We can understand how, before the coming of the Messiah, marriage should have been looked upon as of religious obligation. Many passages of Scripture were at least quoted in support of this idea. Ordinarily, a young man was expected to enter the wedded state (according to Maimonides) at the age of sixteen or seventeen, while the age of twenty may be regarded as the utmost limit conceded, unless study so absorbed time and attention as to leave no leisure for the duties of married life. Still it was thought better even to neglect study than to remain single. Yet money cares on account of wife and children were dreaded. The same comparison is used in reference to them, which our Lord applies to quite a different “offence,” that against the “little ones” (Luke 17:2). Such cares are called by the Rabbis, “a millstone round the neck” (Kidd. 29 b). In fact, the expression seems to have become proverbial, like so many others which are employed in the New Testament.
To continue reading this Bible article, click here.
Author: Alfred Edersheim
Keywords: Marriage, Betrothal, Age of marriage, Marriage mandatory, Marriage expectation
Bible reference(s): Matthew 19:10, Luke 17:2, 1 Corinthians 7:9, 1 Corinthians 7:28, 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:36-37, 1 Timothy 5:14, 1 Timothy 4:3
Source: Sketches of Jewish Social Life, 1876.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.