Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me.
Exodus 25:2 ESV
It was common practice to exchange gifts for marriage: a bride price given to the bride and her family from the groom and a dowry given to the groom by the bride and her family. A bride price without a dowry could make the bride into a concubine, a wife with the added obligations of servitude.
When God brought Israel out of Egypt, he gave them a bride price from Egypt's coffers--it all belongs to him anyway. Here in Exo 25:2, he asks for part of that bride price back from Israel as a dowry. The exchange establishes the foundation for a healthy relationship instead of one of slavery.
Of course, disobedience to the covenant and commandments brings another kind of obligation and slavery. Only Yeshua can resolve that one.
Rhy Bezuidenhout
Yes, Father gave them their lost wages when they left Egypt and everything belongs to Him, but asking the bride for a dowry does against all customs I know of.
Is my understanding flawed in this?
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