“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.”
Context: Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Books of Moses, and it contains the laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites. Deuteronomy 24 focuses on various laws related to marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
Understanding the verse:
- “Her former husband, which sent her away”: Refers to a man who divorced his wife and subsequently sent her away, ending their marital relationship.
- “May not take her again to be his wife”: Once a woman has been divorced and married to someone else, her first husband cannot remarry her.
- “After that she is defiled”: Implies that if the woman has been with another man or has been married to someone else, she is considered defiled or impure in the context of the marriage relationship.
- “For that is abomination before the Lord”: The act of remarrying a divorced woman who has been with another man is considered an abomination before the Lord, indicating God’s displeasure with such actions.
- “Thou shalt not cause the land to sin”: This emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and righteousness within the community and the land that God has given to the Israelites as an inheritance.
Interpretation:
- This verse addresses the issue of remarriage after divorce, particularly when the divorced woman has been married to someone else. It indicates that such a remarriage is not permissible in the sight of God.
- The emphasis on the woman being defiled highlights the significance of marital fidelity and the sacredness of the marriage covenant.
- The prohibition against remarrying a divorced woman who has been with another man reflects God’s intention for lifelong commitment within marriage and discourages frivolous divorces and remarriages.
- The reference to not causing the land to sin underscores the importance of maintaining moral and spiritual integrity within the community, recognizing that individual actions can have wider implications for the society as a whole.
Application:
- While this verse specifically addresses the cultural context of ancient Israel, it can still be understood as highlighting God’s desire for faithfulness, commitment, and purity within the institution of marriage.
- It encourages Christians to approach marriage with seriousness, seeking to honor the covenant and avoid divorce whenever possible.
- It reminds believers of the importance of maintaining moral and spiritual integrity in their personal lives, as individual actions can impact the wider community.
- It encourages the practice of forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation within marriage relationships, rather than pursuing divorce as a first option.
Remember, while studying individual verses is valuable, it is important to consider the broader context of the Bible and consult additional scriptures to gain a comprehensive understanding of God’s teachings.
