Biblical Answer

Understanding the Biblical Context of Divorce

The question of why God allowed divorce in the Old Testament is a complex one, and it is essential to understand the biblical context in which it occurred. The Old Testament, while not explicitly endorsing divorce, does make provision for it in certain circumstances. This concession to human frailty, as Jesus would later describe it, was likely due to the hardness of the human heart. In Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Moses sets up guidelines for divorce, but it is essential to note that he does not command or forbid it. Instead, he assumes that a divorce has taken place and provides regulations for the subsequent remarriage.

Jesus' Teaching on Divorce

Jesus' teaching on divorce is crucial in understanding the biblical perspective on this issue. In Matthew 19:8-9, Jesus points out that Moses did not command divorce, but rather made provision for it due to the hardness of the human heart. Jesus' teaching emphasizes that God's ideal for marriage is lifelong commitment, and divorce is only permitted in exceptional circumstances. The Pharisees, who were familiar with the Old Testament law, should have understood the evil of divorce from the scriptures themselves. Jesus' teaching on divorce is not just a matter of legal interpretation but also a moral and spiritual issue, as it relates to the nature of covenant and vow.

God's Will and the Concession of Divorce

In understanding God's will on divorce, it is essential to distinguish between the ultimate will of God and a concession to human frailty. While God hates divorce and sees it as a form of violence, he permits it in specific circumstances due to the hardness of the human heart. This concession is not a reflection of God's ideal, but rather a provision for the imperfect and fallen human condition. As Jesus taught, God instituted marriage so that the two would become one, and divorce is only permitted when this ideal cannot be maintained. Christians must understand that God's ideal for marriage remains lifelong commitment, and divorce should be seen as an exception rather than the norm.