Deuteronomy 24:5 When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business… The precept is in addition to those in Deuteronomy 20:5-8. It provides that the newly married man shall be left free to enjoy the relation into which he has entered for a whole year, not being required to serve in war, and not being liable to be called from home on public business. It may be inserted here as tending to prevent divorces. We learn: 1. That it is the duty of the husband to love and cherish the wife (Ephesians 5:29). 2. That it is the interest of the State to do what it can to endear the marriage relation. 3. That laws should be framed in a spirit of kindness, and with consideration for the happiness of the subjects. This law shows kindly consideration for the wife, (1) in not depriving her of the husband of her youth in the months of their early love; (2) in allowing time for the husband's affections to become securely fixed, so preventing inconstancy. - J.O. Parallel Verses KJV: When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. |
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