Deuteronomy 24:4

then the husband who divorced her first may not remarry her after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination to the LORD. You must not bring sin upon the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.

Study Bible

then her first husband who divorced her
The phrase refers to the initial marital bond that was severed through divorce. In Hebrew, the word for "divorced" is "שָׁלַח" (shalach), which means to send away or dismiss. This reflects the gravity of divorce in ancient Israelite society, where marriage was a covenantal relationship. The act of divorce was not taken lightly, and the husband who initiated it bore significant responsibility for the dissolution of the marriage.

is not permitted to remarry her
The prohibition against remarriage to the same woman after she has been with another man underscores the sanctity and seriousness of the marriage covenant. The Hebrew word for "permitted" is "יָכוֹל" (yakol), meaning to be able or allowed. This restriction serves as a protective measure to prevent the trivialization of marriage and to uphold its sanctity as ordained by God.

after she has been defiled
The term "defiled" in Hebrew is "טָמֵא" (tame), which means to be unclean or impure. This does not imply moral impurity on the woman's part but rather a ceremonial or relational state that affects the covenantal purity of the marriage. The concept of defilement here is tied to the idea of exclusivity and faithfulness within the marriage covenant, which is a reflection of God's covenant with His people.

for that would be detestable to the LORD
The word "detestable" is translated from the Hebrew "תּוֹעֵבָה" (to'evah), which signifies something abominable or loathsome. This strong language indicates the seriousness with which God views the sanctity of marriage. It reflects God's desire for His people to live in a way that honors Him and upholds His standards of holiness and righteousness.

You must not bring sin upon the land
The phrase emphasizes the communal responsibility of the Israelites to maintain the holiness of the land God has given them. The Hebrew word for "sin" is "חֵטְא" (chet), which denotes an offense or transgression. This underscores the idea that individual actions have corporate consequences, affecting not just the individuals involved but the entire community and their relationship with God.

the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance
This phrase highlights the gift of the Promised Land as a divine inheritance from God to His people. The Hebrew word for "inheritance" is "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), which signifies a possession or heritage. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The land is not just a physical territory but a symbol of God's promise and blessing, requiring the people to live in obedience and holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the law, preparing to enter the Promised Land.

3. The First Husband
The man who initially divorced his wife.

4. The Wife
The woman who was divorced and then remarried to another man.

5. The Promised Land
The land God is giving to the Israelites as an inheritance.

Teaching Points

Sanctity of Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, and it should not be entered into or dissolved lightly.

Consequences of Divorce
Divorce has spiritual and communal consequences, affecting not just the individuals but the community and land.

God's Holiness and Standards
God's laws reflect His holiness and are designed to maintain purity among His people.

Repentance and Restoration
While the law prohibits remarriage to a former spouse after defilement, it points to the need for repentance and seeking God's restoration in broken relationships.

Guarding Against Sin
The Israelites were warned not to bring sin upon the land, reminding us to be vigilant in maintaining righteousness in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prohibition against remarrying a former spouse after defilement reflect God's view of marriage?

2. In what ways can the principles in Deuteronomy 24:4 be applied to modern Christian marriages?

3. How do Jesus' teachings in the New Testament expand upon or clarify the laws given in Deuteronomy 24:4?

4. What are the communal implications of divorce according to Deuteronomy 24:4, and how can the church support those affected by divorce today?

5. How can understanding the original Hebrew context of "defiled" and "abomination" deepen our understanding of this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 5:31-32
Jesus' teaching on divorce, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of divorce.

Jeremiah 3:1
Uses the imagery of a divorced wife to describe Israel's unfaithfulness, echoing the prohibition in Deuteronomy.

Malachi 2:16
God expresses His hatred for divorce, underscoring the importance of marital fidelity.

Romans 7:2-3
Discusses the binding nature of marriage and the implications of remarriage.