Setting – God addresses marriage with the Judah & Jerusalem.
Content – They were violating the covenant they made with God (v. 10c NLT) “Then why are we faithless to each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?” They were defiled because (v. 11 NLT) “the men of Judah have defiled the LORD's beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols.” Malachi also pointed out (v. 13 NLT) “Here is another thing you do. You cover the LORD's altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings, and he doesn't accept them with pleasure” God abandoned them (v. 14b NLT) “Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made to each other on your wedding day when you were young. But you have been disloyal to her, though she remained your faithful companion, the wife of your marriage vows” Why is this union so sacred (v. 15a NLT) “Didn't the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union.” Because of this (v. 15c NLT) “So guard yourself; remain loyal to the wife of your youth” God’s view on divorce (v. 16 NLT) “For I hate divorce!" says the LORD, the God of Israel. "It is as cruel as putting on a victim's bloodstained coat," says the LORD Almighty. "So guard yourself; always remain loyal to your wife”.
Their question (v. 17b NLT) “How have we wearied him?" You have wearied him by suggesting that the LORD favors evildoers since he does not punish them. You have wearied him by asking, "Where is the God of justice?”
Application – God didn’t overlook Israel’s commitment. They were to not marry outside of their race. God was patient with them, but He didn’t overlook this violation. God was and is serious about the union of a marriage, because “I hate divorce!" says the LORD” God wanted His people to be separated from idolatry, remaining faithful to their commitment and loyalty to Him. Intermarrying with pagan women tainted and, eventually corrupted, their single commitment to their God.
We need to remember our commitment to God and (v. James 1:27 NASB) “to keep oneself unstained by the world.” We are no different than the Israel. Give us enough time; we gravitate toward those things that draw us away from God. We must remain close to God’s word and His people in order to keep us focused to our commitment. God is ready to forgive, but God doesn’t overlook His commitment and He doesn’t want us to overlook ours.
Content – They were violating the covenant they made with God (v. 10c NLT) “Then why are we faithless to each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?” They were defiled because (v. 11 NLT) “the men of Judah have defiled the LORD's beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols.” Malachi also pointed out (v. 13 NLT) “Here is another thing you do. You cover the LORD's altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings, and he doesn't accept them with pleasure” God abandoned them (v. 14b NLT) “Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made to each other on your wedding day when you were young. But you have been disloyal to her, though she remained your faithful companion, the wife of your marriage vows” Why is this union so sacred (v. 15a NLT) “Didn't the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union.” Because of this (v. 15c NLT) “So guard yourself; remain loyal to the wife of your youth” God’s view on divorce (v. 16 NLT) “For I hate divorce!" says the LORD, the God of Israel. "It is as cruel as putting on a victim's bloodstained coat," says the LORD Almighty. "So guard yourself; always remain loyal to your wife”.
Their question (v. 17b NLT) “How have we wearied him?" You have wearied him by suggesting that the LORD favors evildoers since he does not punish them. You have wearied him by asking, "Where is the God of justice?”
Application – God didn’t overlook Israel’s commitment. They were to not marry outside of their race. God was patient with them, but He didn’t overlook this violation. God was and is serious about the union of a marriage, because “I hate divorce!" says the LORD” God wanted His people to be separated from idolatry, remaining faithful to their commitment and loyalty to Him. Intermarrying with pagan women tainted and, eventually corrupted, their single commitment to their God.
We need to remember our commitment to God and (v. James 1:27 NASB) “to keep oneself unstained by the world.” We are no different than the Israel. Give us enough time; we gravitate toward those things that draw us away from God. We must remain close to God’s word and His people in order to keep us focused to our commitment. God is ready to forgive, but God doesn’t overlook His commitment and He doesn’t want us to overlook ours.
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