Deuteronomy 24

As we open today’s reading, we jump right into laws concerning divorce. We know to be true that God esteems the relationship between husband and wife, as it points to a greater reality of Jesus, the Bridegroom, and His bride, the Church. Not only did He tell Adam and Eve that the two of them would be one flesh when joined together in marriage (Genesis 2:24), but in quoting that passage, Jesus told the Pharisees that no one should separate what God had joined together (Matthew 19:6). What was the context of this discourse between our Lord and the religious leaders of the day? And why did God permit divorce if it was to be our most sacred earthly relationship? Let’s keep reading in Matthew 19: the Pharisees, testing Jesus, “said to him, ‘Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?’ [Jesus] said to them, ‘Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.’” (Matthew 19:7-8; emphasis added). In other words, marriage was initially created by God as a lifelong commitment, but because of sin (sexual immorality, in particular), God permitted husband and wife to sever this relationship. 

In saying that, and with full compassion for those who have been through it, divorce is not God’s intent for marriage. Yes, He put regulations around it (just like He did with polygamy, by the way), but that was only because sin was so rampant in ancient Israel and guidelines were needed for a just, civil society. God knows the mighty ripple effects divorce leaves in its path, some of which our family has experienced. “The Hebrew word translated divorce has as its root the idea of ‘a hewing off, a cutting apart’ – it is the amputation of that which is intended to be one.”[i] That very definition suggests pain, suffering, heartache, loss, mourning, extended periods of recovery, and many more agonizing consequences. 

Friends, if this is an option on the table for you, can I implore you in the strongest sense to put in the hard work of fighting for your marriage instead of walking away? In addition to seeking God, pursue professional help if needed. There are plenty of biblically-based counselors, resources, seminars, conferences, and intensives to help you and your spouse get back on track. But you must be willing to humble yourselves, admit your need for help, and take the necessary steps. It will be hard, but it will be far less costly emotionally and financially in the long run. 

(By the way, if you are in an abusive relationship where your life is in danger, certainly take steps to remove yourself from that situation. We believe God is able to heal in every circumstance, but sometimes working toward reconciliation from a distance or under the supervised direction of a pastor or Christian counselor is necessary.) 

The remainder of Deuteronomy 24 outlines various laws about how the Israelites should deal with others. Great attention is given to treating people (including the marginalized) with respect, compassion, and fairness. Imagining myself hearing these commands for the first time directly from Moses’s mouth, I hope that my heart would have been stirred to obedience as I thought about all that God had done for me and my family to that point. Even now, meditating on His love, grace, mercy, and provisions prompts me to consider how I—an unworthy recipient of God’s affection—can be a conduit of His blessings to others. Take time to ponder what all He has done for you; is your heart filled with gratitude that compels you to love Him and others similarly? 

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Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       Why do you think divorce is so prevalent in today’s culture? How can we reorient our hearts to esteem marriage as highly as God does? 

·       Take time to ponder what all God has done for you. Is your heart filled with gratitude that compels you to love Him and others similarly? 

[i] Deuteronomy 24 – The law of divorce and other various laws. (n.d.). Enduring Word. Retrieved June 19, 2026, from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/deuteronomy-24/