Divorce

Divorce, the dissolution of the marital union, is a topic addressed in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Scriptures provide guidance on the sanctity of marriage and the circumstances under which divorce may be considered.

In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law permitted divorce under certain conditions. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 outlines the procedure for a man to issue a certificate of divorce if he finds "some indecency" in his wife. This provision was intended to regulate divorce practices and protect the rights of the woman, ensuring she could remarry.

The New Testament further clarifies the biblical stance on divorce. Jesus addresses the issue directly in the Gospels. In Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees question Jesus about the legality of divorce. Jesus responds by affirming the original intent of marriage, quoting Genesis 2:24: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." He emphasizes that what God has joined together, man should not separate. However, Jesus acknowledges an exception for marital unfaithfulness, stating, "Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9).

The Apostle Paul also addresses divorce in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Paul advises married couples to remain together, but he provides guidance for situations where an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave. In such cases, the believing spouse is "not bound" (1 Corinthians 7:15), suggesting that divorce may be permissible.

Hardness of Heart

The concept of "hardness of heart" is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in relation to a resistance to God's will and commandments. This condition is characterized by stubbornness, insensitivity, and a refusal to heed divine instruction.

In the context of divorce, Jesus attributes the allowance for divorce in the Mosaic Law to the hardness of human hearts. In Matthew 19:8, He explains, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning" . This statement indicates that the provision for divorce was a concession to human weakness and sinfulness, rather than God's ideal for marriage.

The theme of hardness of heart extends beyond the issue of divorce. Throughout Scripture, it is depicted as a spiritual ailment that hinders individuals from understanding and accepting God's truth. In the Old Testament, Pharaoh's hardened heart leads to his refusal to release the Israelites from bondage (Exodus 7:13-14). In the New Testament, Jesus encounters hardness of heart among the religious leaders and even His own disciples, who struggle to comprehend His teachings and miracles (Mark 3:5; Mark 6:52).

The Bible warns against the dangers of a hardened heart, urging believers to remain receptive to God's voice. Hebrews 3:12-15 exhorts Christians to "encourage one another daily" to prevent the deceitfulness of sin from hardening their hearts. This call to vigilance underscores the importance of maintaining a soft and responsive heart toward God and His commandments.

In summary, the biblical teachings on divorce and hardness of heart highlight the tension between human frailty and divine intention. While divorce is permitted under certain circumstances, it is not the ideal. The hardness of heart serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual sensitivity and obedience to God's will.