Arriving at the Bridegroom's House

ARRIVAL AT THE HOUSE OF THE BRIDEGROOM The most important moment of the entire marriage festivity was that in which the bride entered her new home.23 And as both groom and bride usually wore crowns, the Psalmist must have pictured this important moment in the marriage of the king: "She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace" (Psalm 45:14-15). After arriving at the bridegroom's house, some of the older women had the task of arranging the bride's hair. Her flowing locks were hidden beneath a thick veil. From this time on, the custom would dictate that her face was not to be unveiled in public. She was led to her place under a canopy, which was located either inside the house, or if the weather permitted, in the open air. Her place was beside her husband, where both would hear new words of benediction given by one of the fathers, or by some important person who might be present. In the wedding at Cana of Galilee, JESUS was the most prominent guest present, and doubtless He was asked to pronounce His benediction upon the newlyweds (John 2:1-11). [Manners And Customs of Bible Lands]