What Does the Bible Say About Divorce? - Beattitudes Part 3
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Matthew 5:31-32
We are now continuing with Matthew 5:31-32, where Jesus addresses the topic of divorce. Although only two verses, this subject is a weighty one and must be examined from God’s perspective. Let’s also look back to where divorce was first established in the Old Testament.
A topic that may not apply to you personally, but in today’s world, most of us have encountered someone who has experienced divorce. This article is to help us understand what God says about the topic. It’s always best to look for answers in the Bible before we begin exploring man’s perspective or consulting others.
I hope that none would ever encounter divorce, but to know all things in the Bible- it is our guide for life. Even if a passage doesn’t apply to us directly, it may equip us to help others, and in doing so, we might be a tool God uses to lead them closer to Him.
When Was Divorce Established in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 24:1-4 outlines the law and terms of divorce among the Jews:
(1)” When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. (2) And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. (3) And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; (4) Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”
Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce
In Matthew 19:1-9, the Pharisees tested Jesus by asking if divorce was lawful “for a man to put away his wife for any cause.” Jesus responded by pointing them back to God’s design for marriage. The oath of what marriage is: God made male and female to be united.
Matthew 19:5-6 “And said, for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (6) Wherefore they are not more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Jesus made it clear: marriage is a covenant created by God, not simply a human agreement or contract.
What is Marriage?
Marriage is two individuals, one man and one woman, joined together by God as one flesh. Once joined in marriage, they are no longer two but one. What affects one spouse affects the other, for their lives are bound together.
The Pharisees Questioning Jesus
The Pharisees continue to press Jesus about why Moses allowed divorce…
Matthew 19:7 -“…Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?”
Jesus explains 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.”
Jesus added:
Matthew 19:9 - “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
Divorce And Adultery
Jesus taught that adultery was the only acceptable reason for divorce because it breaks the sacred bond of marriage. Even then, forgiveness and restoration are possible when both spouses surrender to God.
Divorce was permitted under the Law of Moses because of sin and the hardness of hearts, but it was never God’s original design.
This, however, is a law for man, and not one that God would have for any marriage bond to be broken. Adultery and hardness of heart are sins; sin can be forgiven. Therefore, a marriage can be renewed through devotion to God and to one another.
Terms of Divorce
Jesus goes on to explain to the Pharisees that whoever divorces their wife for any reason other than fornication, and then marries another, has committed adultery, and has caused her to commit adultery if the wife is to be joined with another man.
To see other perspectives of this conversation, see Mark 10:2-12 and Luke 16:18
Divorce As Repentance: An Example in Ezra
Another biblical account appears in Ezra 10:10-19, where the Israelites had married pagan women during exile in Babylon. When they returned to Jerusalem, their repentance and restoration with God led them to examine their sins.
Read Ezra 10:10-19
(10) “And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.”
To repent and restore their covenant with God, they divorced the pagan wives and offered sacrifices for their sins.
Divorce in Today’s World
Divorce Today’s World
In our society, divorce has been a common part of life - even among Christians. This should concern us because marriage is sacred. When a man and woman decide to join in Holy Matrimony, it should be thought of wholeheartedly before entering into it.
We live in a society where, if we don’t like what we bought, we return it to the store and get an exchange. Marriage- the uniting of two souls – union between a man, a woman, and God-should be prayed over before making such a lifelong decision.
Before marriage, ask yourself:
Would this be the person I want to raise children with?
Will this spouse care for me in sickness and difficulty?
Are we both willing to invite God into our marriage?
God, Husband, and Wife
When God is the center of marriage, we must do all we can to remain united -through sickness and health, good and bad - until death do us part. Marriage was created by God; and we must honor its covenant.
Divorce should be a last resort - one that would be considered after all efforts have been exhausted. Being married is not always easy, but there is someone I know who will always be there for men – my husband. We may not always agree, but at the end of the day, love unites us. This Sermon on the Mount as we know it to be the Beatitudes are manners of character that we should be aware of, for we are ambassadors to continue in spreading the Gospel Message of Salvation!
Honest Love Tried by Fire
True love isn’t a fairytale; it requires 100% from both spouses; there is no 50-50. Love is not always easy, but it’s what keeps the foundation together. True, honest love is tried with fire; it has its trials, temptations, and challenges. This unity is worth working for - a companion who fills your weakness with his strength, and where your compassion completes his factual character.
United, we are stronger. We can face the trials and challenges of life - TOGETHER.
When Separation is Critical
I understand there are heartbreaking circumstances where divorce may be the safest or most necessary choice. If someone is being abused, they need to seek help and protection immediately. God values your life and safety. (If you or someone you know needs help from an abusive situation, don’t wait - contact your local authorities immediately.)
Divorce Is Not The End
If you have been through a divorce, know that you are loved by a forgiving God. (Not looking for blame upon anyone.) We often rely on society to find opinions and forget to look to God’s Word first.
You Are Not Alone
We are not perfect; we live in a world that is full of sin. Know that you are not alone. Many reasons could cause a divorce to occur, but whatever the reason may be, God still loves you. God is waiting to restore the bond of relationship with Him; He is not ashamed of you; He is patiently waiting for you to reach out to Him.
God’s Word Above All
Let this be a reminder that we are to rely on what God’s Word says about these judgments and not rely upon what man’s knowledge is. Man will not be the judge of sin - only God. Therefore, we need to refresh our knowledge according to God’s Word.
We can acknowledge our past decisions and sins; we cannot go back and undo them. There are many things in my past I wish I could go back and undo…but I can’t. I do, however, look at them as a reminder of who I once was, and of the sin that God has forgiven and washed me from.
Let us not dwell in the past. Repent- ask forgiveness- and have the confidence of knowing that God no longer sees that upon us. He sees a purified daughter who is covered by the purification of Jesus’ Sacrifice on the cross. You are a daughter of THE KING.
When satan wants to remind you of things you once did or said, straighten your crown and remind him who you belong to! You are no longer that person - you are purified, sanctified and forgiven!
Last Thoughts
Often, I’m not sure where these lessons will take us. Sometimes it’s straightforward and we can get through a bit of verses, and other times - like this devotion – deeper research leads us to focus on one topic. I pray this has blessed. Divorce is not an easy subject to discuss, but it’s always best to know what God’s Word says on any matter. You never know when you may have a friend or loved one who may face this troublesome issue, and with God’s Word, perhaps you can be there as a source of encouragement and understanding.
Some Supporting Scripture:
No Respect of Persons
Jeremiah 33:8 - “And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.”
Romans 5:11,12 - “For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without the law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law.”
Romans 3:23, 24 - “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”
Sins Forgiven
Luke 7:47-48,50 - “Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.”
Luke 7:50 –
“And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”
Journaling Prompts
Reflect on Mathew 19:6 - What does it mean that “they are no more twain, but one flesh?”
Have you witnessed God restore a broken relationship? What did it teach you about His grace and forgiveness?
What is one thing that you can pray over your marriage? If you are not married yet, pray over your future husband, even if you’ve not met him yet.
What past mistake have you made in your marriage or relationship that you can ask God for forgiveness for? What steps can help you avoid that from occurring again?
Before you leave, will you join me in prayer?
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your precious Word. We put our marriage, future marriage, or relationship in your hands. May you reveal the things that we may need to correct in our own lives to do our part in our marriage. Reveal to us the things we have fallen short and show us how You would have us correct those areas of weakness. We ask that You be a big presence in our marriage that will strengthen the unity. May you be with our spouse, they may be closer to You, God, that we may find new ways to understand their needs and help to fulfill them. Guide us in being the help meet that is just right for our spouse, and we also pray our spouse will see areas they can improve in to increase the joy and strength of our marriage. For divided we are weak, but united we are strong. May You bless each one in their marriage, future marriage, or relationships - they may be strong with You Father at the center to hold it all together.
In Your Precious Holy name, Jesus Christ, Amen.
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Quick Note:
Some Bible studies may take longer than others, as I am often led to explain certain verses in greater detail. I want you to know that these blog posts are written straight from my heart - they are not created by AI, so if you pay close attention, you may find my little nuggets of imperfections! What you read here are my own thoughts and reflections, guided by where God leads me.
I am not a professional; I’m simply a southern wife and mother of five with a deep desire to share the truth of our loving Heavenly Father. He loves you, and He longs to have a relationship with you. We are not called to be perfect, but we are called to be led by Him.
God has placed so much on my heart to share, and my prayer is that these words bless and encourage you. I’m not here for recognition or fame - only to spread the message of God’s love to you, my new friend, and to many others.
