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Insights on Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage from Biblical Examinations

Explore the emotional and controversial subject of divorce through the lens of biblical texts in Ezra 9-10 and Malachi 2:10-16. Learn about reconciliation, repentance, and the consequences of failed marriages in these historical contexts. Gain insights on choosing a spouse wisely and following God's teachings. Discover the repercussions of intermarriages with unbelievers and the importance of upholding marriage covenants.

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Insights on Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage from Biblical Examinations

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  1. Marriage, Divorce, & Remarriage D I V O R C E Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject

  2. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Ezra 9-10 • After coming home from Babylonian captivity, the exiles had not separated themselves from the unbelieving pagans around them 9:1 • The post-exilic Jews were intermarrying with these pagan women 9:2a • First & foremost in this sin were the leaders 9:2b

  3. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Ezra 9-10 • This behavior was in direct rebellion to what the Law commanded cp. Deut 7:1-5 Ex 34:16 • In his prayer, Ezra cites this passage 9:12 • To think about all Judah had been through (captivity), that they would start back down that same road with these marriages was “unthinkable” 9:13-15

  4. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Ezra 9-10 • For reconciliation with God to occur, they were going to have to put these wives away 10:1-4 • They had been “unfaithful to God” v. 2a • Yet, “there was still hope” v. 2b • This would be a “process” and would not happen overnight 10:9-14. 16-17

  5. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Ezra 9-10 • Ezra faced opposition in this decision 10:15 • However, what he commanded was the “will of God” and the people had to “do it” 10:11 • We must not be naïve…this would not be easy • Several “emotional arguments” could have been made re: this decision 10:3, 44

  6. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Ezra 9-10 • Emotional arguments do not change nor sway what the word of God plainly says on a subject • Relationships, Salvation, Work of the kingdom, etc. • What does repentance demand? • Repentance requires a complete cessation of all activity from a sinful relationship or situation

  7. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Ezra 9-10 • Sadly, this passage parallels situations we encounter today • We sometimes encounter people interested in the gospel only to later discover they are in marriages that God does not approve • If they truly want to be saved, repentance demands they do as the Jews in Ezra’s day had to do

  8. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Ezra 9-10 • Sadly, this passage parallels situations we encounter today • Emotional arguments won’t changed present-day situations, either • Jesus reminds us of what may have to happen if one really desires eternal life cp. Mt 19:12

  9. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Ezra 9-10 • This passage also reminds us of the importance of choosing one’s spouse • Remember our discussions re: courtship, dating • We must know the Lord’s teachings re: M/D/R BEFORE entering marriage if we want to avoid the heartache experienced by those in Ezra’s day

  10. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • Again, the Jews displayed a willingness to repeat previous mistakes…commit the same sins • Despite Ezra having addressed this just 13 to 15 years earlier, intermarriage with pagans plagued the post-exilic Jews again

  11. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • This text emphasizes two important truths about marriage…truths as relevant under the 2nd covenant as they were under the 1st covenant • God is “witness” when a man enters into a marriage covenant with a woman v. 14 cp. Gen 2:24 • God “hates divorce” v. 16 cp. Mk 10:9

  12. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • The remnant Jews were… • …“profaning the covenant of their fathers” v. 10 • …“dealing treacherously with their brothers” v. 10 • The situation Malachi had to address was jeopardizing the Jews’ “national distinction” of being God’s people

  13. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • The “sin” at the root of the Jews’ problems was their intermarriages with foreign women v. 11 • They were also in danger of judgment v. 12 • They were not only guilty of violating the Lord’s commandment re: intermarrying pagans • They were guilty of something equally important

  14. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • The Jews were also guilty of breaking the hearts of the wives they had put away (divorced) in order to marry the pagan women v. 13a • Tears “covering the altar” belonged to their wives • This also affected their worship v. 13b • PrincipleÙ an O.T. parallel to 1 Pet 3:7?

  15. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • The Jews were in denial to Malachi’s preaching • The style of the entire prophecy indicates this • Technically called “Didactic-Dialectic” public speaking • An assertion (charge) is made…an objection is raised to that charge…evidence (proof) is given as support • Ten times this happens 1:2, 6, 7, 12, 13 2:14, 17 3:7, 8, 17

  16. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • The Jews say to Malachi “For what reason?” was God no longer accepting their worship 2:14a • The proof was the putting away of their wives… labeled as “treacherous treatment” against the “wife of your youth” and “companion” and “wife by covenant” 2:14b

  17. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • God’s role as “Witness” in marriage is an ageless principle for ALL marriages of ALL time • He does the joining Mt 19:6 • He is an active Partner in the marriage • Any spouse treated unfairly suffers knowing God is fully aware of such treacherous behavior

  18. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • 2:15a has various good translations…determining exactly what is being said is difficult • The point from 2:15b is easier to determine • It is an exhortation to refrain from such treacherous treatment of one’s spouse

  19. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure Mal 2:10-16 • God’s own feelings are stated in 2:16 • He “hates” putting away (divorce) • Such is “covering one’s garment with wrong” • Knowing how strongly He feels about this should have stopped this both Ezra’s & Malachi’s day… and in our day, too!!

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