Malachi 2:16 Cross References

For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

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Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse

Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Malachi 2:16. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.

Malachi 2:16 Cross Reference Verses

This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Malachi 2:16 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

Luke 16:18 KJV Bible Verse Image
Luke 16:18 (KJV) »
Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

Matthew 5:31 KJV Bible Verse Image
Matthew 5:31 (KJV) »
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

Mark 10:2 KJV Bible Verse Image
Mark 10:2 (KJV) »
And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

Matthew 19:3 KJV Bible Verse Image
Matthew 19:3 (KJV) »
The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

Deuteronomy 24:1 KJV Bible Verse Image
Deuteronomy 24:1 (KJV) »
When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

Isaiah 50:1 KJV Bible Verse Image
Isaiah 50:1 (KJV) »
Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

Isaiah 59:6 KJV Bible Verse Image
Isaiah 59:6 (KJV) »
Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

Proverbs 28:13 KJV Bible Verse Image
Proverbs 28:13 (KJV) »
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Micah 7:2 KJV Bible Verse Image
Micah 7:2 (KJV) »
The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

Isaiah 28:20 KJV Bible Verse Image
Isaiah 28:20 (KJV) »
For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.

Malachi 2:16 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses

Understanding Malachi 2:16

Malachi 2:16 states: "For the LORD, the God of Israel, says that He hates divorce, and Him who covers His garment with violence," (NASB). This verse conveys significant theological and moral implications regarding the institution of marriage, divorce, and God's perspective on loyalty.

Contextual Background

The book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in the covenant relationship between God and His people. As a post-exilic prophet, Malachi addresses concerns regarding the priests' unfaithfulness, the people's disregard for God's laws, and social injustices.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry elucidates that God's disdain for divorce stems from His covenantal relationship with Israel. He emphasizes that marriage is a sacred union established by God, thus making any act of betrayal detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the divine order established since creation. Henry suggests that this verse serves as a strong reminder of the sanctity of marriage, imploring individuals to honour commitments and uphold justice within relationships.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Albert Barnes focuses on the gravity of divorce as an act that not only disrupts personal relationships but also reflects a deeper spiritual rebellion against God. He interprets "covering one's garment with violence" as symbolic for harboring wrongdoing and infidelity in relationships. Barnes implies that when individuals abandon their spouses, they tarnish the very fabric of society and invoke God’s anger.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke provides a thorough examination of the societal implications of divorce during the time of Malachi. He indicates that this practice may have been common among the people, leading to widespread immorality. Clarke also stresses the need for a faithful remnant within Israel who would honor God's commands regarding marriage, thereby establishing a standard of righteousness for others to follow.

Theological Implications

  • Divine Covenant: The verse underscores the significance of God’s covenant and His expectations regarding marital fidelity.
  • Moral Integrity: It invites believers to reflect on their moral obligations in commitments, urging a return to integrity.
  • God’s Justice: The sanctity of marriage parallels God’s justice, highlighting that violations against it provoke divine disapproval.
  • Social Impact: Divorce creates societal fractures, leading to a breakdown of trust and community.

Bible Verse Cross-References

  • Genesis 2:24: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." - Establishing the divine blueprint for marriage.
  • Matthew 19:6: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." - Reinforcement of the sacred bond in marriage.
  • Malachi 2:14: "Yet you say, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously." - Emphasizing God's watchful presence in marriage.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:10-11: "To the married, I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband." - Instructions on maintaining marital unity.
  • Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." - The divine example of sacrificial love in marriage.
  • Proverbs 2:16-17: "To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words, who forsakes the companion of her youth..." - Warning against infidelity.
  • Romans 7:2: "For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives." - God's law concerning marriage's permanence.

Conclusion

Malachi 2:16 serves as a powerful admonition from God regarding the sanctity of marriage and the severe consequences of divorce. Through the lenses of prominent biblical scholars, we glean essential insights about the divine perspective on marital fidelity. Understanding this verse in the larger context of scripture encourages believers to maintain and honor their commitments, fostering deeper inter-Biblical dialogue regarding the themes of covenant, fidelity, and justice.

Additional Resources for Cross-Referencing

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