In Deuteronomy, chapter twenty-four, verse one, expresses the bill of divorcement, which falls under the heading of various laws from verse fifteen of the previous chapter right through to the end of chapter twenty-five. Divorce is the result of human sin. The instructions were guidelines given by God to regulate divorce in ancient Israel. In those times, “uncleanness” refers to disgraceful or immoral conduct, which is less severe than adultery. However, adultery is a penalty that requires death, not divorce under the Old Testament.
The bill of divorcement was a legal document given to the woman to break the marriage covenant and protect and release her from all obligations to her former husband. After receiving the certificate of divorce, the woman was free to remarry. However, she was never to return to her former husband if her second marriage was to terminate. When divorce happens, it is a tragedy, but it is not a sin if based on biblical grounds. God Himself divorced Israel because of its unfaithfulness and spiritual adultery.
Today, divorce is common and happens quite frequently due to unfaithfulness. There are various laws in place for divorce, but it does not involve the death penalty like in Israel of the Old Testament. Human sin is the root of most failing marriages, and uncleanness is the reason for the separation. Fornication is the root cause that leads to adultery, and flirtation happens as the physical result of it. Therefore, with today’s fashion, technology, and other devices at our disposal, it is tempting for someone to get carried away with something that would lead to divorce.
The signs of divorce begin when couples no longer spend time together and do not support each other’s interests. For believers, if God is not the center of the marriage, then someone or something else is in place instead.