How does Deuteronomy 24:3 address the issue of divorce and remarriage? Setting the Scene “and her second husband hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies,” (Deuteronomy 24:3) Key Observations from Verse 3 • A second marriage is assumed; the woman has already been divorced once (v. 1–2). • The second husband also ends (or is unable to continue) the marriage. • The same formal process (written certificate, physical release) is repeated. • The verse sets up the prohibition of v. 4: she may not return to the first husband. Divorce—A Limited Concession, Not a Command • The law recognizes that hard-heartedness leads to broken unions (cf. Matthew 19:8). • A written certificate protects the woman from accusations of adultery and clarifies her status. • Repetition of the process underscores that divorce is not casual; formal documentation and public acknowledgment are required. Remarriage—The Specific Boundary • Verse 3’s scenario prepares the way for the “no return” rule of v. 4. • Returning to the first husband after a second divorce (or widowhood) would “defile” the land (v. 4). • The boundary highlights marriage’s covenant nature—once dissolved and another covenant entered, the first cannot be resurrected. Underlying Principles About Marriage • Permanence: Marriage is intended as a lifelong covenant (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6). • Purity: Israel’s land and community were to remain undefiled by cyclical unions. • Protection: Certificates safeguarded vulnerable spouses, limiting unilateral, undocumented repudiation. New Testament Echoes • Jesus cites this passage to show that divorce was tolerated, not endorsed (Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12). • He reaffirms the original design—“What God has joined together, let no man separate” (Mark 10:9). • Paul instructs believers: “A wife must not separate from her husband… and a husband must not divorce his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). Practical Takeaways for Today • Enter marriage with sobriety; God intends it to be binding and exclusive. • When conflict arises, seek reconciliation early—divorce is a concession to sin, not a divine ideal. • Remarriage after divorce carries serious moral and spiritual implications; biblical counsel and repentance are vital. • Uphold marriage vows publicly and legally, reflecting God’s covenant faithfulness. |
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