Modern Perspectives: If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it

 In the Bible men offered gold, precious stones, land, and livesotck to prove themselves worthy of the women they desired. When a man saw a woman he wanted he did not sit by and wait for her to make the first move, he wooed her! Jacob worked for Leah and Rachel's father for several years to get Rachel as his wife.  There was romance in the pursuit of wooing a women and men wanted wives, not only to reproduce, but to also be their friends, helpers, and lovers. Men also listened to God in selecting a mate, making sure that the person was who God intended for them. Which brings me to the question: Where did the concept of a dowry come from? A dowry is defined as the money, gifts, and goods a wife brings to her husband at marriage. This has to be a somewhat modern, man made concept to drive women crazy. I mean when did it get so bad that the roles were reversed?