Bibliographic information:
Scacewater, Todd. “Divorce and Remarriage in Deuteronomy 24:1-4.” Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament 1 no. 1 (2012): 63-79.
Description:
Description:
Deuteronomy 24:1–4 records the only law in Deuteronomy on remarriage and has generated much discussion on the enigmatic phrase “nakedness of a thing” (24:1) as well as the purpose for the creation of the law. Yet, the long discussion on the purpose for the creation of the law seems to have been misguided. Scholars have confused the rationale behind the law with the purpose for the creation of the law. In seeking the purpose of the law, interpreters have sought the meaning of “nakedness of a thing” and the rationale behind labeling the woman’s actions an “abomination” (24:4). They have ignored the explicitly stated purpose of the law in verse 4. The primary concern of this law on divorce and remarriage is to protect the covenant relationship between Israel and Yahweh, thereby protecting Israel’s position in their inherited land of Canaan. While the rationale behind the law is important for biblical ethics, the purpose for the law contributes to the Deuteronomic theme of blessing and curse as it relates to Israel’s covenantal obedience.
Publisher:
Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament (website: http://jesot.org/)