Why Did Gabriel Marry Deborah?

Gabriel married Deborah primarily because she provided him with crucial support and assistance after the death of his mother, and he subsequently asked her to be his wife.

Deborah's compassionate actions came at a pivotal time in Gabriel's life, following a period of personal transformation.

Key Factors in Gabriel's Decision

Several significant factors contributed to Gabriel's choice to marry Deborah:

• Support During Grief: After his mother passed away, Gabriel found himself in a vulnerable state. Deborah stepped in to offer him much-needed support and help. This assistance was invaluable to him during a difficult time.
• Deborah's Unique Position: Deborah was a woman whom no one else would marry, as she had been raped. Despite the societal stigma and ostracization she faced, she offered kindness and practical aid to Gabriel. This willingness to stand by him, when others would not, likely fostered a deep sense of connection and gratitude in Gabriel.
• Gabriel's Past and Conversion: Gabriel himself had a tumultuous youth. He was known for a "wild youth" filled with drinking and debauchery. This period ended when he had a profound religious experience at the age of 22, leading him to become "saved" and subsequently a preacher. This personal history of redemption and seeking a new path might have made him more open to a relationship with someone like Deborah, who also carried a past that made her an outcast in society. His journey from a sinful life to a spiritual one may have influenced his capacity for empathy and acceptance.

The marriage appears to be founded on mutual need and the solace Deborah offered Gabriel during a period of significant personal loss and adjustment.