Commentary on Matthew 19:7
Verse Context
Matthew 19:7 is part of a larger discourse where Jesus addresses the question of divorce.
The Pharisees approach Him to test His views on the law regarding divorce, invoking
Moses' command. The context highlights the broader themes of marriage, the sanctity of
the marital covenant, and human stubbornness regarding God's intent.
Verse Text
"They said unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?" (Matthew 19:7, KJV)
Commentary Insights
1. Historical Context
In ancient Jewish society, the law of Moses granted men the right to divorce their wives
under certain conditions. This practice had become a point of contention among various
Jewish sects, particularly the Pharisees and the Hillel and Shammai schools.
Hillel's followers allowed divorce for almost any reason, while the Shammai sect held more stringent views.
2. The Question of Authority
The Pharisees' question aims to undermine Jesus' authority by referencing Moses.
They believed that if Jesus contradicted Moses, He would suffer a loss of credibility
among the people. This confrontation illustrates the challenges Jesus faced from religious leaders
who were more concerned with adhering to tradition than understanding the heart of the law.
3. The Nature of the Command
When the Pharisees reference Moses commanding a "writing of divorcement," they are citing
Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which provides stipulations for divorce but does not endorse it.
Matthew Henry emphasizes that the permission given by Moses was a concession to
the hardness of hearts, indicative of a fallen nature that seeks to escape from responsibility in relationships.
4. Human Hardness of Heart
The phrase "hardness of heart" captures the essence of humanity's struggle against God's design for marriage.
According to Albert Barnes, this hardness manifests in a refusal to uphold
the sacred commitment of marriage, instead seeking loopholes that allow for personal convenience.
Such tendencies reflect a deeper spiritual problem rather than mere legal technicalities.
5. Jesus' Response
Although verse 7 primarily encapsulates the question posed by the Pharisees, Jesus' forthcoming
responses (detailed in verses 8-9) redirect the conversation towards the original intent of marriage
as established in creation. Adam Clarke notes that Jesus does not simply repeat
the letter of the law but rather elevates the discussion to its spiritual implications and the ideal
standard God intended for marriage, emphasizing monogamy and permanence.
6. Implications for Today
The discourse surrounding divorce in Matthew 19:7 holds significant pertinence for contemporary
discussions on marriage. It challenges modern readers to reconsider societal trends that diminish
the sanctity of marriage. Pastors and theologians can draw from this passage to encourage
deeper theological reflection on commitment, faithfulness, and the sacredness of the marital covenant.
Concluding Thoughts
Matthew 19:7 serves as a critical juncture in understanding not just the legalistic approach to divorce
in the first century but also the broader implications of Jesus' teaching on marital fidelity.
By situating this dialogue within the framework of God's original design for relationships,
it offers a lens through which modern believers can engage with the complexities of marriage
while upholding the ethical and spiritual mandates laid out in scripture.
