Divorce and Remarriage: The Old Testament Evidence

This article considers the Old Testament data on the topic of divorce and remarriage. The author establishes that marriage is a covenant. From there it discusses the OT data on marriage breakup, whether through adultery or marriages ended by an excommunication by death. It examines Deuteronomy 24:1-4, the only place where a bill of divorce is mentioned. It also considers marriage and divorce in post-exilic Israel.

Divorce and Remarriage in Deuteronomy 24:1-4?

What is the function of the law on remarriage in Deuteronomy 24:1-4? This article argues that the long history of discussion on the purpose for the law seems to have been misguided. It calls attention to the explicitly stated purpose of the law in verse 4. The concern of this law on divorce and remarriage is to protect the covenant relationship between Israel and Yahweh. In this way, Israel’s position in the land of Canaan is protected.

Three Weddings and a Divorce: God's Covenant with Israel, Judah, and the Church

Both the Old and New Testaments mention marriage covenants that God contracted between himself and his bride. The aim of this essay is to examine whether or not the several authors and the two Testaments contradict each other in this matter. The article demonstrates that in both Testaments God is described as someone who subjects himself to his own law with regard to regulations concerning marriage, separation, divorce, and remarriage.

Old Testament Perspectives on Divorce and Remarriage

The article is written from the conviction that the Old Testament has a lot to say about divorce and remarriage. It emphasizes the neglected texts in the Old Testament where divorce is either allowed, or sometimes even commanded. It also notes that God’s estranged relationship with Israel is described by using divorce imagery. The concept of marriage as covenant plays a central role.