Long ago, when a
Jewish man
Went out to take a
bride,
His father, then,
would go with him—
The dowry they’d
decide.
If the father of the
bride agreed,
The groom would take
a cup
And offer to his
chosen one
A symbol of his love.
That cup of wine
would represent
His life laid down
for her,
A token of the tender
care
For her he would
ensure.
And though he had not
died for her,
It signified his
heart
That, should the need
ever arise
He’d bravely do his
part.
Then, if the chosen
bride received
The cup he offered
her,
Betrothed to him, the
marriage was
Upon her groom’s
return.
Many years ago, our
Savior came
From Heaven to seek
His own.
In deepest love and
richest grace
He left His Father’s
Throne,
Became a lowly, human
man
To enter sinful
world;
He who had lived in
Paradise
Fulfilled His spoken
Word.
He did lay
down His precious life
For His beloved
Bride—
A Bride who was
enslaved by sin,
Abused and left to
die.
His gentle voice
brought life anew,
His strength secured
her soul,
His tender touch
soothed every wound,
His friendship made
her whole.
That cup of wine He
offered her
Before He gave His
life;
A cup of love
inviting her
To be His chosen
wife.
As she partakes of
that sweet cup,
Accepting of His
love,
Communion is their
fellowship;
Betrothed she is
thereof.
Awaiting, patient,
for the day
He comes to claim His
Own,
His Bride prepares to
meet her Groom
And join Him at His
Throne.
Copyright © Elisabeth Linzey
2015
*Please Note: Just because it is stated as Jewish tradition does not indicate that every Jewish household followed such customs. Not every family held to the Jewish traditions as strongly; and even when given commandments by God, not every household obeyed those laws as seen in the Old Testament.
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