The topic of divorce is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, reflecting God's perspective on the sanctity of marriage and His disapproval of divorce. The foundational understanding of marriage as a divine institution is established in Genesis, where God creates man and woman and ordains their union: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This union is intended to be a lifelong covenant, reflecting God's design for human relationships.

Malachi 2:16 is one of the most direct statements regarding God's view on divorce: "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 highlights God's disdain for divorce, associating it with violence and a breach of faith. The context of Malachi addresses the unfaithfulness of the Israelites, who were divorcing their wives to marry foreign women, thus violating their covenant with God and their spouses.

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage and God's original intent. In Matthew 19:3-9, when questioned by the Pharisees about the legality of divorce, Jesus responds by pointing back to the creation narrative: "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" (Matthew 19:4-6). Jesus emphasizes that divorce was permitted by Moses due to the hardness of human hearts, but it was not part of God's original plan.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of divorce in his letters. 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 underscores the permanence of marriage and encourages reconciliation over separation.

Throughout Scripture, marriage is portrayed as a covenantal relationship that mirrors God's covenant with His people. The prophetic books often use the metaphor of marriage to describe God's relationship with Israel, highlighting themes of faithfulness and commitment. Divorce, therefore, is seen as a violation of this sacred covenant, contrary to God's nature and His intentions for human relationships.

In summary, the Bible consistently presents marriage as a divine institution meant to reflect God's faithfulness and love. Divorce is depicted as contrary to God's will, a disruption of the covenantal bond He established. Believers are called to uphold the sanctity of marriage, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people.