Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical traditions, proposing refers to the act of seeking a partner for marriage, a covenantal union established by God. The Bible provides various examples and principles regarding the process of proposing, reflecting cultural practices of the times and divine intentions for marriage.
Biblical Examples of Proposing:1.
Isaac and Rebekah: One of the earliest examples of proposing in the Bible is found in
Genesis 24. Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant prays for guidance and meets Rebekah, whom he believes is God's chosen partner for Isaac. The proposal is made through the servant, and Rebekah consents to the marriage. This account highlights the importance of divine guidance and family involvement in the process of proposing.
2.
Jacob and Rachel: In
Genesis 29, Jacob falls in love with Rachel and agrees to work for her father, Laban, for seven years to marry her. This account illustrates the concept of commitment and sacrifice in the pursuit of marriage. Jacob's proposal is not a formal request but rather an agreement with Laban, showing the cultural norms of the time.
3.
Boaz and Ruth: The book of Ruth provides a unique example of proposing, where Ruth, a Moabite widow, approaches Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband, to act as her kinsman-redeemer. In
Ruth 3:9, Ruth says to Boaz, "Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer." Boaz's acceptance of this proposal demonstrates the role of redemption and protection in marriage.
Principles of Proposing in the Bible:1.
Divine Guidance: The Bible emphasizes seeking God's will in choosing a marriage partner.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This principle underscores the importance of prayer and reliance on God in the decision-making process.
2.
Family Involvement: In biblical times, family played a significant role in marriage proposals. Parents often arranged marriages, as seen in the account of Isaac and Rebekah. While cultural practices have evolved, the principle of seeking wise counsel and involving family remains relevant.
3.
Commitment and Sacrifice: The examples of Jacob and Boaz highlight the themes of commitment and sacrifice in proposing.
Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This verse reflects the selfless love and dedication expected in marriage.
4.
Mutual Consent: While cultural norms varied, mutual consent was an essential aspect of biblical proposals. Rebekah's willingness to marry Isaac and Ruth's proposal to Boaz both demonstrate the importance of agreement and willingness from both parties.
5.
Covenantal Nature: Marriage is portrayed as a covenantal relationship in the Bible.
Malachi 2:14 refers to marriage as a "covenant with your wife," emphasizing the seriousness and sacredness of the union initiated by a proposal.
In summary, proposing in the Bible is a multifaceted process involving divine guidance, family involvement, commitment, mutual consent, and an understanding of marriage as a covenant. These principles continue to inform Christian views on marriage proposals today.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Propose.
Strong's Hebrew
559. amar -- to utter, say... intended (1), intending (1), meditate (1), mentioned (1), name (1), namely (2),
news (1), ordered (6), plainly says (1), promised (6),
proposing (2), really
...Library
Now Daia, in Gratifying his Libidinous Desires, Made his Own Will...
... He sent a message to herproposing marriage, and offering, on her compliance,
to put away his wife. She frankly returned an answer...
The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Principle of all Good Actions...
... pretexts, close interests, and designs of self-love are discovered and banished,
then the mind beholds all things with a clear light, and,proposing God as the...
The Well-Spring of Salvation
... Oh, dear brethren, not only the Titanic presumption ofproposing oneself as enough
for a single soul, but the inconceivable madness ofproposing oneself as...
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42, Where the Lord Asks...
... 2. But when the Jews could not answer the Lordproposing a question, and asking
"whose Son they said Christ was;" and they answered, "the Son of David;" [3043...
Of the Words of St. Matthew's Gospel, Chap. Iii. 13, "Then Jesus...
... this. "How then, saith he, will you disentangle yourself from these straits?".
8. Theproposing of the question pleases you. May...
Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... And that it is so, I mean now, by God's help, to show you, byproposing some
considerations, whereby the heinous wickedness, together with the monstrous folly...
Early History of Revision.
... of God's Holy Word into the services of the Church, without knowing, at least in
outline, the whole history of the version which we areproposing to introduce....
The Observations Contained in the Preceding ChapterMake it...
... philosophy, and even every ephemeral tale may be made to give hints toward the better
management of sermons and the more effectualproposing and communicating...
Introduction
... St. Augustin from Carthage about 412,proposing several questions, and
to whom St. Augustin wrote his 140th Epistle. Cassiodorus...
Finger-Posts
... Simon, the unsteady, was much in evidence those days. Peter the rock-man hadn't
arrived yet. This was Simon Peter's specialty,proposing something....
Thesaurus
Proposing (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Propose. Multi-Version
Concordance
Proposing (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 28:10 Now
...Proposed (9 Occurrences)
Offer (403 Occurrences)
... used with at. 9. (n.) The act of offering, bringing forward,proposing,
or bidding; a proffer; a first advance. 10. (vt) That which...
Propound (3 Occurrences)
Consort (2 Occurrences)
... as middle, and render it: "cast their lots with," "associated," "united with." In
advocacy of the passive, see Alford's Greek Testament,proposing: "were added...
Ethics
... upon his life and his relation to the world we find that he is conscious of himself
as an end and that he is capable of forming purposes, ofproposing new ends...
Septuagint
... (1) The translators worked independently, in separate cells, and produced identical
versions, Ptolemyproposing this test of their trustworthiness....
Cyrus (20 Occurrences)
... "Crowds collected before him,proposing peace for the city; Cyrus, command the peace
of Babylon, all of it." Gobryas, his vice-regent, then appointed governors...
Empire (8 Occurrences)
... and resurrection; but his reign closed too early (37 AD) to allow any prominence
to the new faith, though this emperor was credited withproposing to the...
Roman (26 Occurrences)
... and resurrection; but his reign closed too early (37 AD) to allow any prominence
to the new faith, though this emperor was credited withproposing to the...
Resources
Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is narrative theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the theory of directed panspermia? | GotQuestions.orgProposing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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