From the beginning, the Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant. In Genesis 2 verse 24, it says, Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
This foundational verse reveals God's design of unity, permanence, and intimacy between husband and wife. Divorce, though permitted later due to human sin, was not God's original intent. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 19 verse 4-6.
So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Here, Christ reaffirms that marriage is a divine union, not just a human
agreement. Divorce in the law of Moses.
God permitted divorce under specific conditions in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 24 verse 1 allowed a man to give his wife a certificate. Something indecent about her. However, this was not an endorsement, but a concession due to
Israel's hardness of heart. Matthew 19 verse 8.
The deeper truth is this. God used the law to
restrain chaos, not to encourage separation. The law ensured women were protected, given legal standing, and not left destitute. Yet the act of divorce was always seen as a tragic break in what should have been permanent.
Malachi, God hates divorce. In Malachi 2 verse 1, it says, verses 13-16, God strongly condemns unfaithfulness in marriage. I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel, and him who covers his garment with violence. This prophetic rebuke highlights two key lessons. Divorce often results from betrayal and spiritual compromise.
It brings violence, not always physical, but emotional and spiritual damage. The hidden truth here is that God views marriage as a spiritual covenant, not just a contract. Breaking that covenant, is akin to spiritual violence. Jesus teaching on divorce. In Matthew 5 verses 31-32, Jesus says, Anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, causes her to become an adulteress.
Christ raises the moral standard beyond the legal. He recognizes only sexual immorality,
Greek, porneiae, as valid grounds for divorce. Even then, divorce is not commanded, it's permitted. Jesus exposes the heart issue. Many use divorce to justify selfishness. Instead, Jesus calls for reconciliation, forgiveness, and covenantal faithfulness. The woman at the well, grace amid brokenness.
In John 4 verses 16-18, Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman, You have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. This woman's life was marked by multiple divorces or failed unions, likely leaving her ostracized. Yet Jesus does not shame her. He offers her living spiritual renewal.
Lesson, even in the aftermath of broken relationships, God's grace reaches out. Jesus meets people not with condemnation, but redemption. Divorce is not the unpardonable sin. Paul's teaching on marriage and divorce.
In 1 Corinthians 7 verses 10-15, Paul reaffirms Jesus' words, A wife must not separate from her husband, and a husband must not divorce his wife.
Yet Paul acknowledges real-life struggles, especially, in marriages between a believer and an unbeliever. If the unbeliever leaves,
the believer is not bound. Verse 15.
Paul introduces peace as a guiding principle. God has called us to peace. God values covenant, extends mercy. The Bible does not present divorce as ideal. It is a painful rupture of what God joined.
But it also does not treat divorcees as beyond redemption. Scripture reveals that marriage is a covenant meant to reflect God's faithfulness. Divorce is allowed in limited cases, sexual immorality, abandonment. Grace and restoration are always possible in Christ.
Final hidden truth, marriage points to God's relationship with his people. When we are unfaithful, he still pursues us. He is the faithful spouse, even when we fail.
Stay Blessed.
