SOUL MATE
Are Soul Mates Predestined or are
they found and formed by Free Will?
First Word
·
The Church in its creeds and confessions has
never addressed the issue of finding a spouse.
Where God has spoken and revealed His will, we are bound, and
should not violate it in our thoughts or in our words or in our deeds, but
where He has not spoken we have FREE
WILL to do what’s in our hearts.
·
People often want the Bible to say
certain things that they want it to say and simply ignore the portions of
scripture which do not fit into their lifestyle. – It is preferred to think of
God, as a God of LOVE and not one of WRATH, especially if we are in living with
someone to whom we are not married, or we think because we are engaged, we can
have SEX, but God says NO. - It’s In The Book -
·
I broke something and
uttered a four letter word and I said to my friend, “Excuse me, I don’t know
where that word came from”. He said, “WHAT’S INSIDE THE HEART, OVERFLOWS THE MOUTH“. – GIGO; Garbage
in, Garbage out; a little computer talk.
- The precepts of God that we have embraced and the concepts of
the world that we have put into our hearts will determine what comes out of
us when we seek the one we choose to marry.
·
If I marry and my Soul Mate dies, I would NOT be free to
marry again because I was predestined to be with only this one person; so
remarrying would seem to go against God’s Will or does God prepare for us two
Soul mates?
·
King Solomon, the wisest man that
has ever lived on earth had 1,000 SOUL MATES; so it would seem that there may
be more than just one Soul Mate for you. – just
sayin’ –
1 Corinthians 7:39 – Free
to marry whomever you choose
39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is FREE to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is FREE to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
(ESV)
1 Kings 11:1-3 – King Solomon had 1,000 Soul Mates
1 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women,
2 from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.
3 He had 700 WIVES, who were princesses, and 300 CONCUBINES. And his wives turned away his heart.
1 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women,
2 from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.
3 He had 700 WIVES, who were princesses, and 300 CONCUBINES. And his wives turned away his heart.
(ESV)
Proverbs 15:28 – What’s in the heart overflows the
mouth
28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
(NLT)
Soul Ties
·
There are a number of expression
about the soul that sound good, but they are just man-made speculation which
has been superimposed on scripture to explain human behavior.
·
Soul Ties
has its roots grounded in the story of the close relationship of Jonathan and
David. As you read the scripture you
will feel the deep commitment and friendship between the two of them and when
Johnathan takes his clothes off and puts them on David, your mind can drift into
believing that they had a homosexual relationship. – This action was actually the
symbolism of a covenant, when the one with the most power; the kings son
Jonathan put his power on David. The stronger takes on the weaker and the
weaker takes on the stronger. – NYOBS 05.34 – BLOOD COVENANT
1 Samuel 18:1 – Jonathan’s soul was knit to the
soul of David
1 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the SOUL of Jonathan was KNIT to the SOUL of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (ESV)
1 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the SOUL of Jonathan was KNIT to the SOUL of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (ESV)
1 Samuel 18:3 – Jonathan made a covenant with
David
3 Then Jonathan made a COVENANT with David, because he loved him as his own soul. (ESV)
3 Then Jonathan made a COVENANT with David, because he loved him as his own soul. (ESV)
1 Samuel 18:4 – Jonathan put his robe on David
4 And Jonathan STRIPPED HIMSELF of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. (ESV)
4 And Jonathan STRIPPED HIMSELF of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. (ESV)
Rabbit Trail
·
Soul Mate became a buzz word
when our SC Governor Mark Sanford in 2009 left his wife Jenny for his
Argentine SOUL MATE Maria Belen Chapur.
I get that, but what happened; they broke up. - Mark said, “I am left humbled in my inability to
determine outcomes and reminded again of how the only thing we can ultimately
work on fixing is ourselves. So for me
these days it means rededication to trying as best I can to walk in the light
of God’s grace. It means pointing to truth wherever I see it and trying
to live by it”.
The Far Side
·
This is the humorous side of
ways in the Bible to get a SOUL MATE, that PERFECT spouse.
1.
Pray to God
and ask Him to create a wife just for you.
2.
Go to a party and hide in
the bushes and when the girls come out to dance, grab one and take her home.
3.
Look around and see who you like
then tell your momma and daddy to go and get her for you to be your wife.
4.
Find a nice piece of property
and marry the one who owns it.
5.
Visit all the prostitutes in
the surrounding areas and marry one of them.
6.
Find a Prisoner of War
and take her home with you; shave her head, give her a manicure and some new
clothes and after a month you can marry her.
7.
Even if you don’t think there is a wife for you,
just wander around for a while and in time you will eventually find one.
Genesis 2:19-25 – Have God create one just for you
19 Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature that was its name.
20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found A HELPER fit for him.
21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
22 And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into A WOMAN and brought her to the man.
23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. (ESV)
19 Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature that was its name.
20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found A HELPER fit for him.
21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
22 And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into A WOMAN and brought her to the man.
23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. (ESV)
Judges 21:19-21 – Go Party
- Grab one and take her home
19 So they said, “Behold, there is the yearly feast of the LORD at Shiloh, which is north of Bethel, on the east of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.”
20 and they commanded the people of Benjamin, saying, “Go and lie in ambush in the vineyards
21 and watch. If the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come out of the vineyards and snatch each man his wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin. (ESV)
19 So they said, “Behold, there is the yearly feast of the LORD at Shiloh, which is north of Bethel, on the east of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.”
20 and they commanded the people of Benjamin, saying, “Go and lie in ambush in the vineyards
21 and watch. If the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come out of the vineyards and snatch each man his wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin. (ESV)
Judges 14:1-3 – See one you like; tell your momma
and daddy
1 Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he SAW ONE of the daughters of the Philistines.
2 Then he came up and told his father and mother, “I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah. Now GET HER FOR ME as my wife.”
3 But his father and mother said to him, “Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “GET HER FOR ME, for she is right in my eyes.” (ESV)
1 Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he SAW ONE of the daughters of the Philistines.
2 Then he came up and told his father and mother, “I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah. Now GET HER FOR ME as my wife.”
3 But his father and mother said to him, “Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “GET HER FOR ME, for she is right in my eyes.” (ESV)
Ruth 4:5-10 – Marry the owner of a nice piece of
land
5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.”
6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel.
8 So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal.
9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon.
10 Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have BOUGHT to be MY WIFE, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. (ESV)
5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.”
6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel.
8 So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal.
9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon.
10 Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have BOUGHT to be MY WIFE, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. (ESV)
Hosea 1:2-3 – Go find some prostitutes and marry
one of them
2 When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of WHOREDOM and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.”
3 So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. (ESV)
2 When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of WHOREDOM and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.”
3 So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. (ESV)
Genesis 4:16-17 – Wander around until you find a
wife
16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. (ESV)
16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. (ESV)
Deuteronomy 21:10-13 – Marry a prisoner of War, dress
her up
10 When you go out to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God gives them into your hand and you take them captive,
11 and you see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you desire to take her to be your wife,
12 and you bring her home to your house, she shall shave her head and pare her nails.
13 And she shall take off the clothes in which she was captured and shall remain in your house and lament her father and her mother a full month. After that you may go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. (ESV)
10 When you go out to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God gives them into your hand and you take them captive,
11 and you see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you desire to take her to be your wife,
12 and you bring her home to your house, she shall shave her head and pare her nails.
13 And she shall take off the clothes in which she was captured and shall remain in your house and lament her father and her mother a full month. After that you may go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. (ESV)
Characteristics &
Conditions
·
Characteristics
that are often mentioned for a Soul Mate;
·
I will know the right one
when I meet him. - He will know me better than I know myself – She is just like
me – We have the same things in common – We have the same interest – We have
the same background – He is my mirror
image - She thinks like me - He understands
me – She talks with me for hours – He doesn’t have the ugly habits of my EX.
·
When you believe you have found your Soul Mate
you abandon all sensibility to be able to discover your differences, their
values, dreams and goals, their opinions, habits and quirks. – These things
require spending considerable time together to discover. How can one be aware of the negative factors
when you have already concluded that this person is “The One” and by magic all
the rest will work out?
·
LOSERS
will seek one another’s company, someone that is in the same predicament as
they are. They will come together to
commiserate against the world and perhaps even against family
that does not approve of their lifestyle; misery loves company.
·
Maybe some of your conditions are;
they don’t drink – not a religious fanatic – not politically inclined – doesn’t
travel for a living – loves music – loves dancing – loves books – loves
children – loves cats – loves sushi – must be tall – good looking – tan – trim
– funny.
A Serious List
·
More serious thoughts
are how the Two of you interact in various circumstances and what are the
dynamics between you. – Does this person challenge your thinking with new
avenues of thought? – How do they interact with their own family and
with yours? – Is there love in their home? –Was there abuse in their family? – Do
they have concern for others? – What is their view on employment, finances,
children, attendance and involvement in church, relationships with in-laws?
·
Thoughts for a family man as listed in the book of Titus:
- Is this man well-thought-of? - Are his children believers? - Do they respect
him and do they stay out of trouble? - Is
he looked up to in the community? - Is
he known to be NOT pushy or NOT short-tempered? – Is his reputation known to be
NOT that of a drunk or druggy, or a bully, or money-hungry? Does he welcome people, is he helpful, wise,
fair, and reverent? – Does he have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip
on God’s Message? - Does he know how to use the truth to either spur people on
in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it?
·
Let me
give you a list of characteristics from Proverbs;
hardworking, truthful, honest, faithful, a person of integrity, keeps
confidences, has concern for others, reliable, self-controlled, not jealous, controls their temper, willing
to be corrected, admits when they are wrong, compassionate, humble, forgiving,
a peacemaker, has a gentle tongue, generous, avoids excess, fears God and is
obedient to His word. – It’s in the Book -
Titus 1:6-9 –
Characteristics of a good husband or wife
6 As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?"
7 It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry.
8 He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself,
9 and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it. (MSG)
6 As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?"
7 It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry.
8 He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself,
9 and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it. (MSG)
Proverbs 12:11 – Hard Worker
11 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. (NLT)
11 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:17 - Truthful
17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit. (MSG)
17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit. (MSG)
Proverbs 19:1 - Honest
1 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.
1 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.
(NLT)
Proverbs 19:1 – Integrity
1 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. (NLT)
1 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. (NLT)
Proverbs 17:9 – Keeps a confidence
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
(NIV2011)
Proverbs 29:7 – Concern for others
7 The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all. (NLT)
7 The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all. (NLT)
Proverbs 17:17 – Reliable and faithful
17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (NLT)
17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (NLT)
Proverbs 16:32 – Self-Controlled
32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. (NLT)
32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. (NLT)
Proverbs 27:4 – Not Jealous
4 Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous. (NLT)
4 Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous. (NLT)
Proverbs 14:29 – Controls their temper
29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. (NLT)
29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:15 – Willing to be corrected
15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
(NLT)
Proverbs 28:13 – Admits they are wrong
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
(NLT)
Proverbs 12:10 - Compassionate
10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
(ESV)
Proverbs 15:33 - Humble
33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
(NLT)
Proverbs 19:11 - Forgiving
11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. (NLT)
11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. (NLT)
Proverbs 17:1 - Peacemaker
1 Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife. (HCSB)
1 Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife. (HCSB)
Proverbs 12:18
- Gentle tongue
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (ESV)
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (ESV)
Proverbs 14:21 – Generous
21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor. (NLT)
21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor. (NLT)
Proverbs 20:1 – Avoids Excess
1 Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.
1 Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.
(NLT)
Proverbs 14:26 – Fears the Lord
26 Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. (NLT)
26 Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. (NLT)
Proverbs 13:13 - Obedient
13 The one who has contempt for instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded. (HCSB)
13 The one who has contempt for instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded. (HCSB)
Predestined Soul Mate
·
It is a myth that God has
PREDESTINED a spouse just for you; there is not a shred of evidence in
scripture. – Some will turn down proposals because they have not heard from
God, leaving them single for years or perhaps even forever. – There is nothing
wrong with being single, if that is what you want. – NYOBS 61.02 – GIFT OF SINGLENESS
·
There are only two examples
in scripture when God told someone to marry.
1.
Hosea was told to marry a prostitute, but he
did not chose the one he would marry.
2.
Joseph was told to marry Mary whom he had already
met and fallen in love with and was engaged.
·
The precedent that is set is scripture
is that men go out and find their wives.
Hosea 1:2 – Hosea go and marry a prostitute
2 When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a WIFE of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.”
2 When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a WIFE of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.”
(ESV)
Matthew 1:20 – Joseph, do not fear to marry Mary
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your WIFE, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your WIFE, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
(ESV)
Predestined Spouse
·
Infant baptism is a dedication of an infant by
“Professing Christian parents” making a public commitment that they will raise
the child up in the Christian Faith with the admonitions of the Lord and are
asking the community of believers to help them to do just that, with the
belief and anticipation that one day, the child of his or her own “Free
Will Choice”, will make a public profession of faith and receive salvation.
– Sometimes it is called a “Confirmation”, which is the culmination of
mentoring or church classes that “confirm” his or her understanding and commitment. NYOBS 62.02 – INFANT
BAPTISM
·
How many
times have I heard the pastor pray over an infant that was
being baptized that God would prepare in advance (predestine) a God loving spouse for
them who would complete them in all the admonitions of the Lord. – NOW, DO I BELIEVE THAT WILL HAPPEN OR NOT?
·
Amazingly, many of my high school
friends married the girl that lived next door; many folks who went to our
church met there and married. – I saw three marriages come out of a Bible Study
Group. - Two of my co-workers married Christian “Mail Order Brides” from the
orient. - I met my wife on a blind date where she had just relocated from 100
miles away.
·
God prepares and predestines people to
be placed in the Christian’s path and gives us FREE WILL to select the one that
“tickles our fancy”. – The one that we choose to knit our heart and
marry will become our SOUL MATE. – This happens after the fact; not before.
Ephesians 5:31 – Marriage
produces Soul Mates
31 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
31 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
(ESV)
Psalm 85:13 – The righteous
steps are prepared by God
13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. (NIV2011)
13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. (NIV2011)
Marriage
Covenant
- Marriage
is a Covenant between a man, a woman and God. –
After God made Adam he gave him a wife so that he would not be alone, but would
have love, companionship and would be physically, emotionally and
spiritually complete, they became one; Soul Mates.
- In
the beginning – God Himself instituted
and ordained the family life. - God created man both male and
female and commanded them to multiply.
- An
awesome thought – Through marriage, a
man and a woman are permitted to be God’s instruments in creating a new
life; an immortal life that will live forever; somewhere. – (Obviously two men can’t be obedient to this
command, nor can two women.)
- Marriage
is not something that is drifted into aimlessly or swept
into by a whirlwind of passion. – It’s “For better or worse” - It requires
serious thought of the fitting together of two lives and the arduous
responsibilities that comes along with it, plus plugging into the working
of God’s ultimate plan. - Acknowledge God and He will direct your path.
- Who
people marry
can be influenced by socially determined
rules of incest, prescriptive marriage rules, parental choice and individual desire. - NYOBS 27.09 - MARRIAGE
Prov 3:6 – Acknowledge God;
He will direct your path
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths.
KJV
Prov 30:18-19 – God will
direct the ways of a man with a maid
18 There be three things which are too
wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a
serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of
a man with a maid. KJV
Conditions for Marriage
·
God gave us the institution of marriage strictly
for our earthly enjoyment and has no eternal significance, we will be like the
angels in heaven; there is no marriage. A Soul Mate or a Perfect Spouse is not
taught in scripture, but their characteristics are.
·
If you believe
God will give you the PERFECT spouse, then when they disappoint and they will; you
are ready for a divorce because they were not perfect. – You will always find a
flaw in the other person. – It is not God’s job to work out your marriage; it’s
your job and it begins with putting your SELF LAST.
·
It would be better to
seek a GOOD spouse instead of a PERFECT spouse.
Relationships are hard, roads are bumpy and happiness is not something
that you wait on to happen, it is something that you make happen.
·
God has set only ONE condition
for marriage; regardless of tall or short, fat or thin or the color of their eyes,
hair or skin; A BELIEVER
MUST ONLY MARRY ANOTHER BELIEVER. - BAM
·
God knows who we will marry
because He is a sovereign God, but your “Soul Mate” is not pre-determined, it is
post-determined; after you make the decision.
2 Corinthians 6:14 – Marry only another Believer
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (ESV)
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (ESV)
1 Corinthians 7:39 – At death you may marry
another believer
39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is FREE to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. (ESV)
39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is FREE to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. (ESV)
Matthew 22:30 – No
marriage in heaven
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
(ESV)
1 Timothy 3:4 – You must
work out your own problems
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, (ESV)
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, (ESV)
Psalm 37:23 – Love the Lord and he will establish
your steps
23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; (ESV)
23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; (ESV)
Predestination vs; Free Will
·
I include this one just to mess with your
theology and get you upset… Predestination and Free Will are both
taught in scripture. They are not in
opposition to each other, they are just part of God’s Sovereignty.
·
Note: it is the end results that
verify God’s choice or what He had predestined. – Watch -
·
Jacob was seeking a Soul Mate
when he came across two sisters; Leah and Rachel. - Leah was not
as attractive as Rachel, with something detracting about her eyes. Many have speculated what it was, from all her
weeping to perhaps her going blind, but she was more sensitive, meek,
submissive, gentle and spiritual, perhaps because she felt unloved.
·
The one that caught the eye of Jacob
was Rachel who had the best personality, she was the cutest, bright-eyed, petulant,
peevish, self-willed, and barefooted maiden that he had ever seen. – His choice
was not about her character, but was about her appearances and
mannerisms.
·
I won’t tell the story here
of how he was deceived; tricked into marring both sisters, but it was actually
the custom of the land for the oldest to be married first and that was Leah. Anyway
Jacob married Leah and a week later he married Rachel, working 7 years each for
their marriage. So he was married to
both of them for the 14 years of his servitude.
·
God’s choice for Jacob was Leah,
she was PREDESTINED to
be his wife, but Jacob of his own FREEWILL chose Rachel;
both were acceptable in the SOVERIGENTY of
God.
·
Here is how it all played out
·
Rachel’s honors and blessing were many,
she was “loved at first sight”. She bore Jacob two sons, Joseph and Benjamin
and her handmaid bore him two more; Dan and Naphtali. – It would be
Joseph that would rise to power and help his brothers to become a great nation.
·
So Rachel died, and was left behind
and buried along the way to Bethlehem. (hold that thought)
·
Leah’s bore Jacob six sons;
they were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar
and Zebulun and her handmaid also bore two sons Gad and Asher.
·
Leah’s son Levi gave us the Levites;
the Priesthood of Israel.
·
Leah’s son Judah gave us the tribe of Judah
which today we call the Jews and it was from this line that gave us Boaz, Jesse
and King David and finally our Savior JESUS CHRIST.
·
Leah is honored right alongside of
Rachel as one who “built up the house of Israel”.
·
Leah was the unloved, undesired,
unsought and plainer wife, but she and her handmaid bore Jacob eight sons,
twice as many as Rachel. - She outlived Rachel and AT LAST
took her place as the “chief wife” alongside of Jacob making memories
for years and then was buried in HONOR in the cave of
Machpelah alongside of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca.
·
Now you can see by the “End Results”
why I say that Leah was PREDESTINED to be Jacob’s wife or
if you please, his SOUL MATE. - Let me just stop right here and say that
whoever you marry; the two of you become one flesh therefore each
other’s “Soul Mate” till death do you part.
Ruth 4:11 - Leah along with Rachel built up the
house of Israel
11 Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, (ESV)
11 Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, (ESV)
Genesis 35:19 – Rachel buried along the way to
Bethlehem
19 So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem),
19 So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem),
(ESV)
Genesis 29:1-30 – THE STORY - Jacob seeks his SOUL
MATE
1 Then Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of the people of the east.
2 As he looked, he saw a well in the field, and behold, three flocks of sheep lying beside it, for out of that well the flocks were watered. The stone on the well’s mouth was large,
5 He said to them, “Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?” They said, “We know him.”
6 He said to them, “Is it well with him?” They said, “It is well; and see, RACHEL his daughter is coming with the sheep!”
9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess.
10 Now as soon as Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, Jacob came near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.
11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud.
12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s kinsman, and that he was Rebekah’s son, and she ran and told her father.
16 Now Laban had TWO daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
17 LEAH’S eyes were weak, but RACHEL was beautiful in form and appearance.
18 Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”
23 BUT in the evening he took his daughter LEAH and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her.
25 And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “WHAT IS THIS YOU HAVE DONE TO ME? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?”
26 Laban said, “It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
27 Complete the WEEK of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.”
28 Jacob did so, and completed her week. Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.
30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he LOVED RACHEL MORE THAN LEAH, and served Laban for another seven years. (ESV)
1 Then Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of the people of the east.
2 As he looked, he saw a well in the field, and behold, three flocks of sheep lying beside it, for out of that well the flocks were watered. The stone on the well’s mouth was large,
5 He said to them, “Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?” They said, “We know him.”
6 He said to them, “Is it well with him?” They said, “It is well; and see, RACHEL his daughter is coming with the sheep!”
9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess.
10 Now as soon as Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, Jacob came near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.
11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud.
12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s kinsman, and that he was Rebekah’s son, and she ran and told her father.
16 Now Laban had TWO daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
17 LEAH’S eyes were weak, but RACHEL was beautiful in form and appearance.
18 Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”
23 BUT in the evening he took his daughter LEAH and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her.
25 And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “WHAT IS THIS YOU HAVE DONE TO ME? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?”
26 Laban said, “It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
27 Complete the WEEK of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.”
28 Jacob did so, and completed her week. Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.
30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he LOVED RACHEL MORE THAN LEAH, and served Laban for another seven years. (ESV)
Genesis 29:31-35 – God blessed Leah
31 When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
32 And LEAH CONCEIVED and bore a son, and she called his name REUBEN, for she said, “Because the LORD has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.”
33 She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name SIMEON.
34 Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called LEVI.
35 And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she called his name JUDAH. Then she ceased bearing. (ESV)
31 When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
32 And LEAH CONCEIVED and bore a son, and she called his name REUBEN, for she said, “Because the LORD has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.”
33 She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name SIMEON.
34 Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called LEVI.
35 And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she called his name JUDAH. Then she ceased bearing. (ESV)
Divorce
·
Divorce has become an acceptable alternate
as a solution for an unhappy, unfulfilled marriage.
·
A common reason for
divorce
is that your spouse turned out to not be your soul mate. – This is blatantly an
unbiblical excuse for a divorce – I must say this AGAIN; the person that you
are married to has become one flesh with you and IS your Soul Mate.
·
Is it possible to marry
the wrong person? – YES you can, but marring
the wrong person is never presented in scripture as grounds for divorce. - We
are commanded to Trust in the Lord and lean not on our on understanding and in
all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths. – So the real
question is; did you do what He commanded?
·
Our Sovereign God can
take any marriage, no matter how mismatched, and re-mold it into a marriage
that is a perfect fit for each other. – It happens when we give up SELF for the
other.
Mark 10:7-9 – When you marry you become Soul Mates
7 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,
8 and the two shall become ONE FLESH.’ So they are no longer two but ONE FLESH.
9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (ESV)
7 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,
8 and the two shall become ONE FLESH.’ So they are no longer two but ONE FLESH.
9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (ESV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust & Acknowledge; He will
guide our path
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (ESV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (ESV)
Side Bar - Sovereignty
·
Abraham had two boys, Ishmael and
Isaac; Ishmael was the product of Free Will and Isaac was the product of
Predestination; both were part of the Sovereignty of God.
·
What we do with our “Free Will”
does not change God’s Sovereign plan, but when guided by the Holy Spirit it can
give us honor and pleasure, but unguided the results can be full of complications
and Grief. - I encourage you to read the Word Study on God’s Sovereignty. NYOBS
54.28 – SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD REVISITED
Marriage
without God
·
Marriage
when you do it YOUR WAY; This is
the kind of life that develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive,
loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional
garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show
religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied
wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided
lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing
everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly
parodies of community. – NYOBS 35.09 – GOD HATES
·
I DID NOT SAY ANY OF THIS… It’s “word for word”
right out of the scriptures.
Galatians 5:19-21 – I did it my way – No help
wanted from God
19 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness;
20 trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits;
21 the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. IF YOU USE YOUR FREEDOM THIS WAY, you will not inherit God's kingdom. (MSG)
19 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness;
20 trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits;
21 the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. IF YOU USE YOUR FREEDOM THIS WAY, you will not inherit God's kingdom. (MSG)
Marriage with God
·
The marriage institution applies only to
those who worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. - It is a Divine
covenant between God, a man and a woman; between a male and a female. - It is
designed for ONE husband and ONE wife with the marriage lasting till death.
·
Its purpose is to have a family
institution that participates as instruments of God bringing forth immortal
souls; children that are taught the ways of God. To be part of a chosen people,
a royal priesthood and a Holy nation unto God. The LORD God said, "It is
not good for the man to be alone. - I
will make A helper suitable for him." Gen 2:18 NIV
- Prayer – Start early
seeking God for “His will”
concerning your marriage partner.
There is three involved in this covenant; a man; a woman and
God. This is Holy covenant. – The
servant of Abraham relied upon the divine promise of guidance
from God to find a wife for Isaac and it was Love at first sight. –
Ask according to God’s will and He will hear you and you will have it. – It is God’s will that you
find the right one to marry. – Some marriages are made in Hell. – Seek
first the kingdom of heaven and all the rest will be added unto you.
- Segregation — God commanded the
Israelites to not intermarry with those of other nations; God wanted a chosen people, a
royal priesthood, a holy nation.- NYOBS 23.26 – SEGREGATION
- The concept of
segregation
still applies today; you should not be unequally yoked. – Segregation was not about skin color
although it existed, it was about the other nations that did not
acknowledge the one God of Abraham. – We are segregated by our FAITH in the one
and ONLY God; YAHWEH. — A Believer, whether they are Jewish or not; white,
black or tan should not marry an unbeliever.
·
We can know
what to look for because scripture pretty much says “you will
know them by their fruits”.
·
The world
produces Bad Fruit that results in Carnality
– Adultery – Fornication – Lust –Uncleanness – Lewdness – Idolatry – Sorcery –
Hatred – Contentions – Jealousies – Envy – Quarreling – Outbreaks of Wrath –
Selfish Ambitions – Dissensions – Heresies – Greed – and Evil Desires – NYOBS 28.23 – UNFRUITFULNESS
·
The Holy Spirit produces Good Fruit in our lives that is an observable
and noticeable kind of fruit; - It produces; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. See NYOBS 06.08, 08.12, 20.36 –
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
Gen 24:7 – God will guide
you to your wife
7 “The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me out
of my father’s household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me
on oath, saying, `To your offspring I will give this land’—he will send his
angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there. NIV
1 John 5:14 -15 – Ask according to God’s will – He
will hear you
14 This is the confidence we have in approaching
God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
15 And if we know that he hears us-whatever we
ask-we know that we have what we asked of him. NIV
Gen 26:34-35 – Marry only
a believer
34 When Esau was forty years old, he married
Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon
the Hittite. 35 They were a SOURCE of GRIEF to Isaac and Rebekah.
NIV
2 Cor 6:14 – Do not be unequally yoked with
unbelievers.
14 Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers:
for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion hath
light with darkness? ASV
Deut 7:1-4 – Command not
to intermarry
1 When the LORD your God brings you into the land
you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations—the
Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites,
seven nations larger and stronger than you—
2 and when the LORD your God has delivered them
over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally.
Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.
3 Do not intermarry with them. Do not give
your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons,
4 for they will turn your sons away from following
me to serve other gods, and the LORD’s anger will burn against you and will
quickly destroy you. NIV
Matthew 7:16 – You will know them by their fruits.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? (NKJV)
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 3:3 – Worldly – Carnal - Jealousies -
Quarreling
3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? (NIV2011)
3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? (NIV2011)
Galatians 5:19 – Adultery – Fornication –
Uncleanness - lewdness
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
Galatians 5:20 – Idolatry –
Sorcery – Hatred – Contentions
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, (NKJV)
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, (NKJV)
Colossians 3:5 – Impurity - Lust – Evil desires -
Greed
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. (NIV2011)
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. (NIV2011)
Galatians 5:21 – Envy –
Murders – Drunkenness - Revelries
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
(NKJV)
Galatians 5:22 – GOOD FRUIT – Love – Joy – Peace –
Patience
22 But the Holy Spirit
produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
(NLT)
Galatians 5:23 – Kindness - Goodness - Gentleness
– Self Control
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Last
Thoughts
·
Isaac and Rebecca gives us the perfect
model to follow in seeking a wife or Soul Mate.
This story is very long; that’s why I put it at the end of this Word
Study and I also include the scriptures because thanks to the internet, this
study is also published in other languages where there is not a Bible available
in the home.
·
This story is NOT about the specific words one might
say or about sheep or water, or who their daddy is; it’s about KNOWING what you want, PRAYING about it, FAITH in God, TRUSTING, SEEKING, and OBEDIENCE;
it was then, that God ordered his steps.
·
Rebecca was chosen not for her
beauty or her personality, but because she had a “Servants Heart”. – When Isaac
saw Rebecca for the first time it was LOVE AT FIRST
SIGHT. –
She did not just show up at his door step, he had to SEEK HER OUT.
·
If you are single and seeking a spouse, you
should KNOW this story.
·
If you are already married, then read this and pray
for WISDOM to work on your own flaws, pray for STRENGTH to be a godly helpmate for your spouse, and pray
for ENDURANCE to build up your marriage
to glorify God and to knit your heart to your very own “SOUL MATE”.
Genesis 24:1-67 -The story of Isaac and Rebecca
1 Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.
2 And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh,
3 that I may make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell,
4 but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”
5 The servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?”
6 Abraham said to him, “See to it that you do not take my son back there.
7 The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.
8 But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.”
9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning this matter.
10 Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking all sorts of choice gifts from his master; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia to the city of Nahor.
11 And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time when women go out to draw water.
12 And he said, “O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham.
13 Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.
14 Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”
15 Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her water jar on her shoulder.
16 The young woman was very attractive in appearance, a maiden whom no man had known. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up.
17 Then the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water to drink from your jar.”
18 She said, “Drink, my lord.” And she quickly let down her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink.
19 When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.” (This took a long time)
20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels. (This took many trips)
21 The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the LORD had prospered his journey or not.
22 When the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her arms weighing ten gold shekels,
23 and said, “Please tell me whose daughter you are. Is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?”
24 She said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.”
25 She added, “We have plenty of both straw and fodder, and room to spend the night.”
26 The man bowed his head and worshiped the LORD
27 and said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.”
28 Then the young woman ran and told her mother’s household about these things.
29 Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban. Laban ran out toward the man, to the spring.
30 As soon as he saw the ring and the bracelets on his sister’s arms, and heard the words of Rebekah his sister, “Thus the man spoke to me,” he went to the man. Behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring.
31 He said, “Come in, O blessed of the LORD. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
32 So the man came to the house and unharnessed the camels, and gave straw and fodder to the camels, and there was water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.
33 Then food was set before him to eat. But he said, “I will not eat until I have said what I have to say.” He said, “Speak on.”
34 So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant.
35 The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become great. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, camels and donkeys.
36 And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old, and to him he has given all that he has.
37 My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell,
38 but you shall go to my father’s house and to my clan and take a wife for my son.’
39 I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’
40 But he said to me, ‘The LORD, before whom I have walked, will send his angel with you and prosper your way. You shall take a wife for my son from my clan and from my father’s house.
41 Then you will be free from my oath, when you come to my clan. And if they will not give her to you, you will be free from my oath.’
42 I came today to the spring and said, ‘O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now you are prospering the way that I go,
43 behold, I am standing by the spring of water. Let the virgin who comes out to draw water, to whom I shall say, “Please give me a little water from your jar to drink,”
44 and who will say to me, “Drink, and I will draw for your camels also,” let her be the woman whom the LORD has appointed for my master’s son.’
45 Before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came out with her water jar on her shoulder, and she went down to the spring and drew water. I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’
46 She let down her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I will give your camels drink also.’ So I drank, and she gave the camels drink also.
47 Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her arms.
48 Then I bowed my head and worshiped the LORD and blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way to take the daughter of my master’s kinsman for his son.
49 Now then, if you are going to show steadfast love and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.”
50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing has come from the LORD; we cannot speak to you bad or good.
51 Behold, Rebekah is before you; take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has spoken.”
52 When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself to the earth before the LORD.
53 And the servant brought out jewelry of silver and of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave to her brother and to her mother costly ornaments.
54 And he and the men who were with him ate and drank, and they spent the night there. When they arose in the morning, he said, “Send me away to my master.”
55 Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman remain with us a while, at least ten days; after that she may go.”
56 But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.”
57 They said, “Let us call the young woman and ask her.”
58 And they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I WILL GO.”
59 So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men.
60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become thousands of ten thousands, and may your offspring possess the gate of those who hate him!”
61 Then Rebekah and her young women arose and rode on the camels and followed the man. Thus the servant took Rebekah and went his way.
62 Now Isaac had returned from Beer-lahai-roi and dwelled in the Negeb.
63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming.
64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel
65 and said to the servant, “Who is that man, walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took her veil and covered herself.
66 And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done.
67 Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and SHE BECAME HIS WIFE, AND HE LOVED HER. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. (ESV)
1 Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.
2 And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh,
3 that I may make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell,
4 but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”
5 The servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?”
6 Abraham said to him, “See to it that you do not take my son back there.
7 The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.
8 But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.”
9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning this matter.
10 Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking all sorts of choice gifts from his master; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia to the city of Nahor.
11 And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time when women go out to draw water.
12 And he said, “O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham.
13 Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.
14 Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”
15 Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her water jar on her shoulder.
16 The young woman was very attractive in appearance, a maiden whom no man had known. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up.
17 Then the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water to drink from your jar.”
18 She said, “Drink, my lord.” And she quickly let down her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink.
19 When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.” (This took a long time)
20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels. (This took many trips)
21 The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the LORD had prospered his journey or not.
22 When the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her arms weighing ten gold shekels,
23 and said, “Please tell me whose daughter you are. Is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?”
24 She said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.”
25 She added, “We have plenty of both straw and fodder, and room to spend the night.”
26 The man bowed his head and worshiped the LORD
27 and said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.”
28 Then the young woman ran and told her mother’s household about these things.
29 Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban. Laban ran out toward the man, to the spring.
30 As soon as he saw the ring and the bracelets on his sister’s arms, and heard the words of Rebekah his sister, “Thus the man spoke to me,” he went to the man. Behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring.
31 He said, “Come in, O blessed of the LORD. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
32 So the man came to the house and unharnessed the camels, and gave straw and fodder to the camels, and there was water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.
33 Then food was set before him to eat. But he said, “I will not eat until I have said what I have to say.” He said, “Speak on.”
34 So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant.
35 The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become great. He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, camels and donkeys.
36 And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old, and to him he has given all that he has.
37 My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell,
38 but you shall go to my father’s house and to my clan and take a wife for my son.’
39 I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’
40 But he said to me, ‘The LORD, before whom I have walked, will send his angel with you and prosper your way. You shall take a wife for my son from my clan and from my father’s house.
41 Then you will be free from my oath, when you come to my clan. And if they will not give her to you, you will be free from my oath.’
42 I came today to the spring and said, ‘O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now you are prospering the way that I go,
43 behold, I am standing by the spring of water. Let the virgin who comes out to draw water, to whom I shall say, “Please give me a little water from your jar to drink,”
44 and who will say to me, “Drink, and I will draw for your camels also,” let her be the woman whom the LORD has appointed for my master’s son.’
45 Before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came out with her water jar on her shoulder, and she went down to the spring and drew water. I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’
46 She let down her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I will give your camels drink also.’ So I drank, and she gave the camels drink also.
47 Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her arms.
48 Then I bowed my head and worshiped the LORD and blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way to take the daughter of my master’s kinsman for his son.
49 Now then, if you are going to show steadfast love and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.”
50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing has come from the LORD; we cannot speak to you bad or good.
51 Behold, Rebekah is before you; take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has spoken.”
52 When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself to the earth before the LORD.
53 And the servant brought out jewelry of silver and of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave to her brother and to her mother costly ornaments.
54 And he and the men who were with him ate and drank, and they spent the night there. When they arose in the morning, he said, “Send me away to my master.”
55 Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman remain with us a while, at least ten days; after that she may go.”
56 But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.”
57 They said, “Let us call the young woman and ask her.”
58 And they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I WILL GO.”
59 So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men.
60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become thousands of ten thousands, and may your offspring possess the gate of those who hate him!”
61 Then Rebekah and her young women arose and rode on the camels and followed the man. Thus the servant took Rebekah and went his way.
62 Now Isaac had returned from Beer-lahai-roi and dwelled in the Negeb.
63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming.
64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel
65 and said to the servant, “Who is that man, walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took her veil and covered herself.
66 And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done.
67 Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and SHE BECAME HIS WIFE, AND HE LOVED HER. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. (ESV)
THE END AND THEY LIVED
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
In the
multitude of counselors,
there is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:14
I am grateful to those that went before me
providing concepts, ideas, historical
information, and scripture verses. Because of them I can stand on their
shoulders
and see further that I otherwise ever could
have.
A Commentary; Critical,
Experimental and Practical - Eerdmans
All the Women of the Bible – Edith Deen
Antiquity of the Jews – Flavius
Josephus Matthias
Apocrypha – Goodspeed
Baker Commentary on the
Bible – Elwell
Bible Almanac; The – Packer-Tenney-White
Bible Commentary – F.B. Meyer
Bible Dictionary – Harper and Row
Bible Dictionary – Nelson’s
Dake’s Annotated Bible – Dake
English Standard Version
Bible – ESV
Expositor’s Bible
Commentary – Frank E. Gaebelein
Hidden Dangers of the Rainbow; The – Constance Cumbey
Illustrated Bible
Dictionary; The – Tyndale
Interlinear Greek-English
New Testament - Baker
King James Version Bible –
KJV
Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Zondervan
Mysteries of the Bible – Readers Digest
Nave’s Topical Bible - Zondervan
New International
Dictionary of the Bible; The – Douglas -
Tenney
New International Version
Bible (2011) – NIV
NOTE: The “new” NIV has been corrupted and made gender
neutral. AVOID IT.
Thru the Bible – J. Vernon
McGee
Vincent’s Word Studies of
the New Testament – Mac Donald
Who’s Who in the Bible – Paul D. Gardner
Wycliffe Bible Commentary;
The – Pfeiffer & Harrison
Wikipedia –
Zondervan Pictorial
Encyclopedia of the Bible; The – Tenney
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