Topical Bible: Divorce: Prohibition of, offended the Jews

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The topic of divorce and its prohibition is a significant theme within the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of Jewish customs and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Mosaic Law, as given in the Old Testament, provided certain allowances for divorce, which were later addressed and reinterpreted by Jesus in the New Testament, leading to tension and offense among the Jewish leaders of His time.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses permitted divorce under specific circumstances. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 outlines the procedure for a man to issue a certificate of divorce if he found "some indecency" in his wife. This provision was intended to regulate the practice of divorce and protect the rights of the woman, ensuring she could remarry. However, the interpretation of "some indecency" became a point of contention among Jewish scholars, leading to varying opinions on what constituted valid grounds for divorce.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce directly, challenging the prevailing interpretations of the Mosaic Law. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus states, "It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her; and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery" (Matthew 5:31-32). Here, Jesus emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage, allowing divorce only in the case of sexual immorality.

Further, in Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees question Jesus about the legality of divorce for any reason. Jesus responds by referring to the creation narrative, stating, "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 underscores the divine intention for marriage as a lifelong union, thus restricting the grounds for divorce.

Offense to the Jews

The teachings of Jesus on divorce were radical and offensive to many Jewish leaders and scholars of His time. The Pharisees, in particular, were known for their strict adherence to the Law and their interpretations, which often included more lenient views on divorce. Jesus' emphasis on the original intent of marriage and His restrictive stance on divorce challenged the established norms and interpretations, leading to conflict with the religious authorities.

The offense taken by the Jewish leaders can be seen as part of a broader pattern of resistance to Jesus' teachings, which often called for a return to the heart of the Law rather than mere legalistic observance. By prioritizing the sanctity of marriage and limiting the grounds for divorce, Jesus highlighted the moral and spiritual dimensions of the Law, which were sometimes overshadowed by legalistic interpretations.

Conclusion

The prohibition of divorce, as taught by Jesus, represents a significant departure from the more permissive interpretations of the Mosaic Law prevalent among the Jews of His time. This teaching not only reinforced the sanctity of marriage but also served as a point of contention between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, illustrating the broader tension between Jesus' teachings and the established religious norms.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 19:10
His disciples say to him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... A man might divorce his wife for any cause: a woman ... The reason for this prohibition
of ornaments was, that in ... she trampled on Jewish law and offended the people ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ...
... not oppose, but rather confirmed by His prohibition of anger ... which required a bill
of divorce in every ... in remembrance wherein they have offended, that learning ...
/.../faustus is willing to admit.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... Will ye not all be offended with the book itself ... They declare that they are no longer
Jews, and that ... the people, who disputed with Him about divorce, that it ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm