Dealing Treacherously in Marriage

Dealing Treacherously in Marriage

 The more a nation’s divorce rate increases, the more God regards the situation as a national scandal. That seems to be the import of Malachi’s words concerning divorce (Mal. 2:14–16). Apparently a substantial number of husbands in postexilic Judah were “dealing treacherously” by divorcing their wives. This treachery involved a retraction of their marriage vows, but it also represented treachery against the Lord.

 What provoked this skyrocketing divorce rate? The books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell of those two leaders challenging the men of the land to “put away” the wives that they had married from among the Canaanites and other peoples of the land (Ezra 9; 10; Neh. 13:23–27). These divorces were regarded as a means of national cleansing and a return to the covenant.

 But is it possible that this policy of dissolving mixed marriages helped to create a jaded attitude about divorce? Could it have contributed to a climate in which divorce became an easy alternative even when both partners were Jewish, evidence of which we continue to see in Jesus’ day (Matt. 19:3–9)?

 Malachi, a contemporary of Ezra and Nehemiah, spoke clearly about God’s attitude: “I hate divorce” (Mal. 2:16). The prophet warned the people to “take heed to your spirit.” A casual attitude toward divorce was a symptom of a problem with one’s heart attitude toward the Lord. Loyalty to Him was what counted.