Topical Encyclopedia The term "Bill of Divorcement" refers to a formal document given by a husband to his wife to legally dissolve their marriage. This concept is rooted in the Mosaic Law and is primarily discussed in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of ancient Israelite society.Biblical References: The primary biblical reference to the Bill of Divorcement is found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage states: "When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her, and sends her out of his house, and if after leaving his house she goes and becomes another man’s wife, and the second man hates her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her, and sends her out of his house, or if he dies, then her first husband who divorced her is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable to the LORD. You must not bring sin upon the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance." This passage outlines the procedure and conditions under which a man could issue a Bill of Divorcement. The "indecency" mentioned is a subject of much debate among scholars and religious authorities, with interpretations varying from moral failings to more specific legal or ritual impurities. Historical and Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, marriage was a covenantal relationship with significant social and legal implications. The Bill of Divorcement served as a legal protection for the woman, allowing her to remarry without the stigma of adultery. It was a written document that formally ended the marriage, providing a clear legal status for both parties. The issuance of a Bill of Divorcement was not taken lightly, as marriage was considered a sacred institution. The process was intended to prevent hasty or unjust separations and to protect the rights and dignity of the woman involved. New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce in the context of the Pharisees' questioning. In Matthew 19:3-9 , Jesus refers back to the Mosaic Law but emphasizes the sanctity and original intent of marriage: "Some Pharisees came to test Him. They asked, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?' Jesus answered, '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.' 'Why then,' they asked, 'did Moses order a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?' Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning. Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery.'" Jesus' teaching underscores the permanence of marriage and highlights the concession of divorce as a response to human fallibility rather than divine intention. Theological Implications: The concept of a Bill of Divorcement raises important theological questions about the nature of marriage, the role of law in human relationships, and the balance between justice and mercy. It reflects the tension between upholding the sanctity of marriage and addressing the realities of human sinfulness and brokenness. Throughout Christian history, interpretations of the biblical teachings on divorce have varied, with some traditions allowing for divorce and remarriage under certain conditions, while others maintain a stricter adherence to the indissolubility of marriage. The discussion continues to be relevant in contemporary Christian ethics and pastoral care. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Bill of DivorcementBILL OF DIVORCEMENT di-vors'-ment. Greek 647. apostasion -- a forsaking, spec. (bill of) divorce ... (bill of) divorce NASB Word Usage certificate of divorce (1 ... of aphistemi; properly, something separative, ie (specially) divorce -- (writing of) divorcement. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/647.htm - 6k Library The Bill of Divorcement. The Divorce of Israel. Of the Harmony Subsisting Between Matthew and Mark in the Accounts ... The Marriage of Church Dignitaries. Union of Angels and the Souls of Men. Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ... Jewish Criticism of the Law of Christ. Letter Lv. To Amandus. Divorce Journey to Jerusalem. Concerning Divorce. Resources Is faith in God religulous? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the National Day of Prayer? | GotQuestions.org What is Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ or CCCI), and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.org Bill: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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