What does joining together to become one entail? The first phase might include how God prepares and introduces the two people in the first place. You could say it would involve the courtship and marriage ceremony experience. The second phase would include the maturation of the personal relationship over time. Such an interdependent relationship is the foundation of the family. This is why the Pharisees discerned that divorce was contrary to God's design.

Are there any Old Testament patterns that illustrate how God joins people together? In Genesis 24 there is the story of Isaac and Rebekah. God had given Abraham a promise regarding his offspring (:7). Because of this Abraham said to his servant that God would "'send His angel before you, and you will take a wife for my son from there'" (:7). "All who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Ro 8:14). It is the Lord who makes a journey a success (Ge 24:21). This would apply to any Christian's life.

The journey begins with prayer. The servant prayed for God to make him successful (:12). We are to present our requests to God (Php 4:6). The servant was specific with his request because he asked "'may it be'" (Ge 24:14) in the situation he was in. Then it was God's turn to select "'the one you whom You have appointed'" (:14). There is a parallel with Adam and Eve where God "brought her to the man" (2:22). Finally you must watch closely to see what God does (24:21).

At some point a recognition by faith in the quest is offered such as the ring and bracelets (:22) and a confession that the "'the Lord has guided me'" (:27) is spoken. Details are shared with the other party because we see that Rebekah told her brother "'This is what the man said to me'" (:30). The opportunity to agree or disagree follows. The servant said "'tell me; and if not, let me know, that I may turn to the right hand or the left'" (:49). Their answer was "'The matter comes from the Lord'" (:50). At this point it was acknowledged that "'the Lord has prospered my way'" (:56). Then it was time to ask Rebekah "'Will you go'" (:58) and she said "'I will'" (:58).