What Marriage is Meant For

Marriage is the oldest institution on earth. It precedes any other, including government, commerce, academia, the arts, or the military. Initiated in the opening pages of Genesis, it is civilization’s bedrock—God-created and God-ordained bedrock.

First of all, it was a strategic institution. The first couple had work to do. As it says in Genesis 1:28, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” So God gave Adam a helper, Eve.

Second, it was holy matrimony. God brought them together, and together, even unclothed, they felt no shame (Genesis 2:25). It was also thrilling. When Adam said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh,” he was joyfully contemplating God’s special handiwork in the woman. He’d seen the rest of creation, but upon encountering Eve he said, in effect, “Now you’re talking!”

Third, marriage was meant for grown-ups, for adults. Couples were to leave their parents and cleave to each other. With each newly committed couple, a brand-new family would be formed, with all its privileges and responsibilities.

Finally, this was to be a lasting institution. The couple became flesh and blood with one another—kinfolk.

And so with the first couple, Adam and Eve, God instituted the means by which He would multiply humanity—and bring forth the Savior, who would redeem a people from its midst.