Verse
Context
Judah’s Unfaithfulness
15Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. 16“For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
putting away--that is, divorce. for one covereth violence with . . . garment--MAURER translates, "And (Jehovah hateth him who) covereth his garment (that is, his wife, in Arabic idiom; compare Gen 20:16, 'He is to thee a covering of thy eyes'; the husband was so to the wife, and the wife to the husband; also Deu 22:30; Rut 3:9; Eze 16:8) with injury." The Hebrew favors "garment," being accusative of the thing covered. Compare with English Version, Psa 73:6, "violence covereth them as a garment." Their "violence" is the putting away of their wives; the "garment" with which they try to cover it is the plea of Moses' permission (Deu 24:1; compare Mat 19:6-9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the Lord the God of Israel saith, that he hateth putting away,.... The divorcing of wives; for though this was suffered because of the hardness of their hearts, it was not approved of by the Lord; nor was it from the beginning; and it was disagreeable, and even hateful to him, Mat 19:8 in the margin of some Bibles the words are rendered, "if he hate her, put her away"; and so the Targum, "but if thou hatest her, put her away;'' to which agree the Vulgate Latin, Septuagint, and Arabic versions; and this sense made mention of in both Talmuds, and is thought to be agreeable to the law in Deu 24:3 though the law there speaks of a fact that might be, and not of what ought to be; wherefore the former sense is best; and this other seems to have been at first calculated to favour the practice of the Jews, who put away their wives through hatred to them. The Jews were very much inclined to divorce their wives upon very trivial occasions; if they did not dress their food well, were not of good behaviour, or not so modest as became the daughters of Israel; if they did not find favour with their husbands; and, especially, if they had entertained a hatred of them: so says R. Judah (k), "if he hate her, let him put her away:'' but this is by some of them restrained to a second wife; for of the first they say, "it is not proper to be hasty to put away a first wife; but a second, if he hates her, let him put her away (l)'' and R. Eleazer says (m), whoever divorces his first wife, even the altar sheds tears for him, referring to the words in Mal 2:13 and divorces of this kind they only reckon lawful among the Israelites, and found it upon this passage; for so they make God to speak after this manner (n), "in Israel I have granted divorces; among the nations of the world I have not granted divorces. R. Chananiah, in the name of R. Phinehas, observes, that in every other section it is written, "the Lord of hosts"; but here it is written, "the God of Israel", to teach thee that the holy blessed God does not put his name to divorces (or allow them) but in Israel only. R. Chayah Rabba says, the Gentiles have no divorces.'' But some of them have better understanding of these words, and more truly give the sense of them thus, as R. Jochanan does, who interprets them, "the putting away of the wife is hateful (o);'' it is so to God, and ought not to be done by men but in case of adultery, as our Lord has taught, Mat 5:32 and which was the doctrine of the school of Shammai in Christ's time, who taught, "that no man should divorce his wife, unless he found in her filthiness;'' i.e. that she was guilty of adultery; though this Maimonides restrains to the first wife, as before: but the house of Hillell, who lived in the same time, was of a different mind, and taught that "if she burnt his food;'' either over dressed or over salted it, according to Deu 24:1. R. Akiba says, if he found another more beautiful than her, according to Deu 24:1, he might divorce her (p); of the form of a divorce; see Gill on Mat 5:31. Those interpreters among Christians that go this way do not look upon this as an approbation of divorce, on account of hatred; but that so to do is better than to retain them with hatred of them, seeing it was connived at, or than to take other wives with them. For one covereth violence with his garment, or "on his garment", saith the Lord of hosts; as he that puts away his wife does her an open injury, which though he may cover, pretending the law, which connives at divorces; yet the violence done to his wife is as manifest as the garment upon his back: though those who think the former words are an instruction to put away wives, when hated, consider this as a reason why they should do so; because, by retaining them, and yet hating them, and taking other wives to them, is doing them a real injury, whatever cover or pretence may be used; because, if dismissed, they might be loved by, and married to, other men. Aben Ezra seems to have hit the sense of these words, when he makes this to be the object of God's hatred, as well as the former; his note is, "the Lord hateth him that putteth away his wife that is pure, and he hates him that covereth; or God sees his violence which is done in secret.'' Mr. Pocock proposes a conjecture, which is very ingenious and probable, that as the words will bear the construction Aben Ezra gives, that God hates putting away, and hates that one should put violence upon or over his garment; by "garment" he thinks may be meant a man's lawful wife, which is as a garment to him; and by "violence" a second wife, or other wives, taken to the injury, hurt, and vexation of the former; and the covering, or superinducing violence over the garment, is marrying an unlawful wife, over or with, or above his lawful one: and the sense is, that as God hates divorce, so he hates polygamy: therefore take heed to your spirit, that you deal not treacherously; See Gill on Mal 2:15. (k) T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 90. 2. (l) Maimon. Hilchot Gerushin, c. 10, 21, 22. (m) T. Bab. Gittin, ib. (n) T. Hieros. Kiddushin, c. 1. fol. 58. 3. (o) T. Bab. Gittin, ut supra. (p) Misn. Gittin, c. 9. sect. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:16 hate: God hates a broken covenant (see 1:3; Hos 9:15). This is appropriate because God’s relationship with people is characterized by faithfulness, and he expected no less from Israel (Exod 34:6; Deut 7:9). • To divorce (literally send away) means to expel a marriage partner. Malachi wanted to correct the abuse of the divorce laws (see Deut 24:1-4). • to overwhelm her with cruelty: Cruelty entails acts of violence or wrongdoing. The estrangement of divorce is a violent and cruel social crime. To divorce one’s wife is treachery against her and against the marriage covenant. It breaks the heart, destroys relationships, violates the integrity of the family, damages the children’s well-being, and puts the future in jeopardy.
Judah’s Unfaithfulness
15Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. 16“For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Pride
By David Wilkerson6.1K56:11PRO 13:10OBA 1:3MAL 2:16MAT 19:6MRK 10:91CO 7:10EPH 5:22In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of divorce and the breaking up of families, stating that it is a plague that is sweeping the church. The preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience to God in order to overcome this issue. The sermon includes a moment of prayer and reflection for couples to seek God's guidance and repentance if necessary. The preacher shares personal experiences and highlights the need for commitment and perseverance in marriage, citing the resistance of God towards the proud and the grace given to the humble.
Session 1: Marriage According to Jesus (Couples Conference)
By Stuart Briscoe2.2K54:03MAL 2:16MAT 19:3MAT 19:8MRK 10:2MRK 10:11EPH 5:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges that young people face when transitioning into adulthood. He suggests that many young people go off to college without a clear understanding of why they are going or what they will do afterwards. The speaker humorously suggests that he would prefer his grandsons to join the marines instead. He emphasizes the importance of learning how to relate to others and understanding that we are all different. The speaker also highlights the significance of male and female differences and the importance of healthy relationships. He concludes by encouraging the audience to learn to leave and cleave in their relationships.
Why Revival Tarries - Part 4
By Henry Blackaby1.7K09:21PSA 51:10ISA 6:1MAL 2:16MAT 5:16MAT 9:37JHN 17:17ACT 1:81CO 1:182TI 2:21JAS 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of sanctification by the truth of God's Word, highlighting the transformative power of encountering God's holiness and being challenged to conform to the image of Christ. It shares the impact of personal revival and how being a witness of God's truth can lead to the sanctification of others, resulting in a ripple effect of spiritual growth and mission work. The speaker reflects on a powerful revival experience in a church, demonstrating the fruitfulness of genuine encounters with God and the subsequent transformation of individuals and communities.
Couples Night - Part 5
By Keith Daniel1.4K09:13GEN 2:241SA 18:28PRO 21:9MAL 2:16MAT 19:61CO 13:4EPH 5:33COL 3:191PE 3:7This sermon delves into the challenges and dynamics of marriage, drawing examples from historical figures like John Wesley and biblical characters like David and his wife. It explores the impact of a spouse's character on one's faith and the potential struggles faced within Christian marriages, emphasizing the importance of love, respect, and Godly behavior in relationships.
A Shocking Message to Men! (Clip)
By Shane Idleman1.2K01:52JOS 24:15PRO 22:6MAL 2:16MAL 3:6EPH 5:251TI 3:4This sermon emphasizes the unchanging nature of God as stated in Malachi, highlighting God's declaration of hating divorce and the importance of the family unit. It challenges men to take responsibility for their role in leading and nurturing their families in the ways of the Lord, addressing issues like distractions, addictions, and lack of spiritual leadership that contribute to the spiritual decline of families and society.
Twenty Years of Family Life
By George Verwer1.1K58:49Family LifeMarriage PrinciplesGEN 2:24PRO 22:6MAL 2:16MAT 19:61CO 13:4EPH 5:25COL 3:191TH 5:17HEB 13:41PE 4:8George Verwer reflects on the 20 years of family life within Operation Mobilization (OM), emphasizing the importance of prioritizing family, discipline, and real love in maintaining strong marriages. He acknowledges the challenges of divorce and separation faced by many, even within the church, and highlights the miraculous success of OM in fostering lasting relationships among its members. Verwer shares insights on the necessity of prayer, submission, and open communication in marriage, while also addressing the dangers of extremism and hyper-idealism. He encourages couples to embrace the principles of commitment and discipline, recognizing that true love is an act of the will rather than merely a feeling. Ultimately, he praises God for the blessings experienced in family life over the past two decades.
We Can Overcome Satan
By Zac Poonen6461:04:25MAL 2:16MAT 5:27ROM 13:6EPH 4:31TI 2:91TI 3:2JAS 4:71JN 4:4This sermon addresses the importance of maintaining high spiritual standards without falling into legalism. It emphasizes the need to hate sin, repent sincerely, and strive for Christ-likeness in all aspects of life. The sermon also discusses the church's stance on divorce and remarriage, highlighting the biblical standards and the need for forgiveness and restoration in affected families.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 18
By Zac Poonen62125:57ISA 66:2MAL 2:16MAT 5:20ROM 8:2PHP 2:3JAS 3:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of adhering to all that Jesus taught, particularly focusing on the deeper spiritual implications behind commands such as avoiding adultery. It delves into the necessity of overcoming lustful thoughts and radical actions to combat sin, highlighting the need for genuine fullness of the Holy Spirit for true transformation and victory over sins like anger and lust. The message stresses the seriousness of adultery, both in the context of lusting after women and divorce, urging believers to tremble at God's word and pursue a righteousness that surpasses external observance of commandments.
How God Uses Your Brokenness
By Shane Idleman1722:52RestorationTrust in GodPSA 34:18PRO 3:5ISA 61:3MAL 2:16MAT 5:32ROM 8:282CO 5:17PHP 4:6JAS 4:101PE 5:7Shane Idleman emphasizes that while divorce is not encouraged without biblical grounds, separation can be a necessary step in toxic marriages to allow for healing and restoration. He highlights the importance of seeking God during difficult times and contending for one's marriage, even in the face of brokenness and pain. Shane shares personal experiences of how God can use brokenness to rebuild lives and relationships, urging individuals to trust in God's restorative power rather than seeking quick fixes through new relationships. He stresses that true healing comes from humility and a vibrant relationship with God, rather than from societal expectations or judgments about divorce. Ultimately, Shane encourages the congregation to look to God for strength and guidance in their struggles.
Day 19, Matthew 19
By David Servant0MAL 2:16David Servant delves into the topic of divorce and remarriage, emphasizing Jesus' teachings on the sanctity of marriage and the consequences of divorce, while also highlighting God's grace and forgiveness for those who have gone through divorce. He challenges the common misconceptions around divorce and remarriage, urging a deeper understanding of biblical principles. Additionally, he explores Jesus' encounter with the rich, young ruler, shedding light on the importance of generosity and the challenges faced by the wealthy in following God wholeheartedly.
Malachi 2:9
By Chuck Smith0Honoring GodMarriage and CommitmentPRO 4:23MAL 1:10MAL 2:1MAL 2:9MAL 2:16MAT 19:6EPH 5:25HEB 13:4JAS 1:191PE 3:7Chuck Smith addresses the spiritual condition of the people of Israel after their return from captivity, emphasizing their lack of reverence for God and the corruption among the priests who led them astray. He highlights how the people dishonored God by offering unacceptable sacrifices and treating their marriages with contempt, particularly through easy divorce. Despite their failures, Smith reassures that God's love remains steadfast, but warns of the consequences of their actions, including God's judgment and the severing of their connection with Him. He stresses the importance of honoring commitments and the need for spiritual vigilance to avoid treachery in relationships. Ultimately, Smith calls for a return to genuine worship and respect for God's commandments.
Malachi 2:10-16 God Hates Divorce
By Carl Carmody0GEN 2:24DEU 22:10MAL 2:16MAT 19:5JHN 3:192CO 6:14Carl Carmody preaches on the sobering subject of divorce as addressed in the book of Malachi, highlighting the devastating impact it has on families, individuals, and the church. The sermon delves into the treachery, travesty, and trauma of divorce, emphasizing God's strong disapproval of this act that profanes the sanctity of marriage. Through biblical examples and real-life stories, the sermon underscores the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God to strengthen marriages and families, warning against the dangers of being unequally yoked and the ripple effects of divorce on future generations.
Day 75, Mark 10
By David Servant0DEU 24:1MAL 2:16MAT 19:14MAT 19:24MRK 10:17MRK 10:251CO 6:91CO 7:11JAS 2:14David Servant addresses the contentious topic of divorce and remarriage, urging listeners to carefully consider all that Scripture teaches on the subject and to avoid interpretations that contradict other scriptures. He highlights the importance of understanding the true reasons behind God's view on divorce and remarriage, emphasizing the heart behind the actions rather than just the outward behavior. Servant points out the misuse of loopholes by corrupt religious leaders in Jesus' time and distinguishes between those who divorce for selfish reasons and those who genuinely try to save their marriage but fail. He stresses the necessity of holiness for entering heaven, citing Jesus' teachings on obeying commandments and the challenge for the rich to enter God's kingdom.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
putting away--that is, divorce. for one covereth violence with . . . garment--MAURER translates, "And (Jehovah hateth him who) covereth his garment (that is, his wife, in Arabic idiom; compare Gen 20:16, 'He is to thee a covering of thy eyes'; the husband was so to the wife, and the wife to the husband; also Deu 22:30; Rut 3:9; Eze 16:8) with injury." The Hebrew favors "garment," being accusative of the thing covered. Compare with English Version, Psa 73:6, "violence covereth them as a garment." Their "violence" is the putting away of their wives; the "garment" with which they try to cover it is the plea of Moses' permission (Deu 24:1; compare Mat 19:6-9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the Lord the God of Israel saith, that he hateth putting away,.... The divorcing of wives; for though this was suffered because of the hardness of their hearts, it was not approved of by the Lord; nor was it from the beginning; and it was disagreeable, and even hateful to him, Mat 19:8 in the margin of some Bibles the words are rendered, "if he hate her, put her away"; and so the Targum, "but if thou hatest her, put her away;'' to which agree the Vulgate Latin, Septuagint, and Arabic versions; and this sense made mention of in both Talmuds, and is thought to be agreeable to the law in Deu 24:3 though the law there speaks of a fact that might be, and not of what ought to be; wherefore the former sense is best; and this other seems to have been at first calculated to favour the practice of the Jews, who put away their wives through hatred to them. The Jews were very much inclined to divorce their wives upon very trivial occasions; if they did not dress their food well, were not of good behaviour, or not so modest as became the daughters of Israel; if they did not find favour with their husbands; and, especially, if they had entertained a hatred of them: so says R. Judah (k), "if he hate her, let him put her away:'' but this is by some of them restrained to a second wife; for of the first they say, "it is not proper to be hasty to put away a first wife; but a second, if he hates her, let him put her away (l)'' and R. Eleazer says (m), whoever divorces his first wife, even the altar sheds tears for him, referring to the words in Mal 2:13 and divorces of this kind they only reckon lawful among the Israelites, and found it upon this passage; for so they make God to speak after this manner (n), "in Israel I have granted divorces; among the nations of the world I have not granted divorces. R. Chananiah, in the name of R. Phinehas, observes, that in every other section it is written, "the Lord of hosts"; but here it is written, "the God of Israel", to teach thee that the holy blessed God does not put his name to divorces (or allow them) but in Israel only. R. Chayah Rabba says, the Gentiles have no divorces.'' But some of them have better understanding of these words, and more truly give the sense of them thus, as R. Jochanan does, who interprets them, "the putting away of the wife is hateful (o);'' it is so to God, and ought not to be done by men but in case of adultery, as our Lord has taught, Mat 5:32 and which was the doctrine of the school of Shammai in Christ's time, who taught, "that no man should divorce his wife, unless he found in her filthiness;'' i.e. that she was guilty of adultery; though this Maimonides restrains to the first wife, as before: but the house of Hillell, who lived in the same time, was of a different mind, and taught that "if she burnt his food;'' either over dressed or over salted it, according to Deu 24:1. R. Akiba says, if he found another more beautiful than her, according to Deu 24:1, he might divorce her (p); of the form of a divorce; see Gill on Mat 5:31. Those interpreters among Christians that go this way do not look upon this as an approbation of divorce, on account of hatred; but that so to do is better than to retain them with hatred of them, seeing it was connived at, or than to take other wives with them. For one covereth violence with his garment, or "on his garment", saith the Lord of hosts; as he that puts away his wife does her an open injury, which though he may cover, pretending the law, which connives at divorces; yet the violence done to his wife is as manifest as the garment upon his back: though those who think the former words are an instruction to put away wives, when hated, consider this as a reason why they should do so; because, by retaining them, and yet hating them, and taking other wives to them, is doing them a real injury, whatever cover or pretence may be used; because, if dismissed, they might be loved by, and married to, other men. Aben Ezra seems to have hit the sense of these words, when he makes this to be the object of God's hatred, as well as the former; his note is, "the Lord hateth him that putteth away his wife that is pure, and he hates him that covereth; or God sees his violence which is done in secret.'' Mr. Pocock proposes a conjecture, which is very ingenious and probable, that as the words will bear the construction Aben Ezra gives, that God hates putting away, and hates that one should put violence upon or over his garment; by "garment" he thinks may be meant a man's lawful wife, which is as a garment to him; and by "violence" a second wife, or other wives, taken to the injury, hurt, and vexation of the former; and the covering, or superinducing violence over the garment, is marrying an unlawful wife, over or with, or above his lawful one: and the sense is, that as God hates divorce, so he hates polygamy: therefore take heed to your spirit, that you deal not treacherously; See Gill on Mal 2:15. (k) T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 90. 2. (l) Maimon. Hilchot Gerushin, c. 10, 21, 22. (m) T. Bab. Gittin, ib. (n) T. Hieros. Kiddushin, c. 1. fol. 58. 3. (o) T. Bab. Gittin, ut supra. (p) Misn. Gittin, c. 9. sect. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:16 hate: God hates a broken covenant (see 1:3; Hos 9:15). This is appropriate because God’s relationship with people is characterized by faithfulness, and he expected no less from Israel (Exod 34:6; Deut 7:9). • To divorce (literally send away) means to expel a marriage partner. Malachi wanted to correct the abuse of the divorce laws (see Deut 24:1-4). • to overwhelm her with cruelty: Cruelty entails acts of violence or wrongdoing. The estrangement of divorce is a violent and cruel social crime. To divorce one’s wife is treachery against her and against the marriage covenant. It breaks the heart, destroys relationships, violates the integrity of the family, damages the children’s well-being, and puts the future in jeopardy.