Miraculously, she hadn t been told. Still, rather than a recommendation, this story seems a rather auspicious reason not to ask in advance. Wives submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. As both make clear, the father is scripturally accountable for the daughter until she leaves his household for her new husband s. When asking for this permission, a young man is requesting spiritual responsibility for a partner, not a piece of property.
Partners are treated with dignity, property is managed with limited concern.
This gesture is also an early sign to the father of the honor being given to his daughter. A lady that is valued early is a lady that is loved unconditionally. These scriptures don t compromise a woman s independence or ambition, rather they facilitate both by giving her the many blessings that come through obedience. Indeed, a loving husband encourages his wife s talents and ambitions, knowing her accomplishments strengthen the marriage partnership. So, perhaps this practice is an anachronism.