Biblical Answer

The Old Testament and Divorce

In the Old Testament, divorce was not explicitly permitted in all cases. Deuteronomy 22:13-21 and 28-30 prohibit divorce in certain circumstances. However, Moses, Jesus, and Paul recognized that the ideal of monogamous marriage was not always met, and thus made provision for divorce in the Old Testament. Jesus added that he was dealing with hard hearts (Matthew 19:8-9). This provision for divorce was made because of the hardness of the human heart, which is a result of sin.

God's Tolerance of Divorce

The Old Testament does not endorse divorce, but neither does it forbid it. Moses set up guidelines for divorce in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This provision for divorce was a concession to human frailty, not an expression of the will of God. God hates divorce because he sees it as a form of violence (Malachi 2:16). The Essenes, a Jewish sect, prohibited divorce, but this was not the case in the rest of Jewish society. The allowance of divorce in the Old Testament suggests that God tolerated it because of the hardness of the human heart, which is a result of sin.

Jesus' Perspective on Divorce

Jesus pointed out that Moses had not commanded divorce, although his words allowed it. Jesus' teaching on divorce was not a rejection of the Old Testament, but rather a correction of the failure to limit the damage caused by sin. Jesus' words in Matthew 19:8-9 suggest that he was dealing with hard hearts, and that the provision for divorce was a concession to human frailty. This teaching emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings, and highlights the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for salvation. Ultimately, Jesus' teaching on divorce reflects God's sovereignty over all creation, and his desire for humanity to live in accordance with his will. Divine grace and mercy are the foundation of all Christian teachings, including the teaching on divorce. Through the cross of Jesus Christ, God offers forgiveness and restoration for those who have experienced divorce and its consequences. In this sense, the teaching on divorce in the Old Testament and the New Testament serves as a reminder of God's love and commitment to his people, even in the midst of sin and failure. This love and commitment are reflected in the words of Jesus, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17). Through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can experience the forgiveness and restoration that God offers, and live a life that reflects Christian values and teachings. This is the good news of the Gospel, and it is the foundation of all Christian teachings, including the teaching on divorce. In conclusion, the allowance of divorce in the Old Testament and the teaching of Jesus on divorce reflect God's sovereignty over all creation, and his desire for humanity to live in accordance with his will. Through the cross of Jesus Christ, God offers forgiveness and restoration for those who have experienced divorce and its consequences. This is the good news of the Gospel, and it is the foundation of all Christian teachings.