Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall join to his wife: and they shall be one flesh. I. MARRIAGE OF MAN AND WOMAN IS AN ORDINANCE OF GOD HIMSELF. And is therefore called the covenant of God (Proverbs 2:17). By which He is said to join the married persons together (Matthew 19:6). Of which conjunction especially the apostle speaks, when he warns every man to walk as God hath called him (1 Corinthians 7:17). Neither in reason can it be otherwise; seeing — 1. We are God's and not our own; and therefore none of us having power over his own person, can be disposed of otherwise than He directs (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). 2. We bring forth children unto God (Malachi 2:15). Which He therefore calls His own (Ezekiel 16:21), as born unto Him. II. MARRIED PERSONS MUST BE WHOLLY AND ENTIRELY ONE TO ANOTHER. According to the form of that stipulation mentioned (Hosea 3:3), which extends unto all conjugal duties only. One may love other friends, but only his wife with a conjugal love and affection, rejoicing in her alone (Proverbs 5:18, 19); dwelling with her as an inseparable companion; advising and jointly labouring with her for upholding and governing of the family (1 Corinthians 7:3) and the like — in those the married persons must be wholly one to another. But so that they also, as well as others, must still hold themselves obliged to those general duties of love, due reverence, and service, unto all other persons, according to their several relations. III. MARRIED PERSONS ARE NOT ONLY TO REFRAIN THEMSELVES FROM ALL OTHERS, BUT RESIDES TO ADHERE AND CLEAVE FIRMLY ONE TO ANOTHER. (J. White, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. |
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