Deuteronomy 24

Deuteronomy 24:1

SOme uncleannesse] Not of adultery, as some take it: for if that could be proved, she was to die for it: and if it were doubtfull, she was to be tried by the water of jealousie, Numb. 5. but some bodily uncleannesse, as of leprosie, or some other disease which is an impediment to contentment in her: To these as causes of divorce are added by some, barrennesse, madnesse, stubbornnesse, reproachfull insolency toward her husband, which is an uncleannesse of the minde, or any other things which dispose him rather to loath them then to love her.

bill of divorcement] Hereby God approveth not the ficklenesse of mens affections, in a light, or causelesse leaving of their wives, Malachi 2:16. but permitteth a parting, for prevention of danger through dislike, Matth. 19. 6, 7, 8, 9. In this bill, (which was a schedule, or writing) he gave her a release of the bands of marriage, and libertie to goe whither she would, and to marry whom she would: this seemeth to be rather at the husbands choice to give the wife a bill of divorce, then t the wives to give one to the husband, which was not allowed among the Jewes; as Josephus affirmeth. Antiq. 50: 15. cap. 11.

Deuteronomy 24:4

may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled] That is, put away for some uncleannesse, or if she were not taken by the second man as a wife, her lying with him was an uncleannesse; and such a putting away for a time only might occasion an unlawfull love of one mans wife to be another mans bed-fellow: by this debarring of the husband of libertie to resume her that was divorced, he might be the lesse forward to put away his wife. See Malach. 2. 14, 15, 16. Yet before she was taken to the bed of another he might take her again, but not after though she were again divorced.

cause the land to sinne] If such lightnesse and lewdnesse should be practised, or permitted, it would draw a guilt of sinne upon the people, and a curse upon the land, Psalms 107:34.

Deuteronomy 24:5

with any businesse] Which may cause him to breake off cohabitation with his new married wife.

Deuteronomy 24:6

milstone] (Whether upper, or nether, because without both he cannot grind,) nor any thing whereby a man getteth his living, which therefore is called his life in this verse.

Deuteronomy 24:7

stealing] See Annot. on Exodus 21:16.

Deuteronomy 24:8

of the plague of leprosie] Which thou mayest incurre by contempt of their authoritie, or contumacy against it, who are set over thee, whether in the Church or in the Commonweale. See 2 Chron. 26. 19. Numbers 12:10.

Deuteronomy 24:10

not goe into his house] Although thou mayst appoint what to have, yet thou shalt receive for a pledge, what he may spare, and will willingly part withall.

Deuteronomy 24:12

sleepe with his pledge] What pledge is here meant, is plaine by the following verse: and by this God admonished the lender to take such a pledge, (if any at all) as he should not need often to return, and resume.

Deuteronomy 24:13

Sun goeth down] See Annot. on Exodus 22:26.

before the Lord] As done with respect to Gods presence, and knowledge: though he may be unthankfull, yet God will not forget it; but accept it as an act of conformitie to his own law, and so farre righteous; and withall as mercifull to man, as righteous before God.

Deuteronomy 24:16

The children] Which is a law for man to follow, but God, to whom all both parents and children are guiltie of sinne, and who is supreme Lord of life and death, is not bound unto it. See Annot. on Exod. 20. vers. 5. & Joshua 7:24. & 2 Sam. 25. vers. 22.

Deuteronomy 24:17

The stranger] Who being unknown, and without friends, was most like to be wronged by false accusations, and other hard measure; therefore God hath so much the more are of their comfortable condition, as men have the lesse.

Deuteronomy 24:18

Therefore I command thee] To doe justice, and to shew mercy to strangers, to the fatherlesse, and widow, of oppressing whom thou shouldest be the more apprehensive, because thou thy selfe wast oppressed in Egypt, and thou must shew thy selfe thankfull for thy deliverance by charitable offices toward those that need: for he will not judge them mindfull of his benefits, who are not beneficiall unto others.

Deuteronomy 24:19

not goe again to fetch it] A mercifull oblivion is to be preferred before a just remembrarce. This care of the poore is observable, Leviticus 19:9. wherein men were to be so free, that they should rather remember to leave a portion for the poore, Joseph. Antiq. lib. 4. cap. 81. then fetch that home, which by forgetfulnesse was left behind.