“And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is attributed to Moses. It contains a series of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites just before they entered the Promised Land. The book emphasises the importance of following God’s laws and living in obedience to Him.
Historical background:The verse you mentioned is part of a larger passage that deals with the topic of divorce and remarriage. In the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 24:1-4), Moses provides regulations regarding divorce, outlining the steps a man should take if he wants to divorce his wife and then remarry her, or if she marries another man after the divorce.
Meaning and interpretation:Deuteronomy 24:2 specifically addresses the scenario where a woman, after being divorced by her husband, leaves his house and subsequently marries another man. This verse acknowledges that in such a case, the woman is free to enter into a new marriage with someone else.
It’s important to note that this verse should not be viewed as a blanket endorsement of divorce or remarriage. In the context of the Old Testament, divorce was permitted due to the hardness of people’s hearts (Matthew 19:8). However, it is clear from other passages in the Bible that God’s original intention for marriage is lifelong commitment (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Jesus, in the New Testament, reaffirmed the sacredness and permanence of marriage (Matthew 19:9). He taught that divorce and remarriage should only occur in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32, 19:9).
Application:While Deuteronomy 24:2 reflects a specific regulation in the Old Testament, as Christians, we can derive principles from this passage to guide our understanding of marriage and divorce. It reminds us of the seriousness of the marriage covenant and the importance of maintaining commitment and faithfulness within marriage.
As followers of Christ, we should seek to honour and uphold the sanctity of marriage. Divorce should be approached with caution and as a last resort, with efforts made towards reconciliation and forgiveness. In cases where divorce and remarriage have occurred, it is crucial to seek God’s guidance, grace, and healing, recognising that His love and forgiveness extend to all.
In summary, Deuteronomy 24:2 acknowledges the possibility of a divorced woman marrying another man. However, it should be understood in the broader context of the Bible’s teachings on marriage and divorce, which emphasise the sacredness and lifelong commitment of the marital union.
