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36. Bridal Presents

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible

By: James M. Freeman

Narrator: Chris Genthree

• 1 min. read • grade level: 11

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Genesis 24:53⁵³And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. (Genesis 24:53). The servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah.

Rich and splendid apparel, especially such as was adorned with gold, was very general among Eastern nations from earliest times, and is still quite common. Reference is made to this in Psalm 45:9,13⁹Kings' daughters were among thy honorable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. (Psalm 45:9)
¹³The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. (Psalm 45:13): “Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.”—“clothing is of wrought gold.”

These beautiful and costly bridal-presents are given to the intended bride by the expectant bridegroom for the purpose of binding the contract. See note on Matthew 1:18¹⁸Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18) (#629).

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