20061203

The terms “marriage” and “marriage supper” in Revelation 19 is better understood with some background knowledge of Jewish marriage customs in Biblical times. Jewish marriage customs in Biblical times involved three major steps.  First, was the betrothal, when the bride is chosen, the dowry is paid and the marriage covenant is established (Mal. 2:14; Matt. 1:18-19).  Second, the marriage ceremony featured the bridegroom accompanied by his male friends going to the house of the bride at night with a torch parade through the streets.  The bride with her maidens would eventually join the parade that would end up back at the bridegroom’s place.  Third, was the marriage supper or feast to which guests had already been called and they were assembled at the wedding. (Gen. 29:21-23, 27-28).

So, in Biblical times a bride must first be chosen and the dowry paid, then presented to the groom in a private wedding ceremony before the public celebration of the marriage supper.  In a similar manner the Church, the Bride of Christ, also goes through the same stages in being united to the Heavenly Bridegroom.  First, the Father of the Bridegroom, the Heavenly Father, has chosen us, the Church, in Him (Eph 1:3,4).  The dowry has been paid by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself redeeming us with His blood and purchasing us for Himself (1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 1 Peter 1:18, 19).  The betrothal of Christ and the Church is taking place during the Church period as people trust Jesus Christ to be their Saviour (2 Cor. 11:2).  Second, at the taking away of the Church into heaven, the Bride of Christ will be taken to the Bridegroom’s house (John 14:2, 3).   After the first two stages, the Marriage Supper celebration is ready.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9) is also different from the great Supper of God (Rev 19:17).  The former is a marriage celebration, the latter a gory devastation.

The wedding feast will be the grandest of all times.  So, as His Bride, all our efforts should be focused on getting ready for the return of the Bridegroom that He may present us, his glorious Bride at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.