Marriage in the Scriptures
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Old Testament Divorce (1610-1611)
Although the polygamy of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and of the Israelite kings was not explicitly rejected, the Old Testament (through Moses' law) aimed to protect wives. However, in allowing divorce, this law showed "hardness of heart."
The prophets, using the image of faithful married love to exemplify God's Covenant, prepared Israel to understand marriage's unity and indissolubility. The books of Ruth and Tobit are excellent examples of married love. The Song of Songs sees love "as strong as death" (9:6-7).
Jesus Reviews the Marriage Covenant (1612-1615)
The nuptial Covenant between God and Israel prepared the way for the Son of God to unite himself to all mankind and prepare for "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9).
By performing his first miracle at a wedding feast, Jesus confirmed the goodness of marriage and proclaimed marriage as an efficacious sign of his presence.
Jesus swept aside Moses' permission to divorce one's wife. He taught that marriage was indissoluble "as at the beginning." "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder" (Mt 19:6).
Jesus did not come to place impossible burdens. He restored the Reign of God (including the graces gained by his cross) so couples can regain the original meaning and joy of marriage.
Christ's Love for his Church (1616-1617)
Paul, therefore, writes, "husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the Church." In light of Christ's love for his Church, a man "is joined to his wife, and the two shall become one" (Eph 5:25-26).
This spousal love (Christ for his Church) marks the whole Christian life. Baptism is the nuptial bath (Eph 5:26-27) and the Eucharist is the wedding feast. Christian marriage signifies the Covenant between Christ and his Church.
Virgins - Bonded to Christ (1618-1620)
Union with Christ takes precedence over every human bond. From the Church's beginning, some have even renounced the goods of marriage to "follow the Lamb wherever he goes" (Rev 14:4).
Virginity is a sign that our bonds with Christ come first and that marriage belongs only to this age (which is passing away).
Matrimony and virginity both come from the Lord. "Whoever denigrates marriage also diminishes the glory of virginity" (St. John Chrysostom).
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