Matthew 19:8

"They asked him, “Why then did Moses command us to give her a certificate of divorce and divorce her?”"

Key Reflection

The question posed by the disciples about Moses’ command regarding divorce (Matthew 19:8) would have resonated deeply within their cultural and religious context. The original audience, living in a society where polygamy was common and women often lacked legal protection, understood that Moses allowed divorce as a concession to their hard hearts and the social realities of their time. This command from Moses was seen more as an acknowledgment of existing societal issues rather than an ideal moral standard.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 8. He saith unto them, etc. Jesus admits that this was allowed; but still he contends that this was not the original design of marriage. It was only a temporary expedient, growing out of a peculiar state of things, and not designed to be perpetual. It was on account of the hardness of their hearts. Moses found the custom in use. He found a hard-hearted and rebellious people.

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