The Groom's Arrival

The Groom's Arrival

The Ancient Hebrew Wedding Tradition and the Return of Christ

"The Groom's Arrival" places all ten of the elements of the ancient Hebrew wedding tradition into the context of Christ's desire to seek, find and secure a chosen people to be His bride. God has always sought us for the purpose of relationship. The chapters of this book are constructed as a Bible study to bring the reader to a better understanding of the ancient traditions and how they impact our faith. Finishing the book with what happens after the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" only enhances the love story which God has written.

Ten Elements of the Hebrew Wedding Tradition

1. Shiddukhin, Selecting a Bride בחירה הכלה This is the first step in the marriage process prior to the betrothal. For devout Jews, it is common for the father of the groom to employ a Shadkhan, or matchmaker, in the process of bride selection.

2. Mikveh, the Ritual Cleansing ניקוי הפולחן Prior to his encounter with the prospective bride, both the groom and the bride-to-be would have undergone the separate ritual cleansing or immersion.

3. Mohar, the Bride Price מחיר כלה The groom would pay a dowry to the bride’s family.

4. Ketubah, the Marriage Contract האמנה נישואין The word “Ketubah” means “written.” The Marriage Covenant includes the conditions of the marriage contract and the promises made by the groom to the bride and her family.

5. Matan, the Bridal Gift מתנה כלולותיו At the time of the groom’s departure, he would give his wife-to-be the betrothal ring as a pledge of his love. The gift was to serve as a reminder to her during their days of separation.

6. Eyrusin, the Betrothal התחייבות The word “Kinddushin” stands for the time period of the betrothal and means “sanctification” or “set apart.” On his return home, the groom begins the task of adding rooms (chador, chambers) to His father’s house. In Hebrew tradition, the betrothal period could be a year or more.

7. Nisuin, the Presentation מצגת כלולותיו The word “Nisuin” means to “lift up” or “carry.”. After completion of the new home and at a time determined by the groom’s father, the groom and his friends would assemble and proceed to the bride’s parents’ home. The bride would not know the day or time of his return. The groom’s procession would usually start at dusk with torches, shouts, and trumpets (shofar) leading them across the hillsides. He would claim his bride and return by processional to his home for the marriage ceremony.

8. Chuppah, Bridal Chamber and Ceremony חדר כלולותיו The formal ceremony was to be held under the temporary canopy or Chuppah. The words of the ceremony are taken from Psalm 45 and Isaiah 61:10–Isaiah 62:5. These are the traditional vows of love as expressed in God’s love for Israel. After reading the scripture, they sign the Ketubah and seal it with the sharing of a cup of wine called the Cup of Acceptance.

9. Yichud, the Seclusion התבודדות כלולותיו At the end of the ceremony, the bride and groom go into the actual Chuppah for a time of seclusion called Yichud. The door to the wedding chamber is closed and locked from the inside. The groom’s friend stands guard outside.

10. Seudas Mitzvah, the Marriage Supper הסעודה נישואין The Marriage Supper is held at the end of the Yichud. The guests participate in the Seudas Mitzvah, or L’Sameach Choson v’ Kallah, to celebrate in joy with the new couple as they start their married life.

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Chapter Sixteen (partial)

“The New Heaven and New Earth”: Revelation 21:1–22:5

The New Jerusalem, Our Eternal Home

The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 was fulfilled in Matthew 1:23, when Mary bore Jesus. She was instructed by the angel to call Him Immanuel, “God with us.” Jesus was God incarnate, that is, God in human form, coming to earth for the redemption of mankind.

Heaven—the new earth—is a physical place where we will dwell with glorified physical bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35–58). The heaven believers will experience will be a new and perfect planet in which to dwell. The new earth will be free from sin, evil, sickness, suffering, and death. Our transformation will be complete. What is holy must never become what is common. Therefore, what is common must become holy. God completes His plan.

The presence of God now comes full circle. God’s desire is that, “all of the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Numbers 14:21). The New Jerusalem is where believers in Christ will spend eternity. God the Father brings His heavenly abode down to earth, and the presence of God is with redeemed mankind. The wall of separation is over.

The New Jerusalem in Hebrew is called YHWH Shammah, “the Lord is there.” The departed Glory has returned. Jesus, the Son of God, sits at His right side. The Holy City and God will be with mankind. Paradise is restored. Heaven is open. God will walk with man. The wonders that surround Him will be beyond imagination. He will open His storehouse of blessings upon those He loves. Eternal life will be a never-ending discovery of God’s love, grace, and beauty. What God has in mind is more wonderful than we can comprehend. Jesus gives His final invitation in the closing verses of Revelation chapter 22. Can it be any better than this?

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 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. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:16–20)