This ancient text paints a vivid picture of the bridegroom, and it does so by comparing him to… a king! A king is, ideally, someone admired, celebrated, and treated with utmost respect. And according to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, so too is the groom during the seven days of wedding festivities. It says, "Just as a king is praised by everybody, so is the bridegroom praised by everybody (during) the seven days of the feast." It’s a whole week of celebrating love and new beginnings!
And it doesn't stop there. The text continues, drawing parallel after parallel. "Just as a king is dressed in garments of glory, so the bridegroom is dressed in garments of glory." Think about the special clothes worn on a wedding day, the care and attention put into them. It’s about more than just looking good; it’s about honoring the moment, dressing to mark this monumental occasion.
Then comes the rejoicing. "Just as a king is rejoicing, with feasts in his presence, all his days, so the bridegroom is rejoicing and has feasts before him all the seven days of the banquet." Seven days of feasting! Seven days of joy! It's a reminder that marriage isn't just a one-day event, but a journey to be celebrated and cherished continuously.
But what about the everyday stuff? Even there, the comparison holds. "Just as the king does not go into the market-place alone, likewise the bridegroom does not go into the market-place alone." The groom isn't meant to navigate this new chapter on his own; he has his partner, his queen, by his side. The imagery here speaks to the support and companionship that should define a marriage.
And finally, perhaps the most beautiful image of all: "Just as the face of a king is shining like the light of a sun, so the face of the bridegroom is shining like the light of a sun, as it is said, 'And he is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoicing to run his course' (Ps. 19:5)."
That radiant joy, that inner light shining outwards. That's the promise and the potential of a wedding day. It's a moment when love is not just felt, but visibly, undeniably present. It's a reminder that love, at its best, has the power to illuminate the world.
So, what does this all mean for us today? Maybe it's a reminder to treat those who are in love with a little extra kindness and celebration. Or perhaps it's an invitation to see the king – the inherent dignity and potential for greatness – in everyone, especially those embarking on new journeys. Or maybe it's simply a beautiful way to appreciate the transformative power of love itself.