In ancient Hebrew betrothal ceremonies, the offering of wine played a significant role, particularly in the proposal stage. The man would offer a cup of wine to the woman as a symbol of his love and offer of his life, according to That the World May Know. The woman's acceptance or rejection of the proposal was signified by her drinking or not drinking the cup, as also noted by That the World May Know. The man's father might also offer him a cup of wine, which he would then present to the woman. This act of offering wine represented the man's commitment and the woman's potential acceptance of that commitment.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- The wine cup represented the man's love, his offer of his life, and the potential union of their lives.
- Drinking the wine indicated acceptance of the proposal, signifying a commitment to the man's life and a reciprocal offering of the woman's life.
- The father's offering of wine reinforced the seriousness of the proposal and the family's blessing on the union.
- The act of offering and accepting the wine was a public declaration of intent and commitment, solidifying the betrothal agreement.