Jewish Wedding Customs II: Preparation Before the Wedding

Following the engagement ceremony, the bride and groom would separate. This period was a time of sanctification. The bride-to-be would perform a ritual cleansing in a mikvah (a ritual bath) to purify herself before the wedding. Similarly, Christians undergo a parallel process, entering a new covenant through repentance and baptism. “He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:26-27).

Next came the waiting period. This could last for several months, or even a year. During this time, the bride-to-be would prepare her white wedding gown, adorning it beautifully with all sorts of precious jewels and other decorations. She would also wear a veil over her face to signify that she was already taken. This period was a test of faithfulness and patience, as she waited with great anticipation for her groom to come for her. This is why Revelation 19:7-8 says, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” The bride’s preparation during this time is to make herself ready to wear this clean, white wedding gown and adorn it. This adornment is actually the righteous deeds of us Christians. When we walk in righteousness and obey God, it is as if we are adding beautiful jewels, one by one, to our wedding gown.

During this period, the groom would return to his father’s house to prepare a place for their marriage. The man would be eager to finish building the house quickly to bring his bride home, but the house had to be big enough and be approved by the rabbi. Ultimately, the man’s father had the final say on whether the house was ready. So when people asked the young man when he would go to get his bride, he would say, “I don’t know; only my father knows.” “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only… Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:36, 42).

References

The Chinese Union Version of the Bible; A Comprehensive Biblical Interpretation

Perry Stone, “Unlocking the Jewish Wedding”

“Zhu Nei Xin Xun” (In-Lord Information), “Jewish Weddings Are So Beautiful”

Pastor Nicole Ji Si, “The Bride in the End Times: An Eight-Part Series on the Bride’s Journey from the Jewish Wedding”