The Bible’s perspective on marriage and divorceis explored in this podcast episode, starting with the Old Testament. Genesis 2 shows God’s design, where man and woman complement each other. Genesis 2:24 speaks of a man leaving his parents to join his wife. This verse is a key passage. Jesus also later quotes it.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 allowed men to divorce their wives for “uncleanness.” The meaning of “uncleanness” was debated for many years. This passage demonstrates that men under the old law could initiate divorce. Wives were given a certificate. This allowed women to remarry. They could not, however, return to their first husband if divorced a second time.

Malachi 2, written around the 5th century BC, shows a time when divorce was rampant. God expressed his anger. He said men were treating their wives “treacherously.” Verse 16 states that God hates divorce. He sees it as a violent act.

The podcast then examines the state of marriage and divorce in the first century. Roman society had a high divorce rate. Historians reveal that around 30% of upper-class marriages ended in divorce. It’s believed the lower classes followed this trend. Roman women, according to Seneca, even measured years by their number of husbands.

Among Jews, there was debate. It stemmed from differing views of Rabbis Hillel and Shammai. The debate was over Deuteronomy 24. Hillel believed a man could divorce for any reason. This was the common view in Jesus’ day. Shammai held a much narrower view. He taught divorce was permissible for infertility. Adultery, per Numbers 5:11-31, was another reason. Neglect by a husband, as described in Exodus 21:10-11, also allowed a woman to divorce.

Jesus’ teaching on **marriage and divorce** is found in Matthew 19:3-9. The Pharisees questioned him. They asked if divorce was lawful for any reason. Jesus quoted Genesis 2:24. He emphasized God’s intention that marriage should last. He stated, “What God has joined together, let not man separate.” When asked about Moses permitting divorce, Jesus cited the “hardness of men’s hearts.”

Jesus permitted divorce only in cases of sexual immorality. He stated that remarriage after divorce, except in this case, constitutes adultery. Matthew 19:9 says that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery. This limit of one condition contrasts with Shammai’s broader allowances.

Paul echoes Jesus’ teaching in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. He emphasizes that couples should stay together. If separation occurs, they should remain unmarried or seek reconciliation.

The New Testament’s message is that marriage and divorce should be rare. Divorce is permitted only when adultery is committed. Reconciliation should always be the goal. The podcast acknowledges unanswered questions. These include situations of abuse or mixed-faith marriages. These will be addressed in future episodes. The host encourages listeners to hold fast to biblical teaching. This contrasts with shifting cultural views. He concludes with Hebrews 13:8-9, reminding listeners that Jesus Christ is unchanging.