Topical Encyclopedia The topic of divorce within the biblical context is a subject of significant theological and moral consideration. The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant instituted by God, and divorce is generally viewed as contrary to the divine intention for marriage. The scriptural foundation for understanding the law of marriage against divorce is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, marriage is established as a covenantal relationship between a man and a woman. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational verse underscores the unity and permanence intended in marriage. The Mosaic Law does address divorce, but it is regulated rather than endorsed. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 provides instructions regarding the issuance of a certificate of divorce, which was permitted due to the hardness of human hearts. However, this provision was not an endorsement of divorce but a concession to human weakness, aiming to protect the rights of the divorced woman. New Testament Teachings The New Testament reinforces the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, emphasizes the original divine intention for marriage. In Matthew 19:4-6 , Jesus refers back to Genesis, saying, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Jesus acknowledges the Mosaic concession for divorce but clarifies that it was due to the hardness of human hearts and not God's original design (Matthew 19:8). He further states in Matthew 19:9 , "And I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." This exception clause highlights the gravity of marital unfaithfulness as a potential ground for divorce, yet it underscores the expectation of marital fidelity. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of divorce in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 , Paul writes, "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife." This passage reiterates the call for reconciliation and the avoidance of divorce. Theological Implications The biblical perspective on divorce is deeply intertwined with the understanding of marriage as a covenant reflecting God's relationship with His people. The prophetic literature often uses marriage as a metaphor for God's covenant with Israel, highlighting themes of faithfulness and commitment. The book of Malachi explicitly states God's disapproval of divorce, declaring, "For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel (Malachi 2:16). In summary, the Bible presents a consistent view that marriage is a lifelong covenant intended to reflect God's faithful love. While divorce is addressed in Scripture, it is generally seen as a deviation from God's ideal, permitted only under specific circumstances and with a view toward reconciliation and restoration. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 2:24Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall join to his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 19:6 Library Whether in a Case of Divorce Husband and Wife Should be Judged on ... Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... Whether Inseparableness of the Wife is of Natural Law? Journey to Jerusalem. Concerning Divorce. Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ... From Examples Tertullian Passes to Direct Dogmatic Teachings He ... Whether the Husband Can on his Own Judgment Put Away his Wife on ... Whether it was ever Lawful to have a Concubine? Whether a Marriage Contracted by Persons with the Degrees of ... Whether a Husband Can Marry Again after Having a Divorce? Resources What does Malachi 2:16 mean when God says, “I hate divorce”? | GotQuestions.orgIs the divorce rate among Christians truly the same as among non-Christians? | GotQuestions.org What does Deuteronomy 24 teach about divorce? | GotQuestions.org Divorce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divorce of Captives, Regulated by Law Divorce of Servants, Regulated by Law Divorce: Disobedience of the Wife to the Husband, a Sufficient Cause For, in the Persian Empire Divorce: Forbidden by Christ Except for Adultery Divorce: Forced on Those Who had Idolatrous Wives Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: Illustrative of God's Casting off of the Jewish Church Divorce: Jews Condemned for Love of Divorce: Law of Marriage Against Divorce: Not Allowed to Those Who Falsely Accused Their Wives Divorce: Often Sought by the Jews Divorce: Permitted by the Mosaic Law Divorce: Permitted: On Account of Hardness of Heart Divorce: Priests not to Marry Women After Divorce: Prohibition of, offended the Jews Divorce: Sought on Slight Grounds Divorce: Women: Could Marry After Divorce: Women: Married After, Could not Return to First Husband Divorce: Women: Responsible for Vows After Related Terms Transgressions (64 Occurrences) |
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