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Today's proposals are a little bland. Your father finds a suitable husband for you, tells you that you will marry him, and then it's off to wedded bliss. It's fine, but how is betrothment described in the Bible?
Let Genesis 24 be your guide! When Abraham wanted a wife for Isaac, he sent his servant out to find a girl who was right for his son.
Genesis 24:2-4
So far, so good. A loving father wants what's best for his son, and sending servants to find a wife? What a terrific idea!
On the search, the servant could have tried speed dating on behalf of Isaac, or sending out questionnaires, but instead he did the one thing guaranteed to work... he prayed!
Genesis 24:12-14
As we know, prayer ALWAYS works, and as this story shows, it works FAST, because before the servant was even done praying, Rebekah showed up!
Genesis 24:15
PRAISE!
Anyway, there was some drawing of water and conversation, some jewelry was brought out, and of course some worshiping of the Lord (Genesis 24:26).
Rebekah fetched her brother Laban, feet were washed, there was a recounting of the story so far, and the servant made sure to state to Laban that Rebekah was a virgin (Genesis 24:43) so this was all brought about by the Lord.
Yada yada yada...
Genesis 24:47
Right there in black and white! The PROPER way to get engaged is for a servant to put an earring upon your face! Some sources say it was a nose ring, and that is upon the face so you CAN get a nose piercing and be biblical! In fact, it's more biblical than an engagement ring on the finger!
Let Genesis 24 be your guide! When Abraham wanted a wife for Isaac, he sent his servant out to find a girl who was right for his son.
Genesis 24:2-4
And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:
But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:
But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
On the search, the servant could have tried speed dating on behalf of Isaac, or sending out questionnaires, but instead he did the one thing guaranteed to work... he prayed!
Genesis 24:12-14
And he said O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:
And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:
And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
Genesis 24:15
And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
Anyway, there was some drawing of water and conversation, some jewelry was brought out, and of course some worshiping of the Lord (Genesis 24:26).
Rebekah fetched her brother Laban, feet were washed, there was a recounting of the story so far, and the servant made sure to state to Laban that Rebekah was a virgin (Genesis 24:43) so this was all brought about by the Lord.
Yada yada yada...
Genesis 24:47
And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, the daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.
Jesus!
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