Early in the book of Genesis God tells us that it is appropriate for
a man to “leave his father and his mother” and “cleave unto his wife:
and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, King James Version). The
Hebrew word translated “cleave” is dabaq, meaning “to cling, cleave,
keep close.”
“Used in modern Hebrew in the sense of ‘to stick to, adhere to,’
dabaq yields the noun form for ‘glue’ and also the more abstract ideas
of ‘loyalty, devotion’” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words,
1985, “To Cleave, Cling”).When a husband and wife obey the biblical command to cleave to
each other, they will literally join together. Having sexual relations,
being “one flesh,” is part of commitment to each other in marriage.
Commitment includes fidelity, trust and the character to act properly
when under pressure or temptation. Yet too often people engage in sex
without commitment—a contradiction of this foundational principle for
successful marriages.
When two people exchange wedding vows, they make a lifelong
commitment. Biblically speaking, this is a covenant (Malachi 2:14)—
a solemn promise to God and one’s mate to be faithful.
This commitment should not be taken lightly or maintained only
when we feel like it. We need to understand that our feelings can mislead
us. God does not advocate only occasional bursts of loyalty and
obedience to Him whenever it is convenient for us. Similarly, people who
desire good marriages do not look for people who will stay committed
to them only most of the time.
Good relationships stand on long-term, trustworthy commitments—
even under trying circumstances. When two people commit to follow
God and His instructions within their marriage, they take the first steps
to a happy, lasting relationship.
