The Honeymoon

"A newly married man must not be drafted into the army or be given any other official responsibilities. He must be free to spend one year at home, bringing happiness to the wife he has married.  (Deuteronomy 24:5 NLT)

When a couple gets married today, they will often follow through with the tradition of a honeymoon.  They take a break from work, all their normal duties, and just spend some time enjoying each other.  Maybe they travel to someplace exotic.  Maybe they stay close to home.  It doesn't really matter.  They spend the time with each other.

The Israelites were commanded to provide newly married couples an extended honeymoon of sorts.  One year they were to be left alone.  The man was not allowed to be drafted into the army.  He wasn't to be given any other duties.  He was to stay home.  They were to enjoy each other.  Their top priority was to begin building their life.

I wonder how many marriages would last if we made marriage this high of a priority today - making other duties secondary to their relationship.  Should we be paving the way for our young married couples to be able to build a strong relationship with each other in the LORD?  Maybe the Israelites had something here.  Well done, Moses.  Thank you, God.