The Galilean Wedding & The Second Coming of Christ: A Prophetic Parallel

The Betrothal (Kiddushin) – A Binding Covenant

The Galilean wedding process began with a formal betrothal, known as Kiddushin. This wasn’t just a simple engagement; it was a binding covenant. At this stage, the groom and bride were legally considered married, though they did not yet live together. This commitment was initiated by the groom, often through an arranged agreement with the bride’s father.

Biblical Symbolism:
In the same way, Jesus initiated a covenant of love with His Church. At His crucifixion, He offered a cup, symbolizing the new covenant in His blood. A covenant that was established not through human arrangement but through divine sacrifice.

“This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” – Luke 22:20

“I will betroth you to Me forever…” – Hosea 2:19

Ellen G. White points out that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate expression of His love for His bride, the Church. He chose us first, just as the groom would choose his bride.

“Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves.” – The Desire of Ages, p. 25

The Bride Price (Mohar): The Cost of Redemption

n Galilean weddings, the groom paid a bride price (Mohar) to the bride’s family, symbolizing the cost of acquiring the bride. This was a serious commitment, demonstrating the groom's love and dedication.

Biblical Symbolism:
The price that Christ paid for His bride was not silver or gold but His own life. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid the price for the sins of the world, buying His people back from sin and death.

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God…” – 1 Corinthians 6:20

“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28

Spirit of Prophecy Insight:
Ellen G. White highlights the profound cost of Christ’s redemption, emphasizing that it was only through His sacrifice that humanity could be saved.

“Christ paid an infinite price for our redemption. He died, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” – The Desire of Ages, p. 25

The Groom’s Departure – “I Go to Prepare a Place”

Once the betrothal was made, the groom would leave his bride to return to his father’s house. There, he would prepare a place for her. This period of separation could last a year or more. The bride, unaware of the exact time, would prepare herself by gathering her bridal attire, keeping watch for her groom’s return.

Biblical Symbolism::
Jesus mirrored this custom when He promised to prepare a place for us in His Father’s house.

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:2

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” – John 14:3

Spirit of Prophecy Insight:
Ellen G. White beautifully describes the hope we have in Christ’s return, emphasizing that Christ’s promise is a sure thing. While He prepares a place for us, we are to be preparing ourselves for His return.

“Christ is preparing mansions for those who are waiting for His return, and He invites us to join Him in this work of preparation.” – The Desire of Ages, p. 132

The Waiting Bride: Living in Expectancy

The bride in a Galilean wedding waited with eager anticipation for her groom’s return. She did not know the exact day or hour, but she remained vigilant and ready. She also prepared by making her bridal garments and gathering her oil for the lamps.

Biblical Symbolism:
This waiting period parallels the Church’s time of waiting for the Second Coming. Just as the bride was expected to be ready, so too are we to live in expectancy, keeping our lamps trimmed and our hearts ready.

“Let us be glad and rejoice… for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” – Revelation 19:7

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who… went out to meet the bridegroom.” – Matthew 25:1–13

Spirit of Prophecy Insight:
Ellen G. White writes about the importance of being ready and watching for Christ’s return, drawing parallels to the parable of the ten virgins. She emphasizes that it is not just about waiting but about being spiritually prepared.

“Christ’s second coming will be unexpected, like a thief in the night. Therefore, we must be ready at all times.” – The Great Controversy, p. 394

The Midnight Shout: The Sudden Return of the Bridegroom

In the Galilean wedding, the groom’s return was announced with a loud shout and the blowing of a trumpet. This announcement marked the beginning of the wedding procession, and the bride would be carried away to her new home.

Biblical Symbolism:
The return of Jesus will similarly be announced with a loud command, a shout, and the trumpet of God.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16

“Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!” – Matthew 25:6

“You do not know the day or the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” – Matthew 25:13

Spirit of Prophecy Insight:
Ellen G. White teaches that Christ’s return will be sudden and glorious, and it is only through faithful preparation that we will be ready to meet Him.

“The day and hour of Christ’s return is unknown to us, but we can know that it is near. The message to the church is ‘Be ready, for the bridegroom cometh.’” – The Desire of Ages, p. 142

The Wedding Procession – Taken to the Father’s House

The groom would carry the bride home in a joyful procession. She would be lifted up and taken with him to his father’s house.

Biblical Symbolism:
At the rapture, the Church is caught up to meet Christ in the air.

“…we who are alive and remain shall be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:17

The Wedding and the 7-Day Celebration

After the bride was received into the groom’s home, the couple would spend seven days in seclusion. The doors were shut, and the wedding feast would begin. This period represented the ultimate union of the bride and groom in a joyful celebration.

Biblical Symbolism:
This points to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and possibly the seven-year tribulation on Earth.

“Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” – Revelation 19:9

“And the door was shut.” – Matthew 25:10

Spirit of Prophecy Insight:
Ellen G. White emphasizes that after Christ’s return, those who are ready will partake in the joy of being united with Christ forever. This marriage feast symbolizes the eternal communion between the Church and Christ.

“The redeemed will be with Christ for a thousand years in heaven, sharing in the joys of the marriage feast.” – The Great Controversy, p. 665

The Final Revelation – Bride Revealed in Glory

After the wedding, the bride was revealed, glorious and adorned, now fully united with the groom.

Biblical Symbolism:
The Church will be glorified with Christ, revealed in full righteousness.

“…to present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle…” – Ephesians 5:27

“…when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” – Colossians 3:4