Topical Encyclopedia Divorce, as a topic within the biblical context, is addressed with significant gravity and concern. The Scriptures provide guidance on the circumstances under which divorce is permitted, particularly highlighting the concept of "hardness of heart" as a key factor.The primary biblical reference to divorce being permitted due to hardness of heart is found in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the issue directly when questioned by the Pharisees. He refers to the Mosaic Law, which allowed for divorce, and explains the underlying reason for this allowance: Matthew 19:7-8 : “They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses command 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.’” Here, Jesus acknowledges that the provision for divorce was a concession made by Moses due to the hardness of human hearts. This phrase, "hardness of heart," implies a stubbornness or unwillingness to adhere to God's original design for marriage, which is a lifelong, covenantal union between a man and a woman. The concept of hardness of heart is further illuminated in the broader biblical narrative. It often denotes a spiritual insensitivity or rebellion against God's will. In the context of marriage, it suggests a failure to live out the selfless love and commitment that marriage requires. The allowance for divorce, therefore, is seen as a response to human sinfulness and the breakdown of marital relationships due to persistent unfaithfulness or irreconcilable differences. In the Old Testament, the provision for divorce is found in the Law of Moses: Deuteronomy 24:1 : “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.” This law was intended to regulate the practice of divorce and protect the rights of the woman, ensuring that she was not left destitute or without legal standing. However, it was not an endorsement of divorce as an ideal solution but rather a concession to human weakness. The New Testament further clarifies the conditions under which divorce may be considered permissible. In addition to hardness of heart, Jesus mentions marital unfaithfulness as a legitimate ground for divorce: Matthew 19:9 : “And I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery.” This exception clause underscores the seriousness of the marriage covenant and the gravity of sexual immorality as a breach of that covenant. It highlights the sanctity of marriage and the expectation of fidelity between spouses. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of divorce in his letters, providing additional guidance for believers. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul discusses the situation of a believer married to an unbeliever and the potential for divorce if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave: 1 Corinthians 7:15 : “But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace.” This passage suggests that while marriage is to be upheld, peace and freedom from bondage are also important considerations in cases where an unbelieving spouse departs. Overall, the biblical teaching on divorce acknowledges the reality of human sinfulness and the resulting challenges in marital relationships. While divorce is permitted in certain circumstances, it is always presented as a last resort, with the hope of reconciliation and restoration being the preferred outcome. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 19:8He said to them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether it was Lawful to Divorce a Wife under the Mosaic Law? Even if the Permission had Been Given by St. Paul in the Sense ... Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members ... The Sermon on the Mount. Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... Against Jovinianus. Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 The Best Strengthening Medicine Anti-Pelagian Writings Index of Subjects. 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) |
    |