Bible Discussion Thread

The subject of "strange wives." 1 Cor. 7:15-16 addresses a similar admonition; in a way as Ezra 10:44. Ezra 10:3 concerns those who are born to them; and since a child isn't supposed to be judged for the sins of the Fathers ( Ezekiel 18:20); this could be an added concession by the people themselves to what God and Ezra commanded. The descendants of certain nations at that time were not allowed in the Temple for corporate worship as well; but there are certainly instances (such as with Ruth the Moabitess; and with Uriah the Hittite which demonstrate there are certainly those who CHOOSE to serve the God of Israel who are accepted into the beloved.

We need to examine carefully what is being said here. In Corinthians; clearly the N.T. states that an unbelieving wife should STAY in the marriage if she is so disposed; which of course would apply to the believing husband; or vice versa depending on who is of faith. The concept here is of a seductress; so to speak-whatever was drawing them to marry these foreign women was ultimately whatever entity was causing them to be attracted to someone following doctrines of demons; and making them irresistible. There appears to be no protest here of women who wish to follow the God of Israel; rather the emphasis is on those drawn away; which those influences ultimately will do if we allow them in our lives.

It needs to be noted that SEPARATION; not divorce is mentioned. Even if divorce is implied; there is NO scripture that gives permission to remarry; and also perhaps most noteworthy is that there is NO RECORD of ANY Bible character in the O.T. divorcing. This truly parallels Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9 where those who are remarried are said to commit adultery right after the "exception clause". God is not the author of confusion; apparently contradictory texts have unified meanings; at least in the same circumstances.

Hello Richard, Those Israelites good ol' boys just could not stick with God's explicit commands to refrain from taking wives from the idolatrous nations surrounding them. It seems that both male and female Israelites were very easily swayed by the "customs" of the surrounding pagans and repeatedly fell into idolatry despite having the history of God's miraculous deliverances (through the waters and from attackers), providence (manna and quail), displays of God's presence (pillar of fire and cloud, glory filling the tabernacle, Mount Sinai "shock and awe"), the giving of the Law. This makes me think that the ways (and women) of the pagans must have been very alluring.

This makes me think how people can become so enamored and intrigued by "exotic" or "new" trends. This is true in the church as well. These "baubles" can make our daily walk in godliness and fellowship with the Spirit seem somewhat "boring", especially when we are called to live a quiet and godly lifestyle. But I haven't really minded what most would consider boring, because I love to follow God's ways. I find them satisfying. But we live in a culture that glorifies risk taking behavior (rock climbing, extreme sports) and fancy, shiny celebrity lifestyles. But as believers, I think it is wise to heed what Jesus taught about being in the world but not of the world, so to speak ( John 17:15, 18)

And Paul says for us to not be conformed to the world, but to be transformed.. ( Romans 12:2) and John says to love not the world or the things of the world... which is passing away...but he who does the will of the God abides forever ( 1 John 2:15-17)

And we are told by Peter to lives such good lives among the pagans .. ( 1 Peter 2:11-12) as we should live like sojourners.

Unlike the Israelites, let's hope we do better to resist worldliness and pagan influences.

Dear Richard.

I absolutely agree with you. Separation is not permited unless one goes with another woman/man. Matthew 5:31-32. But even if so remarriage is not permitted. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11.

Now the verse in 1 Corintians 7:15 . The original Greek text says word by word " if the unbeliever separates let him/her separate. The brother or sister is not enslaved INTO THESE". What this "into these" stand for. Why enslaved? Marriage is not slavory, it was blessed by God. The explanation given in my church is that it refers to sexual acts. So lets take it from the beggining." If the unbeliever wants to separate let him do that, there is no problem you not having sex, you are not enslaved to it" It is not the usual explanation but it fits with Matthew that forbids divorse no matter if man or woman are unbelievers or not, only for adultery is permitted. It also agrees to 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 that forbids remarriage.

GBU

My daughter divorced her husband for having sex with their daughter. I told her that God made allowances for divorce in such cases of fornication. I also told her that God allows remarriage in cases like hers but that she needs to be careful to seek His will in the matter because remarriage is not something that is encouraged in the Bible, even if not always discouraged.

1 Corinthians 7:27-29

King James Version

27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

There are two types of people in view here. The divorced and virgins are not wrong if they marry, but only in the Lord.

Dear Mark. I am really sorry to read your daughter's sad story. What to say? No words. I pray your daughter listens to your advice and seek the Lord This must be always the first step. Go back to our Fathers house and get blessed.

Now as far as marriage is concerned, in Christianity there are many beliefs, starting from remarriage not permitted to you can separate for any reason and remarry as many times as you like and lately you can marry and remarry male to male or female to female. What can smd say?

The verses you mentioned in simple words say.

1 Corinthians 7: 27-29

27. Are you married? Do not seek to separate. (Because is not permitted)

Are you unmarried ( for men) to a woman?. Do not seek to marry.(Paul implies to choose to devote to God )

28. But if you marry (talks about the unmarried) you have not sinned. If a girl (now for women) marries she hasn't sin....

As i see it nowhere says that the divorced can remarry .

It is very difficult for smd to accept that he/she cannot remarry, especially if he/she is a young person. But i think God gives His grace and strength to follow His Word. I can't find anything else to say.

God bless you all.

Thank you for all that info Richard . I believe that a child was only considered to be part of Israel if it's mother was Jewish , I think that's still the case even today .