Vs. 1, “If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house.”  In the first section of our chapter we come across the controversial topic of divorce (vs. 1-4).  Bear in mind marriage is a covenant before God.  Though God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), there were stipulations that did allow divorce to transpire.  Though there are differing thoughts as to what was “displeasing”, most biblical scholars point out that it must have been either a sexually indecent act, but not full intercourse or a previous encounter before the marriage covenant.  Jesus makes clear in Matthew 19:3-12 that God allowed divorce due to the hardening of our hearts.  It is my belief that if both parties are willing, reconciliation should be sought if there has been adultery.  In the next section (vs. 6-22), we come across more various laws concerning thoughtful action upon others.  I love how a soldier was given a year to spend strengthening his marriage before he went back to the army (vs. 5)!  There is a sadness that came upon me as I realized some of these laws were to counter against the sinful nature.  Depriving people of their millstones (livelihood) (vs. 6), kidnapping others (vs. 7), treating people with dignity who owed money (vs. 10-15) must all have been made because a precedent had already been set.  The death penalty should not passed onto a father or to a son as a alternative (vs. 16), for this is what pagan nations practiced.  And lastly, the rich should always ensure that they are leaving portions for the poor in their land.  Not only did it provide food for the poor, but it kept the rich from judgment upon them from God (vs. 17-22).

Regarding application…Don’t Forget.  Vs. 22, “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.”  The Israelites had been rescued from dire circumstances and enslavement.  Yet, over the years there was a tendency to begin taking for granted where they came from.  While we don’t come from oppressive slavery, we were once enemies to the cross (Philippians 3:18).  We were once slaves to sin (Roman 6:6).  Now that we have been freed, let us not ever forget where we came from.  God goodness and grace is something we now have the task to pass on to others.  When I was young, I used to wait tables at a couple of restaurants.  Now, that is hard work!  I remember how many customers were rude and left no tip.  I worked in a state (Indiana) that paid waiters/waitresses less than half the minimum wage because they figured you would get the rest of your pay by tips.  Thankfully, most states don’t do that anymore.  When I go to dine at a restaurant, I try to never forget how hard they work and what it felt like to be them.  I always tip minimum 15% and more if it is great service!  Just a small example of ensuring we treat others as we ourselves would wanted to be treated!