In Israeli culture, a canopy represented God's presence and blessings. They would create canopies using pieces of linen tied to 4 posts, and called them Hoopas. The hoopa was traditionally used during marriage ceremonies.
Two families would arrange for their children to be married. The man would offer the woman a cup; if she accepts the cup, then she has agreed to marry him. The man would then say to her, “I will go to prepare a place for you”, and he’d return to his father’s house to add on a room for his future bride. Only the father of the groom knew the exact time when the groom could go get his wife. Until the father gave his approval, the groom was to continue building the room. Meanwhile, the bride-to-be would prepare for marriage by having a candle in her window. She was to ensure that the candle was never blown out until her groom came for her; the candle represented her readiness to receive the groom. When the groom’s father was satisfied with the room, he’d give the groom his approval to leave and claim his bride. The groom would then gather all his friends together, and they’d go through the streets of that village singing and dancing until they found the candle at the bride’s window. As she heard them coming, she would get dressed and ready. The bride and groom and all their friends would then have a party from 3 to 7 days. They would exchange vows in front of the community, but the marriage would only be legitimate after consummating. So the groom would take his bride into the bridal shower, and in there was a canopy. The canopy represented God’s blessing, presence, and affirmation of their oneness and unity. To the Jews, there wasn’t a religious part of life and a nonreligious part of life, it was just life with God in His presence. So literally hanging over the bridal chamber was a hoopa, affirming their oneness in unity, and that God was a central feature in their union. After consummation, the friend of the groom would announce to everyone that they had been married and they would party, feast, and dance for 7 days. Throughout this time, the friends of the groom would hold a canopy over them.
What a blessing it is that we have a God who would use tangible illustrations to demonstrate and explain His love for us. He is my groom, and a candle shines in my window for Him.
