First-century Galileans had several wedding traditions that influenced Jesus? teaching as well. When it was time for a man and woman to marry, both fathers would negotiate the bride price, recognizing that the bride would be a precious loss to her family.
Taking a cup of wine, the groom drank from it and offered it to the woman, symbolically saying that he wanted to make a covenant and would be willing to give his life for her. The woman sealed the engagement by drinking from the same glass. From that moment, she was referred to as one who was ?bought with a price,? distinguishing her as an engaged woman.
The groom then returned to his father?s house and built new rooms, adding on to the family insula. Meanwhile, the bride prepared herself and her bridesmaids for the day of her groom?s return. Not knowing when the groom would come, wise brides made preparations immediately so they would not be caught unprepared.
When the groom finally finished building and gained his father?s approval, he would travel to his bride?s village and blow the shofar. The bride would hear and know that her wedding day had arrived.
The ?best man? stood at the door while the bride and groom consummated the marriage. When he heard the groom come to the door, he announced that the couple was married and the seven-day reception began.
