God’s Relationship with His People

by Zeke Flores

Marriage and its accouterments are often used in Scripture to describe God's relationship with His people.

"I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels" (Isaiah 61:10).

In this passage, the holiness of the relationship is compared to the festive wedding garments that adorn a bride and groom. God Himself is described as a bridegroom who rejoices over His people, His bride. It's a deeply intimate image. Just as a righteous bridegroom nourishes and cherishes his wife as he rejoices in their exclusive relationship, God desires to express His exuberance in His relationship with those who unite with Him. In Ephesians 5, Paul takes this imagery further regarding our relationship with Jesus.

Since God describes His connection to us in such happy and intimate terms, shouldn't we return the joy as we delight in such a loving and affectionate union?

"As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5).