Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, marriage was a significant and joyous occasion, often marked by various forms of entertainment and celebration. These festivities were deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, reflecting the importance of marriage as a covenantal union ordained by God.Old Testament Context Marriage celebrations in the Old Testament were elaborate and could last for several days. The wedding at Cana, although a New Testament event, reflects the continuation of such traditions. In Genesis 29:22, Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast to celebrate the marriage of his daughter Leah to Jacob. This indicates that feasting was a customary part of marriage celebrations, involving the community in the joyous occasion. The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and marriage, provides insight into the celebratory nature of weddings. While it does not describe specific entertainments, the book's tone and content suggest a festive atmosphere surrounding the union of the bride and groom. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the wedding at Cana is a prominent example of marriage celebrations. John 2:1-11 describes how Jesus attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee, where He performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. This event underscores the significance of marriage celebrations in Jewish culture and highlights the presence of wine as a central element of the festivities. The passage also illustrates the communal aspect of weddings, as Jesus, His disciples, and Mary, His mother, were all present. Cultural Practices Marriage entertainments often included music, dancing, and feasting. Jeremiah 33:11 speaks of the "voice of joy and gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the bride," indicating that music and joyful sounds were integral to wedding celebrations. The use of music and dance is further supported by references to instruments and singing in various biblical passages, suggesting that these were common forms of entertainment during such occasions. Feasting was another key component of marriage celebrations. The abundance of food and drink symbolized prosperity and blessing for the newlyweds. The parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14 also reflects the tradition of hosting a grand feast to honor the marriage covenant. Spiritual Significance Marriage entertainments in biblical times were not merely social events but carried deep spiritual significance. They were occasions to honor God, who instituted marriage as a sacred covenant. The joyous celebrations were a reflection of the divine blessing upon the union and a foretaste of the ultimate marriage feast of the Lamb, as described in Revelation 19:7-9. In summary, entertainments given on occasions of marriage in biblical times were characterized by communal feasting, music, and dancing, all of which underscored the joy and sacredness of the marital union. These celebrations were deeply embedded in the cultural and religious fabric of the time, serving as a testament to the enduring significance of marriage as a divine institution. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 22:2The kingdom of heaven is like to a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Marriage of Cana The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome Hymns, Festival and Occasional. Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ... Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Church Fabrics and Services. Resources What does the Bible say about fun and entertainment? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian consider a career in acting / entertainment? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to Hollywood? | GotQuestions.org Entertainment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Entertainments: A Choice Portion Reserved In, for Principal Guests Entertainments: Anxiety to Have Many Guests At, Alluded To Entertainments: Began With Thanksgiving Entertainments: Concluded With a Hymn Entertainments: Custom of Presenting the Sop At, to One of the Guests, Entertainments: Forwardness to Take Chief Seats At, Condemned Entertainments: Given by the Guests in Return Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Birthdays Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Coronation of Kings Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Festivals Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Harvest Home Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Marriage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of National Deliverance Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Offering Voluntary Sacrifice Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Ratifying Covenants Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Return of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Sheep-Shearing Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Taking Leave of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Vintage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Weaning Children Entertainments: Guests At: Arranged According to Rank Entertainments: Guests At: had Their Feet Washed when They Came a Distance Entertainments: Guests At: Often Ate from the Same Dish Entertainments: Guests At: Often had Separate Dishes Entertainments: Guests At: Saluted by the Master Entertainments: Guests At: Usually Anointed Entertainments: Invitations to Often Addressed to Many Entertainments: Invitations to Often by the Master in Person Entertainments: Invitations to Often Only to Relatives and Friends Entertainments: Invitations to Repeated Through Servants when all Things Were Ready Entertainments: Invitations to should be Sent to the Poor Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Banquet of Wine Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Dinner Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Supper Entertainments: Men and Women did not Usually Meet At Entertainments: Music and Dancing often Introduced At Entertainments: None Admitted To, After the Master had Risen and Shut The Entertainments: None Asked to Eat or Drink More than he Liked At Entertainments: Offense Given by Refusing to Go To Entertainments: Often Given in The Air, Besides Fountains Entertainments: Often Given in The Court of the House Entertainments: Often Given in The House Entertainments: Often Given in The Upper Room or Guest Chamber Entertainments: Often Scenes of Great Intemperance Entertainments: Portions of, often Sent to the Absent Entertainments: Preparations Made For Entertainments: Served often by Hired Servants Entertainments: Served often by Members of the Family Entertainments: Under the Direction of a Master of the Feast Related Terms |
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