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CHAP. II.
VERS. I.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.
And the third day there was a marriage, &c.
A Virgin b 1.1 marries 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 on the fourth day of the week, and a widow on the fifth. c 1.2 This custom came not in but from the decree of Ezra, and so onward, for the Sanhedrin doth not sit, but on the second and the fifth day; and by the decree of Ezra when the Sanhedrin assembled every day, then was it lawful to take a wife on any day. There is a twofold reason given for this restraint.
I. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Virgin was to be marry'd on the fourth day of the week, because the Assembly of the Twenty three met on the fifth; so that if the husband should find his wife to be no virgin, but already violated, he might have recourse to the Consi∣story in the heat of his displeasure, and procure just punishment for her according to Law. But why then might they not as well marry on the first day of the week, seeing the Beth din met on the second as well as the fifth.
II. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Lest the Sabbath should be polluted by preparations for the Nuptials, for the first, second, and third day of the week are allow'd for those kind of preparations. And the reason why the widow was to be marry'd on the fifth day was, that her husband might rejoyce with her for three days together, viz. fifth, sixth, and the Sabbath-day. d 1.3
If therefore our bride in this place was a virgin, then the Nuptials were celebrated on the fourth day of the week, which is our Wednesday. If she was a widow then she was marry'd on the fifth day of the week, which is our Thursday. Let us therefore number the days according to our Evangelist, and let it be but granted that that was the Sabbath in which it is said, They abode with him all that day, Cap. I. v. 39. Then on the first day of the week Christ went into Galilee and met with Nathanael. So that the third day from thence is the fourth day of the week; but as to that let every one reckon as he himself shall think fit.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉:
A Marriage.
Amongst the Talmudists it is sometimes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sometimes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sometimes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sometimes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 all which denotes matter of pomp and gladness.
- I. The Virgin to be marry'd cometh forth from her Fathers house, to that of her hus∣bands. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in some veil, but with her hair dishevel'd, or her head unco∣ver'd.
- II. If any person meets her upon that day, he gives her the way, which once was done by King Agrippa himself.
- III. They carry before her a cup of wine which they were wont to call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the cup of Trumah, which denoted that she for her unspotted virginity might have married a Priest, and eaten of the Trumah.
- IV. Skipping and dancing they were wont to sing the praises of the Bride. In Palestine they used these words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 she needs no paint nor sti∣bium, no plaiting of the hair, or any such thing, for she is of her self most beautiful.
- V. They scatter'd some kind of grain or corn amongst the children, that they if occasi∣on should serve might bear witness hereafter that they saw that woman a marry'd virgin.
- VI. They sprinkled also or sowed barley before them, by that ceremony denoting their fruitfulness e 1.4. Whether these sports were used at the wedding where our Saviour was present, let others enquire.
- VII. In Sotah f 1.5 there is mention of Crowns which the bride and bridegroom wore, a•• also what fashion they were of, and of what materials they were made.
- VIII. Because of the mirth that was expected at Nuptial solemnities▪ they forbad all weddings celebrating within the feasts of the Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, Be∣cause there were great rejoycings at Nuptials, and they must not intermingle one joy with ano∣ther; that is, the joy of Nuptials with the joy of a festival e 1.6.
- IX. The Nuptial festivity was continu'd for the whole seven days which we also see of old, Judg. XIX. 12.