Deuteronomy 24:4

Deuteronomy 24:4 presents a specific prohibition within the Mosaic Law concerning remarriage after divorce. It states that if a man divorces his wife, and she subsequently marries another man (and that second marriage ends, either by death or divorce), her former husband is forbidden from taking her back as his wife. This action is declared an "abomination before the LORD," and it is warned that such an act would "cause the land to sin," which God has given as an inheritance.

Context

This verse is the concluding part of a four-verse passage (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) that outlines regulations for divorce in ancient Israel. While the passage details the mechanics of divorce and remarriage, it's crucial to understand that the law here regulates an existing practice rather than instituting or endorsing divorce. The primary concern appears to be the protection of the woman and the prevention of marital chaos, particularly regarding property rights and lineage. The prohibition in verse 4 ensures that once a woman has entered a second marriage, the bond with her first husband is considered irrevocably broken, preventing a confusing and potentially scandalous back-and-forth situation that could undermine the sanctity of marriage and the purity of the community.

Key Themes

• Sanctity of Marriage and Covenant: The law underscores the seriousness with which God views marital bonds. While divorce was permitted under specific circumstances in the Old Testament, God's ideal for marriage was clearly a lifelong union (Genesis 2:24). This prohibition reinforces the idea that certain actions, once taken, create permanent changes that cannot be undone, especially concerning the marital covenant.
• Purity and Holiness of the Land: The phrase "thou shalt not cause the land to sin" highlights the deep connection between the moral and spiritual conduct of the people and the state of the land they inhabited. For Israel, the land was a sacred inheritance from God, and its defilement through sin could lead to negative consequences, as seen in other parts of the Law (Leviticus 18:25, Numbers 35:34). This specific act was seen as an offense against divine order and a pollution of the land.
• Irreversibility of Defilement: Once the woman was "defiled" (meaning she had entered a second marriage, breaking the original marital bond in a specific way), the first husband could not reclaim her. This speaks to the profound spiritual and moral implications of certain actions, which, once committed, cannot simply be reversed as if they never happened.

Linguistic Insights

• "Defiled" (Hebrew: ṭame’ - טָמֵא): This word signifies ritual impurity or moral uncleanness. In this context, it implies that the woman's subsequent marriage to another man, after being sent away by her first husband, created a state of impurity that made her return to the first husband an "abomination." It's not necessarily a judgment on her character but a statement about the brokenness and altered status of the original marital bond in God's eyes.
• "Abomination" (Hebrew: to’ebah - תּוֹעֵבָה): This is a strong term in the Old Testament, often used to describe practices that are utterly detestable and abhorrent to God, such as idolatry, child sacrifice, or certain sexual sins. Its use here emphasizes the severity of violating this specific marital boundary, indicating it goes against God's established order and moral principles.

Practical Application

While the specific legal context of Deuteronomy 24:4 relates to ancient Israelite society, the underlying principles remain relevant for understanding God's character and His regard for covenants. This passage reminds us:

• God's High Regard for Marriage: Even in laws regulating divorce, there's an underlying concern for the integrity of the marital bond and the avoidance of chaos or confusion in relationships. God desires purity and order in human relationships, reflecting His own character.
• The Seriousness of Actions: Some actions have irreversible consequences. This verse serves as a sober reminder that our choices, especially those breaking sacred covenants, can create spiritual and moral realities that cannot simply be undone.
• The Ripple Effect of Sin: The idea that an individual act could "cause the land to sin" illustrates the communal and environmental impact of moral transgressions. Our personal choices have broader implications for the purity and well-being of the communities and environments we inhabit.

Ultimately, this verse, along with other biblical teachings on marriage and divorce (such as Jesus' words in Matthew 19:6 and Malachi 2:16), encourages believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage, make choices that honor God, and understand the profound implications of covenant relationships.