The Value Of Virginity

THE VALUE of

VIRGINITY

Rev. John W. Gerald

I. REBEKAH CHOSEN

Ge 24:16 And the damsel [was] very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

This was Rebekah, the choice of God for Isaac’s wife. She was a cousin, or near kinswoman. Contrary to today’s customs, a virgin was the coveted wife of that day, an absolutely essential quality for a wife for Isaac. It should still be an overriding quality required of a woman about to be married for the first time.

Ge 24:43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw [water], and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;

Abraham’s servant had prayed and asked the LORD for a sign that the woman he was to choose for Isaac would meet certain conditions.

Besides being an unmarried virgin of the house of Laban, she was to offer to do certain courtesies toward him. These were: to offer him drink, and to offer to give water to his camels as well. This was a very big job for a small woman! But it would certainly set this particular woman apart from all others. It was a hard sign, but the Lord sent the one along who could fulfill even this one. The servant of Abraham was overcome with thankfulness for this girl. She was not only beautiful, but she had character!

II. THE LORD’S PRIESTS TO CHOOSE A VIRGIN

Le 21:14 A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, [or] an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.

The Levite, or priest, was not to marry a divorced woman, or a woman who was a widow of an ordinary man. He could take a widow of another priest, but the wife of choice was to be a virgin, and she was to be of the tribe of Levi, as well. He was to take a wife that would be a credit to the priesthood. Profane, vulgar, or women of disrepute were not permitted.

III. A VIRGIN THE CHOICE OF A HUSBAND

Isa 62:5 For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

This is a promise of future blessings, when the men of Israel will build up their own homeland instead of that of other nations. They will be at home on their own land, and will multiply and increase their nation. The people will rejoice in this future state, and God will delight in them when they have returned unto him.

IV. THE VIRGIN AND THE YOUNG MEN SHALL REJOICE

Jer 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

Jeremiah sees the picture very much as Isaiah did. There will be future joy and gladness. This is a picture of restoration of national identity, happiness, peace and joy from the previous sorrow; and comfort and assurance with security. No wonder there will be dancing in the streets for the joy of it all!

V. CHRIST TO BE BORN OF A VIRGIN

Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

While there was a premium upon virginity for the woman to be married, God certainly could require no less for the mother of His Son, Jesus. It was to be a sign to all who believed, that the woman chosen for this honor should be a virgin. She was not to be just a "young woman" as some translations read, but she was to be a VIRGIN. She was to be THE VIRGIN, to separate her from all the rest. While it is not true that Mary was a perpetual virgin, for she had other children, it is true that God honored her above all other women, and all generations will call her blessed! for she was truly blessed of God.

Mt 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew quotes the reference from Isaiah. It is an acknowledgment of the prophecy from Isaiah being fulfilled in this new testament account. It was thought impossible that a virgin, who was still a virgin, could be pregnant. It was not within the powers of nature! This birth was a supernatural one. God made Mary pregnant with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. He was to be VERY MAN, and VERY GOD. His name Emmanuel, and the name given by the angel at his birth, Jesus, both indicated His mission to this earth. He was to be God with us, and the Saviour of mankind.