Category: The Home

Isaac gave many gifts to Rebekah and her family, like jewelry and costly clothing (Gen. 24: 53). In patrilineal African culture, the man pays lobola (the bride price) to the family. In the past this came through cattle. Now it’s usually cash. In Western culture, men also pay lobola in the form of an engagement ring, and it’s given […]

No woman should ever be forced to marry a man. Genesis 2:24 says a man leaves his mother and father to marry his wife. A husband doesn’t drag the woman to his home. She comes happily, with a spring in her step. As was the case with Rebekah, the parents should give their consent before […]

To shoot straight means to tell the truth. A straight shooter gets to the point, no stories. After Eliezer met Rebekah’s parents, the family set a delicious spread before him. But before Eliezer could enjoy the tasty meal, he delivered an important message (Gen. 24:33-51).  He clearly set out his purposes in coming. He told […]

There’s a difference between courting and dating. Courting is purposeful dating. Couples often date just for fun or pleasure, while the purpose of courting is to find a spouse. Courting also involves the parents, whereas dating is more independent.   In Genesis 24, notice how often the parents are involved. From the start, Eliezer seeks them […]

A young man with no money and no job is not ready to pursue a woman in marriage. But a man with work and cash in his pocket has earned the right to seek a bride. This is because one of the three central roles of a man is to provide. A husband “nourishes” his wife […]

Usually, the first thing that attracts a man to a woman is her beauty. God made males to admire an attractive female—her angelic voice, the gentle curves of her body, and the softness of her touch. Moses acknowledged that the men of Israel would “see among the captives a beautiful woman” and then “desire to […]

Young men should not expect to find a good wife if they never ask God for one. Scripture says: “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Mt. 7:7). Abraham’s servant prayed with a specific request that the Lord would lead him to the right wife for Isaac. “O Lord…please grant me success today” (Gen. […]

Marriage is a mystery and a remarkable creation of God. On Friday a man could be free and beholden to no one and by Saturday afternoon he’s attached to a woman for the rest of his life. Martin Luther said about the first year of marriage: “One wakes up in the morning and finds a […]

Psalm 45 celebrates the royal wedding of a Kingly Groom and his Princess Bride. Charles Spurgeon said that if we view this psalm as a marriage only between King Solomon and Pharaoh’s daughter, we’ll be shortsighted. If we view it merely as King Solomon and Christ, we’ll be cross-eyed. Here’s the right perspective. Psalm 45 […]

What parent doesn’t want a great education for his or her child? All fathers and mothers desire to see their sons and daughters grow in knowledge and wisdom. Second Timothy 3:15 is a short verse of only 20 words, yet it brims with truth about teaching children. Paul writes to Timothy, his son “in the […]