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Bible Study: Divorce According to the Bible (KJV)
By Pastor Joel Open Heaven Christian Church
1. God’s Original Design for Marriage
Marriage is meant to be lifelong and sacred, reflecting God’s covenant love.
| Scripture | Explanation |
|---|
| Genesis 2:24 | “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Marriage unites two people physically, emotionally, and spiritually into one flesh. |
| Malachi 2:13-16 | God hates divorce. Marriage is a covenant; breaking it is treachery. Verse 16: “For the LORD…saith that he hateth putting away.” |
| Ephesians 5:22-33 | Marriage mirrors Christ’s love for the Church. Husbands are to love sacrificially, wives to respect. Divorce breaks this reflection of Christ. |
Key Principle: God intended marriage to be permanent, a reflection of His covenant and love.
2. Divorce in the Old Testament
The Law of Moses allowed divorce as a concession due to human sinfulness.
| Scripture | Explanation |
|---|
| Deuteronomy 24:1-4 | A man could write a certificate of divorcement if he found “uncleanness” in his wife. This was a concession, not God’s ideal, allowed because of human hardness of heart. |
| Proverbs 2:17 | Warns against relationships that lead to separation or adultery. |
| Hosea 2:19-20 | God desires faithfulness, showing that covenant love (marriage) should be preserved. |
Key Principle: Divorce was permitted under the law but not encouraged; God desires faithfulness and reconciliation.
3. Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce
Jesus clarifies God’s original intent and limits the grounds for divorce.
| Scripture | Explanation |
|---|
| Matthew 5:31-32 | Divorce is only allowed for sexual immorality. Remarriage outside this exception is adultery. |
| Matthew 19:3-9 | Jesus stresses permanence: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Only sexual immorality justifies divorce. |
| Mark 10:2-12 | Divorce and remarriage outside God’s allowance is adultery. The original design of marriage is lifelong union. |
| Luke 16:18 | Reiterates that divorce and remarriage outside God’s standard constitutes adultery. |
Key Principle: Jesus emphasizes that God’s ideal is lifelong marriage, and divorce is a concession, not the norm.
4. Paul’s Instructions on Divorce
Paul gives guidance for believers, especially in mixed-faith marriages.
| Scripture | Explanation |
|---|
| 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 | Believers are not to divorce. If separation occurs, remain unmarried or reconcile. |
| 1 Corinthians 7:12-15 | Marriage to an unbeliever: stay if the unbelieving spouse consents. If they leave, the believer is not bound. |
| Romans 7:2-3 | Marriage lasts until death. Widows/widowers are free to remarry. |
Key Principle: Divorce is generally discouraged among believers. Separation is only allowed in very specific circumstances, particularly when an unbelieving spouse departs.
5. Key Principles and Lessons
- Marriage is sacred and permanent.
God hates divorce; it is against His original design.
- Divorce is only permitted in limited cases.
- Sexual immorality (fornication, adultery) – Matthew 19:9
- Abandonment by an unbelieving spouse – 1 Corinthians 7:15
- Remarriage outside these exceptions is adultery.
- Reconciliation is preferred.
- God desires forgiveness, patience, and restoration of broken marriages (Malachi 2:16; 1 Corinthians 7:11).
- Marriage reflects Christ and the Church.
- Ephesians 5:25-33: Husbands must love sacrificially, wives respect. Divorce disrupts this spiritual picture.
- Widows and widowers are free to remarry.
6. Practical Applications for Christians Today
- Guard your marriage: Prioritize communication, prayer, and spiritual growth together.
- Avoid divorce except in biblical circumstances: Seek counsel and reconciliation first.
- If abandoned by an unbelieving spouse, trust God’s guidance for next steps.
- Forgive and restore: Even in a broken marriage, pursue peace and reconciliation.
- Teach children about covenant love: Marriage is God’s design, not a convenience.
✅ Summary
- God hates divorce but allows it in rare cases (fornication, abandonment).
- Marriage is a lifelong covenant meant to reflect God’s love.
- Reconciliation and faithfulness are always the first priority.
- Christians are called to honor God’s design in their marriage relationships.
How to Read The Chart Shown Below…
- Category: Shows whether the verse is about God’s design, Old Testament law, Jesus’ teaching, Paul’s instruction, or practical principles.
- Scripture: Direct KJV reference for study.
- Key Point / Reason: Explains why the verse mentions divorce or marriage.
- Consequence / Lesson: Shows what happens if ignored or followed, and what principle we can apply today.
Key Takeaways from the Chart
- Divorce is allowed only in rare cases (sexual immorality or abandonment).
- Marriage is intended to be lifelong.
- Reconciliation and forgiveness are God’s first choice.
- Divorce and remarriage outside God’s allowance is considered adultery.
- Marriage reflects Christ and the Church, so faithfulness honors God.
Bible Chart: Divorce in the Bible (KJV)
| Category | Scripture | Key Point / Reason | Consequence / Lesson |
|---|
| God’s Design for Marriage | Genesis 2:24 | Marriage = lifelong union; one flesh | Marriage is sacred; God intends permanence |
| Malachi 2:16 | God hates divorce | Divorce is against God’s heart; covenant must be honored |
| Ephesians 5:22-33 | Marriage reflects Christ and the Church | Husbands love, wives respect; breakage disrupts spiritual symbolism |
| Old Testament Law | Deuteronomy 24:1-4 | Divorce allowed for “uncleanness” | Concession due to hardness of heart, not ideal |
| Proverbs 2:17 | Avoid relationships leading to separation | Adultery and straying destroy marriage |
| Hosea 2:19-20 | God desires faithfulness | Covenant love must be preserved |
| Jesus’ Teaching | Matthew 5:31-32 | Divorce only for fornication | Remarriage outside exception = adultery |
| Matthew 19:3-9 | God joined together; don’t separate | Divorce is allowed only for sexual immorality |
| Mark 10:2-12 | Divorce/remarriage outside God’s allowance = adultery | God’s original plan = lifelong marriage |
| Luke 16:18 | Reaffirms Jesus’ teaching | Divorce + remarriage = adultery |
| Paul’s Instruction | 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 | Married believers shouldn’t divorce | If separated, remain unmarried or reconcile |
| 1 Corinthians 7:12-15 | Marriage to unbeliever: stay if they consent | If unbeliever leaves, believer is not bound |
| Romans 7:2-3 | Marriage lasts until death | Widows/widowers free to remarry |
| Principles | Matthew 19:9 | Limited grounds: sexual immorality | Only exception for lawful divorce |
| 1 Corinthians 7:15 | Abandonment by unbeliever | Believer is free to separate without sin |
| Malachi 2:16 | God desires reconciliation | Forgiveness and restoration are preferred |
| Practical Lessons | Ephesians 5:25-33 | Husbands love sacrificially, wives respect | Protect and honor marriage covenant |
| Proverbs 5:18-19 | Joy in spouse | Marriage brings blessing when faithfulness maintained |
| Colossians 3:12-14 | Forgive and endure | Strengthen marriage through love and patience |
Next lets look at what the bible teaches about God divorcing Israel.
Question: Did God Really Divorce Israel?
The answer Yes — the Bible does say God divorced Israel, but we must understand it carefully and scripturally.
✅ Key Scripture
Jeremiah 3:8 (KJV)
And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
God “put away” Israel and gave a bill of divorce because of spiritual adultery (idolatry).
✅ Why Did God Divorce Israel?
Israel repeatedly turned away from God and worshiped false gods, spiritually “committing adultery.”
Hosea 2:2 (KJV)
Plead with your mother… for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband…
This is a prophetic picture of God separating from Israel because of unfaithfulness.
✅ But God Also Promised Restoration
Even though God divorced Israel, He did not abandon them forever. He promises restoration and remarriage to a repentant Israel.
Jeremiah 3:14 (KJV)
Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you…
Even after “divorce,” God speaks as a Husband ready to restore.
Hosea 2:19 (KJV)
And I will betroth thee unto me for ever… in lovingkindness, and in mercies.
God divorced Israel for unfaithfulness, but planned redemption — a major theme of prophecy.
✅ What About Judah?
Judah witnessed Israel’s sin and punishment but did not repent:
Jeremiah 3:10 (KJV)
And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart…
Judah also later went into exile for their unfaithfulness.
✅ What Does This Mean for Marriage Doctrine?
Some argue this shows divorce can be permitted for unfaithfulness.
However:
- God did not initiate divorce lightly
- His intent was eventual reconciliation
- God is a picture of perfect faithfulness and covenant loyalty
It illustrates God’s patience, justice, and mercy.
✅ Important Connection (New Covenant)
The church becomes the “Bride of Christ” — a restored covenant:
Ephesians 5:25 (KJV)
Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
God’s ultimate plan is not separation — but redemption and union.
✅ Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Did God divorce Israel? | Yes (Jer. 3:8) because of unfaithfulness. |
| Was it permanent? | No — God plans restoration (Hos. 2:19, Jer. 3:14). |
| What does it teach? | God hates divorce but allows it for covenant betrayal; His heart is repentance & restoration. |
What can we learn about God divorcing Israel?
Here are the key spiritual lessons we can learn from God “divorcing” Israel in Scripture, based on the KJV:
✅ 1. Sin Breaks Fellowship With God
Israel’s spiritual adultery — idolatry, rebellion, and unfaithfulness — led to separation.
Jeremiah 3:8
…for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce…
Lesson: When we continually turn from God to sin, it damages the relationship.
✅ 2. God Is Patient, But Justice Comes
For centuries God warned Israel through prophets.
Judgment didn’t come immediately — it came after long-suffering mercy.
2 Chronicles 36:15-16
…He sent to them by his messengers… but they mocked the messengers of God… till there was no remedy.
Lesson: God’s patience is great — but rebellion eventually reaps consequences.
✅ 3. Covenant Is Serious to God
God treats His covenant like marriage — faithful, holy, permanent in intent.
Malachi 2:14
…the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth… she is thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
Lesson: Marriage and covenant with God both require loyalty, fidelity, and honor.
✅ 4. God Disciplines to Restore, Not Destroy
God “put away” Israel — but not to abandon forever.
His plan always included restoration.
Hosea 2:19
And I will betroth thee unto me for ever… in lovingkindness, and in mercies.
Jeremiah 3:14
Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you.
Lesson: When God corrects us, it’s to bring us back, not cast us away.
✅ 5. God’s Love Is Redeeming
God divorcing Israel is not like man’s bitterness;
it is part of His plan to redeem a faithful remnant and eventually restore.
Romans 11:26
And so all Israel shall be saved…
Lesson: Even in judgment, God works redemption.
✅ 6. Spiritual Faithfulness Matters
Israel’s unfaithfulness pictures spiritual compromise today:
- Idolatry → anything we put before God
- Double–minded living
- Lip service without heart devotion
James 4:4
…know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
Lesson: God desires sincere, faithful hearts.
✅ 7. Jesus Fully Restores the Covenant
Israel’s “divorce” pointed to the New Covenant, fulfilled in Christ.
Ephesians 5:25-27
Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it… that he might present it to himself a glorious church…
Lesson: Christ’s covenant faithfulness is the ultimate example of love and redemption.
✨ Summary
| Truth | Lesson |
|---|
| Israel’s sin broke fellowship | Sin separates us from God |
| God was patient, but judgment came | Avoid abusing God’s mercy |
| Covenant is holy | God expects faithfulness |
| Discipline aims for restoration | God corrects to bring us back |
| God’s love endured Israel’s betrayal | His mercy is greater than our failure |
| New Covenant completes restoration | Christ is the faithful Bridegroom |
🔥 Takeaway
God’s divorce of Israel isn’t about rejection — it’s about holy love, covenant seriousness, discipline, mercy, and ultimate restoration.
It calls us to faithfulness, repentance, and deep love for God above all idols.
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