MARRIAGE: DIVORCE (Dt 24:1-4)

A. The word for “divorce” implies the “freedom to remarry.”

B. BIBLICAL DIVORCE gives the right of remarriage.

C. Divorce was permitted under the Mosaic Law. One exception, point 5, verses 3-4.

D. In the Old Testament, the man always divorced the woman. However, the principle applies both ways.

E. Biblical Background: Detut 24:1-4.

1. Verse 1: “some uncleanness”: Adultery and desertion. Under the Mosaic Law, divorce was abused, distorted because there were many reasons for uncleanness, Mal 2:11-17; Lev 5, 7, 10, 11, 13; Num 19; Dt 23.

(A man who wanted to get rid of his wife would get her to touch some dead animal or the clothes of someone who had died, or go to a funeral. He

would then immediately send for a judge and declare his wife unclean.)

2. Verse 2: BIBLICAL DIVORCE MEANS THE RIGHT TO REMARRY.”… she may go and be another man’s wife.”

3. Vss 3-4: EXCEPTION. She may not remarry #1 if there is marriage in between, even if #2 dies or divorces her legitimately (i.e. vs 2 concept).

a. Verse 3: “latter husband”: Husband #2.

b. Verse 4: “former husband”: Husband #2.

“After that she is defiled”: Defiled in the mind of husband #1; husband #1 is short-circuited sexually (psychic) because she has been with another man. She is not defiled so fare as her second marriage – but in regard to her first husband she is defiled.

“land to sin”: Maximum number of incompatible marriages. The sin will take many forms: homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality.

F. Divorce is permitted in the New Testament under certain conditions. (Two believers or two unbelievers in marriage.)

1. Adultery: Mt 5:32; 19:9.

2. Desertion: 1 Cor 7:15.

3. Victim of divorce gimmick, Dt 24:2.

4. Victim of spouse’s abuse, Dt 24:3.

G. If the marriage bond in broken in a mixed marriage, God only allows it to be done by the unbelieving partner, 1 Cor 7:15. Mixed marriage is when a believer marries an unbeliever – this is the most horrible combination possible!