Matthew 19:7

“They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?”

Context:Matthew 19:7 is part of a larger passage where Jesus engages in a conversation with the Pharisees regarding the topic of divorce. The Pharisees were testing Jesus, trying to trap Him in a debate about the laws of divorce. They referred to the commandment given by Moses in the Old Testament regarding divorce.

In this verse, the Pharisees ask Jesus why Moses commanded giving a certificate of divorce and allowing men to separate from their wives. To understand the significance, we need to explore the broader context and Jesus’ response in the subsequent verses.

In the previous verses (Matthew 19:4-6), Jesus affirms the divine intent for marriage, stating that God created humans as male and female, and the two become one flesh in marriage. He emphasizes the permanence and unity of the marital bond. This teaching aligned with the original design of marriage as outlined in Genesis 2:24.

The Pharisees were referring to Deuteronomy 24:1-4, where Moses allowed divorce under specific circumstances, including “some uncleanness” or indecency. However, the Pharisees focused on the permissiveness of divorce and wanted to test Jesus’ stance on the issue.

Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ question follows in the subsequent verses (Matthew 19:8-9), where He explains the purpose behind Moses’ allowance for divorce. Jesus clarifies that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of the people’s hearts. However, He goes on to state that from the beginning, it was not so. Jesus reaffirms God’s intention for marriage to be a lifelong commitment.

Jesus then delivers a stronger teaching on divorce, saying that whoever divorces their spouse, except for sexual immorality (porneia), and marries another commits adultery. This statement reinforces the significance of the marriage covenant and discourages divorce except in cases of sexual unfaithfulness.

The broader teaching on divorce in this passage highlights the tension between the original divine intent for marriage and the provision given through Moses due to human frailty. Jesus ultimately calls for a higher standard, emphasizing the sacredness and permanence of the marital union.

Application:

• Value the sanctity of marriage:As followers of Christ, we should cherish the institution of marriage, understanding its divine design and purpose. It is a commitment to be taken seriously and approached with reverence.
• Avoid the casual approach to divorce:Divorce should not be taken lightly. While recognizing that human brokenness and sin can lead to marital difficulties, we should strive to work through those challenges, seeking reconciliation and restoration rather than opting for divorce.
• Prioritize forgiveness and grace:Instead of focusing solely on the legality of divorce, we should prioritize forgiveness and grace within our marriages. By cultivating a forgiving and selfless attitude, we can foster healthier relationships and work towards healing and restoration.
• Seek guidance from Scripture:When grappling with questions about divorce or any other marital issues, it is essential to turn to the teachings of Jesus and the broader counsel of Scripture. Through prayer and studying God’s Word, we can gain wisdom and discernment in navigating the complexities of marriage.

Remember, this study is a brief exploration of Matthew 19:7 and its surrounding verses. It is always beneficial to study the Bible in its entirety, seeking guidance from pastors, scholars, and

reputable commentaries for a more comprehensive understanding of biblical teachings.