Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, divorce is a subject that is addressed with gravity and seriousness. The Scriptures provide guidance on the sanctity of marriage and the conditions under which divorce may be considered. The issue of seeking divorce on slight or trivial grounds is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the importance of marriage as a covenantal relationship instituted by God.Old Testament Context The Mosaic Law provided regulations concerning divorce, primarily to protect the rights and dignity of individuals within the marriage covenant. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 outlines the procedure for divorce, stating, "If a man marries a woman but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house." The term "something indecent" has been the subject of much interpretation, but it suggests a serious breach of marital fidelity or conduct, rather than trivial matters. The prophets also spoke against the casual treatment of divorce. Malachi 2:16 declares, "For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel, and him who covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not break faith." This passage underscores the divine disapproval of divorce, especially when sought for insubstantial reasons, and emphasizes the need for faithfulness and integrity in marriage. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce directly, reinforcing the sanctity of marriage and condemning the practice of seeking divorce on slight grounds. In Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees question Jesus about the legality of divorce for any reason. Jesus responds by pointing back to the creation narrative, stating, "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 further clarifies that divorce was permitted by Moses due to the hardness of human hearts, but it was not intended from the beginning. He states, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." This teaching highlights that divorce should not be pursued for trivial reasons but is permissible only in cases of serious marital unfaithfulness. Apostolic Guidance The Apostle Paul also provides guidance on marriage and 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." Paul emphasizes reconciliation and the permanence of marriage, discouraging separation and divorce except under grave circumstances. Cultural and Historical Considerations In the cultural context of the biblical era, marriage was a foundational institution, and divorce was not taken lightly. The Jewish community, particularly during the time of Jesus, had varying interpretations of the grounds for divorce, with some schools of thought allowing for divorce on relatively minor issues. Jesus' teachings challenged these interpretations, calling for a return to the original intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant. The biblical perspective on divorce, especially when sought on slight grounds, reflects a deep respect for the marriage covenant and a call to uphold its sanctity. The Scriptures consistently advocate for commitment, reconciliation, and the resolution of conflicts within the marriage relationship, reserving divorce for situations of significant breach of trust or moral failure. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:31It has been said, Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce: Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 19:3 Library On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ... Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee. English Congregational Creeds. Papal Tombs. Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Essay The First Epistle of St. Peter Disestablishment Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources Is remarriage after divorce always adultery? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say that abandonment is a valid reason for divorce and remarriage? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about remarriage if a divorce occurred before salvation? | 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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