7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
7 "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?"
7 They said to him, "Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?"
7 They shot back in rebuttal, "If that's so, why did Moses give instructions for divorce papers and divorce procedures?"
7 They said to Him, "Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?"
7 "Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?" they asked.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 19:7
Commentary on Matthew 19:3-12
(Read Matthew 19:3-12)
The Pharisees were desirous of drawing something from Jesus which they might represent as contrary to the law of Moses. Cases about marriage have been numerous, and sometimes perplexed; made so, not by the law of God, but by the lusts and follies of men; and often people fix what they will do, before they ask for advice. Jesus replied by asking whether they had not read the account of the creation, and the first example of marriage; thus pointing out that every departure therefrom was wrong. That condition is best for us, and to be chosen and kept to accordingly, which is best for our souls, and tends most to prepare us for, and preserve us to, the kingdom of heaven. When the gospel is really embraced, it makes men kind relatives and faithful friends; it teaches them to bear the burdens, and to bear with the infirmities of those with whom they are connected, to consider their peace and happiness more than their own. As to ungodly persons, it is proper that they should be restrained by laws, from breaking the peace of society. And we learn that the married state should be entered upon with great seriousness and earnest prayer.