Topical Encyclopedia Divorce, as addressed in the Mosaic Law, is a topic that has been the subject of theological discussion and interpretation throughout the history of Judeo-Christian thought. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites through Moses, contains specific provisions regarding the dissolution of marriage, reflecting the social and religious context of ancient Israel.Biblical Foundation The primary biblical text concerning divorce under the Mosaic Law is found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. The Berean Standard Bible renders this passage as follows: "When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, and she leaves his house and goes and becomes another man's wife, and the latter husband turns against her, writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, or if the latter husband who took her to be his wife dies, then her former husband who sent her away is not allowed to take her again to be his wife after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination before 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 for divorce, emphasizing the issuance of a "certificate of divorce" as a formal declaration of the dissolution of the marriage. The text also prohibits the remarriage of a woman to her first husband after she has been married to another, highlighting the seriousness with which marriage and divorce were regarded. Interpretation and Context The phrase "some indecency" has been the subject of much debate among scholars and religious leaders. In the context of ancient Israel, this term likely referred to a serious moral or legal failing, though interpretations have varied. The provision for divorce was seen as a concession to human weakness and the hardness of heart, as later expounded by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 19:8). The issuance of a certificate of divorce served multiple purposes: it provided legal protection for the woman, allowing her to remarry without the stigma of adultery, and it established a formal process that prevented impulsive or unjustified separations. This legal framework was intended to maintain social order and protect the rights of individuals within the community. Cultural and Religious Implications In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, marriage was not only a personal relationship but also a social contract with significant implications for family lineage, property rights, and community stability. The Mosaic Law's regulation of divorce reflects these broader concerns, aiming to balance individual rights with communal responsibilities. The allowance for divorce under certain conditions underscores the recognition of human imperfection and the need for legal structures to address relational breakdowns. However, the restrictions placed on remarriage and the emphasis on the sanctity of marriage indicate a desire to uphold the integrity and permanence of the marital bond. New Testament Perspective While the Mosaic Law permitted divorce, the New Testament presents a more restrictive view, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. Jesus refers to the Mosaic provision as a concession due to the hardness of human hearts but calls His followers to a higher standard of marital fidelity (Matthew 19:3-9). Paul, in his epistles, also addresses the issue, emphasizing reconciliation and the sanctity of marriage (1 Corinthians 7:10-16). In summary, the Mosaic Law's provisions for divorce reflect a complex interplay of legal, social, and religious factors, acknowledging human frailty while striving to uphold the sanctity of marriage within the covenant community of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 24:1When a man has taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he has found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorce, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether it was Lawful to Divorce a Wife under the Mosaic Law? Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ... Even if the Permission had Been Given by St. Paul in the Sense ... What did Moses Write? Against Jovinianus. On the Interpretation of Scripture Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 Byzantine Empresses Theodora ii. , Theophano, Zoe, Theodora iii. Chaldaean Civilization The First Epistle of St. Peter Resources What does Malachi 2:16 mean when God says, “I hate divorce”? | GotQuestions.orgIs the divorce rate among Christians truly the same as among non-Christians? | GotQuestions.org What does Deuteronomy 24 teach about divorce? | 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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