A prominent feature of the engagement was the moʹhar, the bride-price. This term moʹhar occurs three times in the Bible. (Ge 34:12; Ex 22:16, 17; 1Sa 18:25) The bride-price was usually paid to the parents. In Rebekah’s case, Abraham’s servant gave “choice things” to her mother and to her brother Laban, who took the leading part in making the arrangements. (Ge 24:53) The moʹhar could also be in the form of service. (Ge 29:15-30; Jos 15:16) Exodus 22:16, 17 shows that the moʹhar was paid to the father of a seduced girl as indemnity for the offense committed, even if the father refused to give her in marriage. The bride was occasionally given a present by her father as “a parting gift,” and sometimes, as in the case of Rebekah, the bride was presented with gifts at betrothal.​—1Ki 9:16; Jos 15:17-19; Ge 24:53.

There generally was not a prolonged interval of years between engagement and marriage, although there could be times when an interval was needed so that the groom might pay the stipulated price or render the desired service. In the case of Jacob, the period of engagement was seven years, during which he served for Rachel but was given Leah. Then he waited one week longer before receiving Rachel, although he continued to serve Laban seven years more for her.​—Ge 29:20-28.