guests for the feast. Fasting is done for sanctification and with the mindset of separating ones-self from sin.   

Many believe that the wedding day also signifies a Day of Atonement; wherein the sins of each person are forgiven. They are given a fresh start and are able to move forward with a new life free from their past. 

​EXITING THE CHUPPAH & THE UNVEILING

​Historically, when retrieving the bride, she would already be wearing a veil. (It was only due to the story of Jacob and Leah that bridegrooms started peaking under the veil to ensure who the bride was and even started the tradition of veiling the bride himself.) When the married couple exited the chuppah, the husband would present his wife unveiled for everyone to see. 

​BIRKOT NISSUIN (“WEDDING BLESSINGS”)

Also known as Sheva Brachot (“Seven Blessings”), blessings are recited with a shared cup of wine; both at the completion of the marriage and after the meal of the feast that follows. Sharing a cup of wine was an ancient custom and the reciting of the seven blessings was an ancient, yet added custom, originating from ancient rabbinical teachings.

View Sheva Brachot

1. "Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam borei pri hagafen."

​"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe creator of the fruit of the vine."

​2. "Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam shehakol bara lichvodo."

​"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who created everything for his glory."

​3. "Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam yotzer haadam."

​"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe creator of man."

​4. "Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher yatzar et haadam b’tzalmo, b’tzelem d’mut tavnito, v’hitkin lo mimenu binyan adei ad. Baruch atah Adonai yotzeir haadam."

​"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who created man in your image, in the pattern of your likeness, and structured it for perpetual life. Blessed are you Lord creator of man."

​5. "Sos tasis v’tageil haakara b’kibutz baneha l’tocha b’simcha. Baruch atah Adonai m’sameach Tzion b’vaneha."

​"Bring intense joy and exultation with the ingathering of her children. Blessed are you Lord who gladdens Zion with her children’s return."

​6. "Sameach tesamach re'im haahuvim k’sameichacha y’tzircha b’gan eden mikedem. Baruch atah Adonai m’sameiach chatan v’chalah."

​"Gladden the beloved companions as you gladdened your creations in the garden of Eden from beforetime. Blessed are you Lord who gladdens groom and bride."

​7. "Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher bara sason v’simcha, chatan v’kallah, gilah, rinah, ditzah v’chedvah, ahavah v’achavah v’shalom v’reut. M’herah, Adonai eloheinu, yishammah b’arei Yhudah u'v'chutzot Y’rushalayim kol sason v’kol simcha, kol chatan v’kol kalah, kol mitzhalot chatanim meichupatam u-n'arim mimishte n’ginatam. Baruch atah Adonai, m’sameiach chatan im hakalah."

​"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, singing, joy and gladness, love and brotherhood, and peace, and friendship. Quick, Lord our God, let there be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem sound of gladness and sound of joy, voice of groom and voice of bride, jubilant sound of the grooms from their canopies and song and feasts from their youth. Blessed are you Lord who gladdens groom and bride."

​MATZOL TOV ("GOOD FORTUNE")

​In modern tradition, at the completion of the marriage, the husband takes a glass wrapped in cloth and smashes it under his feet; symbolizing putting an end to something and destroying, what is now, former things; whether sin, the destruction of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple, or the former life before the completed marriage. 

​SEDUAT NISSUIN ("WEDDING FEAST"/"MARRIAGE SUPPER")

​Following the unveiling, the married couple joins their guests for the wedding feast and celebration. Traditionally, there are two parts to the wedding feast. During the first portion, the men and women celebrate separate from each other; though the line of sight is not taken away from between the husband and wife. Shortly after, it is common for all the guests to mix and celebrate together.

Historically, the wedding feast is celebrated for seven days. A seven day celebration is still a tradition for many today. At the start of the feast or following the meal, the couple shares a cup of wine together; traditionally, the Sheva Brachot is recited.

In modern tradition, celebration includes singing and dancing, eating oversized challah, exchanging gifts and blessing the guests. While it is the bride and grooms special week and they are treated with great honor, the couple honors their guests with special treatment and gifts. 

​ATTENDEES

​Marriage has always been a momentous occasion for the bride and groom. With great desire both the bride and groom would invite others to partake in the marriage celebration. There is also a history of inviting the poor and beggarly to the festive meal: just as those do who observe the feasts of the Lord. Additionally, there are occasionally appearances of wedding crashers who were not invited in.   

Parallel Shadows

As a shadow of things to come, the Hebraic wedding is a spiritual outline for the events God has planned for his people. The two parts of the Hebraic wedding reflect the spiritual purpose of Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, the Days of Awe in between, and Sukkot, collectively. Specifically, Yom Teruah parallels in sanctifying oneself to the LORD; the Days of Awe parallels in preparing oneself to be sealed in a favorable relationship with the LORD; Yom Kippur parallels the sealed results; and Sukkot parallels the joyous week long celebration, a new start, and blessings of provisions.   

Other symbolic parallels include, wearing white to signify purity, dressing as to attend a wedding, fasting before feasting, and prayers for others, forgiveness, separation from sin, and unity with God and others. 

God's Betrothal to Mankind

God promised aforetime that he would make a marriage covenant with his people.

Hosea 2:19-20 KJV - "19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD."

Isaiah 62:5 KJV - "For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee."

God betrothed the Hebrew nation to himself. He loved her, sanctified her, provided for her, honored her, and gave her gifts; until she played the harlot. The Hebrew Nation broke their marriage covenant: desiring a divorce from God. 

Ezekiel 16:8-15 KJV - "8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine. 9 Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. 10 I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. 11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. 12 And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. 13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom. 14 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD. 15 But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was."

Jeremiah 11:6, 8, 10 KJV - "6 Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them. ... 8 Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not. ... 10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers."

Jeremiah 3:8 KJV - "And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also."

Jeremiah 3:14 KJV - "Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:"

God promised to make a new and everlasting covenant to replace the broken one.

Jeremiah 31:31-33 KJV - "31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Ezekiel 16:59-60 KJV - "59 For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant. 60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant."

Ezekiel 37:26 KJV - "Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore."

God made a new and everlasting covenant for anyone willing to partake in a marriage with him.

Hebrews 8:7-13 KJV - "7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."

Hebrews 10:16-18 KJV - "16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin."

Hebrews 13:20 KJV - "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,"

Romans 7:4 KJV - "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God."

Erusin Fulfillment

Scriptures reveal the fulfillment of the first phase of the Hebraic wedding through Jesus (Yeshua) the Messiah and the Holy Spirit.

The Proposal

When God's people drink of the cup of the New Testament, they are proclaiming their betrothal to the Lord.

Matthew 26:27-28 KJV - "27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

Mark 14:23-24 KJV - "23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many."

Luke 22:20 KJV - "Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."

1 Corinthians 11:25-26 KJV - "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."

Hebrews 9:20 KJV - "Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you."

The Mohar ("A Price") & Gifts

The Lord died to purchase his bride (believers).

Ephesians 5:25 KJV - "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"

Hebrews 9:12 KJV - "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."

Acts 20:28 KJV - "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

The Lord endowed his bride (believers) with spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:4, 7-11 KJV - "4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ... 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9  To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10  To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

The Binding Oath

After the mohar was paid by the blood of the Lord, and an oath of confession is made, the betrothal agreement is set. The bride (believers) has prepared her heart for sanctification through obedience.

Romans 10:9-10 KJV - "9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

1 Peter 1:2 KJV - "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied."

Acts 5:32 KJV - "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him."

Hebrews 5:9 KJV - "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"

John 15:13-14 KJV - "13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

The Ketubah

In this step, both the groom (Christ) and the bride (believers) have entered into a binding contract. Christ has his duties to uphold as the groom, and the believer has her duties to uphold as the bride. The following are a few examples:

Matthew 22:37-40 KJV - "37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Also Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:27)

Romans 12:2 KJV - "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 KJV - "5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."

Isaiah 59:21 KJV - "As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever."

Revelation 22:17 KJV - "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

Jeremiah 11:3 KJV - "And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,"

The Erabon ("Pledge")

The Hebrew word erabon is equivalent to the Greek word arabōn; meaning “a pledge”. Arabōn is rendered in scripture as “earnest”. The groom (Christ) leaves the bride (believers) with the Holy Spirit as a gift to comfort her and as a promise that he will return for her.

John 16:7 KJV - "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."

John 14:16, 26 KJV - "16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; ... 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

John 15:26 KJV - "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:"

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 KJV - "21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."

Ephesians 4:30 KJV - "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."

Ephesians 1:12-14 KJV - "12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." (See also 2 Co 1:22, 5:5)

The Chuppah Preparation

The groom (Christ) returns to his father's house to prepare a dwelling place for him and his bride (believers). 

John 14:2-3 KJV - "2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Marriage Mikveh

The Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word, "mikveh", is "baptizō"; meaning, "to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet)". In English, baptizō is rendered baptism. The bride (believers) immerses in water and physically demonstrates her willingness to be sanctified and start a new life with her groom (Christ).

Mark 10:38 KJV - "But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" (also Matthew 20:22)

Romans 6:4 KJV - "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

Colossians 2:12 KJV - "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."

1 Peter 3:21 KJV - "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:"

1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV - "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

Kiddushin ("Sanctification" or "Dedication")

Along with the mikveh, the bride (believers) will fast as part of her process of sanctification.

Matthew 9:15 KJV - "And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast." (also Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35)

The bride (believers) continues her process of sanctification until her groom (Christ) returns.

1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV - "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"

1 Thessalonians 4:4 KJV - "That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;"

2 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV - "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:"

1 Peter 1:2 KJV - "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied."

Romans 15:16 KJV - "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

John 17:19 KJV - "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."

Ephesians 5:22, 26 KJV - "22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. ... 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,"

​Hebrews 13:12 KJV - "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate."

Hebrews 10:10, 14 KJV - "10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. ... 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."

Hebrews 13:20-21 KJV - "20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 3:15 KJV - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV - "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Nissuin in Prophecy

The Bridegroom's Return

The gates of Heaven will open, the groom (Christ) will descend from his father's house with an entourage of angels, and the bride (believers) will be caught up to meet him.

John 14:3 KJV - "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Ephesians 1:10 KJV - "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:"

Psalm 118:19-20 KJV - "19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: 20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." (See also Isaiah 26:2)

Psalm 50:5 KJV - "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

1 Corinthians 15:52 KJV - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV - "16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

Matthew 13:38-39 KJV - "38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."

Revelation 14:15 KJV - "And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe."

The Chuppah

Once the bride (believers) meets her groom (Christ) in the air, she enters into the chuppah and the doors are shut. (The word "chamber" in Isaiah 26:20 is the same word for the bridal chamber in Joel 2:16)

Isaiah 26:19-21 KJV - "19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. 20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain."

Matthew 25:1-10 KJV - "1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut"

Song of Songs 5:5-7 KJV - "5 I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. 6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. 7 The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me."

The groom (Christ) will respond to the cries of those who did not watch like a faithful bride (believers) and who had not made themselves ready through sanctification.

Matthew 25:11-12 KJV - "11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not." 

The best man and friend of the groom (Christ) rejoiced and will rejoice at the voice of the groom. 

John 3:29 KJV - "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled."

Day of Atonement

The bride (believers) will be given a new life free from sin and free from the penalty of death.

1 Corinthians 15:53-54 KJV - "53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

When the bride (believers) is in the chuppah and the gates of heaven are closed, the world will experience the absence of the light of righteousness, and of the bride and groom; and it will be a day of judgment.

Jeremiah 7:34 KJV - "Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate."

Jeremiah 16:9 KJV - "For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride."

Jeremiah 25:10 KJV - "Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle."

Revelation 18:23 KJV - "And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived."

The temple of the tabernacle of the testimony is opened and the seven plagues of judgment are poured out. The harlot is judged with punishment and the bride, who has become the wife, is judged with the reward of white linen. 

Revelation 15:1, 5-8 KJV - "1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. ... 5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: 6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. 7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled." (See also Daniel 2:35)

Revelation 17:1-2 KJV - "1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."

Revelation 19:1-2 KJV - "1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand."

Exiting the Chuppah & the Unveiling

The Hebrew word for "closet" in Joel 2:16 is also chuppah. Following the judgment of the harlot, the bridegroom and bride are prepared to exit the chuppah. The groom's wife is given white to wear.

Joel 2:16 KJV - "Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet." (consider Psalm 19:5-6)

Revelation 19:7-8 KJV - "7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

Upon exiting the chuppah, the wife (believers/saints) is unveiled for all to see.

Colossians 3:4 KJV - "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

1 Thessalonians 3:13 KJV - "To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."

Zechariah 14:5 KJV - "And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee."

Jude 1:14-15 KJV - "14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him."

Both Christ and his wife (believers/saints) return to the earth to celebrate their wedding feast with guests.

Revelation 19:9, 11-14 KJV - "9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. ... "11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean."

Birkot Nissuin ("Wedding Blessings")

Christ will drink of the fruit of the vine with his wife (believer's/saints) when the kingdom of God has come.

Matthew 26:29 KJV - "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

Mark 14:25 KJV - "Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

Luke 22:18 KJV - "For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come."

Matzol Tov ("Good Fortune")

Just as the glass is crushed under foot as a symbolism of destroying sin, when Christ returns during the marriage supper, those who are wicked will be revealed and destroyed.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 KJV - "6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:"

​

SEDUAT NISSUIN ("WEDDING FEAST"/"MARRIAGE SUPPER")

The Lord prepares the sacrifice for the marriage supper with the destruction of the wicked.

Revelation 19:11-18 KJV - "11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great." (See also Isaiah 18:4-6; Matthew 24:27-28)

Zephaniah 1:2-9 KJV - "2 I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD. 3 I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD. 4 I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; 5 And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham; 6 And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him. 7 Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. 8 And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD'S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. 9 In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit."

God's kingdom will reign, wickedness will be crushed and the celebrating resumes.

Jeremiah 33:10-11 KJV - "10 Thus saith the LORD; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say shall be desolate without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast, 11 The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD."

Zechariah 14:6-11, 16 KJV - "6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: 7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. 8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. 9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. 10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. 11 And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. ... 16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles."

ATTENDEES

Invitations to the marriage are given before the groom (Christ) returns for his bride (believers), as well as after they both begin the marriage feast. Those who are left of the nations will be invited as guests to the marriage feast.  

Revelation 22:17 KJV - "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

Revelation 19:9 KJV - "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."

Matthew 22:1-2, 4, 8-10 KJV - "1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, ... 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. ... 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests."

Luke 14:16-17, 21-24 KJV - "16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. ... 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."

Song of Songs 6:2-3 KJV - "2 My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. 3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies." 

View Definitions for Feeding & Lilies

FEED/FEEDETH

Feed and feedeth in Song of Songs 6:2, 3, means to graze. 

Strong's Hebrew 7462 - רָעָה râʻâh; a primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend):

Gesenius Hebrew Lexicon (râʻâh): “Intransitively to feed, to graze, to pasture, as does a flock.” ​​

LILIES

A lily is described in Hebrew by its whiteness. The root word shûwshan comes from another Hebrew root word, "sûws", meaning, "to be bright". The root word sûws carries with it the perception of being cheerful; which is shown through making mirth and rejoicing.

Strong's Hebrew 7799 - שׁוּשַׁן shûwshan; or שׁוֹשָׁן shôwshân; or שֹׁשָׁן shôshân; and (feminine) שׁוֹשַׁנָּה shôwshannâh; from 7797; a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of architectural ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape):

Strong's Hebrew 7797 - שׂוּשׂ sûws; or שִׂישׂ sîys; a primitive root; to be bright, i.e. cheerful:—be glad, × greatly, joy, make mirth, rejoice.

Song of Songs 6:2-3 is describing a man who is grazing, or eating, among others he loves, who are dressed in white; and who are rejoicing.

Those who are found watching will be blessed, fed and ministered unto at the marriage supper. The poor, maimed, halt, and blind during Christ's reign will also be invited as guests.

Luke 12:36-38 KJV - "36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

Ecclesiastes 9:7-8 KJV - "7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. 8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment."

Luke 14:13-24 KJV - "13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. 15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. 16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper." (consider Luke 15:11-32)

Matthew 8:11 KJV - "And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven."

Luke 13:29 KJV - "And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God."

Christ gave exhortation for guest seating arrangements at a wedding. 

Luke 14:7-10 KJV - "7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, 8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; 9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee."

Only those who are dressed wearing a wedding garment, are welcome to attend.

Revelation 16:15 KJV - "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."

Matthew 22:11-14 KJV - "11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

Additional scriptures and stories referring to betrothal, marriage, and weddings include Song of Songs and the marriage in Cana of Galilee in John 2:1-11.

The Culmination 

At the end of the end of the harvest when the fruit of the harvest is gathered into the storehouse, Christ, the groom, will return for his faithful believers, the bride, and the angels will gather them at the last trump to meet Christ in the air. They will enter into the chuppah while the wrath of God is being poured out. When God's wrath has been accomplished, as the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement, Christ and his saints will exit the chuppah gloriously in their white linen wedding garments and come to the marriage supper to feast and serve their guests. They will drink of the fruit of the vine together and destroy the presence of sin. The annual celebration of Sukkot will be realized with the presence of God's light and blessings; and will be celebrated with the memorial of God's marriage to his people.