BETROTHAL
Among the Jews it was considered as firm as marriage, and could not be dissolved except by divorce. Certain laws were given regarding the betrothed woman (Ex. 21:8, 9; Deut. 20:7; 28:30).
Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus, was espoused to Joseph, and he demonstrated the possibility of repudiating her privately, but an angel of the Lord informed him of the reality of her condition (Mt. 1:18, 19; Luke. 1:27; 2:5).
It is used symbolically to express Jehovah’s favor toward his ancient people at a day yet future when he will “marriage” them to himself forever (Hosea 2:19, 20).
Also regarding the Church’s position with Christ, Paul wrote to the saints in Corinth: “I have betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2). The conduct of the saints should correspond to the reality of this espousal.