A Lofty Model for Marriage

When people marry, they bring their own expectations to the marriage union. But what are God’s expectations? The institution of marriage originated with him. What was his purpose for it?

One indication of God’s perspective comes from his relationship with the nation of Israel. Isaiah portrays this relationship as a marriage. (Isaiah 62:1-5) Notice what Jehovah God as a “husband” does for his “bride.” He protects and sanctifies her. (Isaiah 62:6, 7, 12) He honors and values her. (Isaiah 62:3, 8, 9) And he finds delight in her, as indicated by the new names he gives her.​—Isaiah 62:4, 5, 12.

There can be no greater love than that shown by Jehovah toward Israel and that shown by Christ toward the congregation. Those symbolic relationships provide a lofty model for a successful and happy marriage between Christians.​—Ephesians 5:28-33.