Arranged marriages have been a cultural norm in many societies throughout history, including ancient times. In the Bible, several examples shed light on this practice. While modern perspectives on arranged marriages vary, examining these biblical instances provides insight into the cultural and societal norms of the time.
This article will explore examples of arranged marriages found in the pages of the Bible, highlighting the characters involved and the contexts in which these unions occurred. By understanding these narratives, we can glean valuable lessons about relationships, family dynamics, and faith within the biblical context.
Examples of Arranged Marriages in the Bible
#1. Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24)
Abraham, wanting to find a wife for his son Isaac, sent his servant to his homeland to find a suitable match. The servant, guided by God, encountered Rebekah at a well. He asked for water, and she willingly gave him and his camels drink. Recognizing her kindness as a sign, the servant arranged for Rebekah to marry Isaac. As recounted in Genesis 24:67, “Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her.”
#2. Jacob and Leah/Rachel (Genesis 29)
Jacob, fleeing from his brother Esau, came to the land of his relatives. There he met Rachel, the daughter of Laban, and fell in love with her. He agreed to work for Laban for seven years to marry Rachel. However, Laban deceived Jacob, giving him Leah instead. Jacob then worked another seven years to marry Rachel, as stated in Genesis 29:30, “So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.”
#3. Joseph and Asenath (Genesis 41:45)
Joseph, sold into slavery in Egypt, rose to prominence as Pharaoh’s chief advisor. Pharaoh gave Joseph Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as his wife. This union was arranged by Pharaoh himself, symbolizing Joseph’s high standing in Egypt. Genesis 41:45 records, “Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.”
#4. Samson and his first wife (Judges 14)
Samson, a judge of Israel, desired to marry a Philistine woman from Timnah. Despite objections from his parents, Samson insisted on marrying her. As recounted in Judges 14:3, Samson declared, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” This marriage, though arranged by Samson himself, led to conflict and ultimately played a part in the events of Samson’s life.
#5. Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4)
Ruth, a Moabite widow, gleaned in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner. Boaz, impressed by Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, agreed to marry her. As stated in Ruth 4:13, “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.” This marriage not only fulfilled the duty of a kinsman-redeemer but also became part of the lineage of King David.
#6. David and Michal (1 Samuel 18)
King Saul offered his daughter Michal to David as a wife, hoping that she would become a snare to him. David, however, proved himself worthy by defeating the Philistines. As recounted in 1 Samuel 18:27, “David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented the full number to the king so that he might become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave him his daughter Michal in marriage.”
#7. Rebekah and Laban’s Daughter (Genesis 24:15-61)
When Abraham’s servant sought a wife for Isaac, he encountered Rebekah at a well. Rebekah’s brother Laban consented to her marriage to Isaac, recognizing God’s hand in the matter. Genesis 24:58 records, “So they called Rebekah and asked her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ ‘I will go,’ she said.” Rebekah’s willingness to leave her family and marry Isaac demonstrated her faith and obedience.
#8. Tamar and Judah’s Son (Genesis 38:6-30)
After the deaths of his two older sons, Judah promised his youngest son Shelah to Tamar in marriage. However, when Shelah grew up, Judah did not fulfill his promise. Tamar, seeking to ensure her future, disguised herself and tricked Judah into sleeping with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah, as described in Genesis 38:27-30.
#9. Esther and King Xerxes (Esther 2)
Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, was chosen to be part of King Xerxes’ harem. Through Mordecai’s guidance, Esther found favor with the king and was crowned queen. Esther 2:17 states, “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
Closing Thoughts
Examining the examples of arranged marriages in the Bible provides us with insights into the cultural and societal norms of ancient times. While arranged marriages may seem foreign or outdated to some, these narratives illustrate themes of obedience, faith, loyalty, and the providence of God. They remind us that relationships, regardless of how they begin, require commitment, mutual respect, and God’s guidance to flourish. Whether we agree with the practice of arranged marriages or not, these biblical accounts encourage us to approach relationships with wisdom, discernment, and a reliance on God’s sovereignty.