Daily Devotions
Malachi
"The wife of your youth"
Text: Malachi 2:14
THE COVENANT OF MARRIAGE
Malachi had to address difficult problems as the LORD’s prophet in post-exilic times. He had to deal with recalcitrant priests and Levites who despised the Lord’s worship and temple ministry. He also had to deal with an even more difficult problem of people who took too lightly the covenant of marriage.
“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;
Yet she is your companion
And your wife by covenant.”
Malachi 2:14
1. The challenge of the people
a) They appeared offended when Malachi delivered this word from God.
i) Their offerings were rejected.
ii) God would not receive their offerings with good will.
b) They were upset.
i) They questioned “For what reason?”
ii) They had refused to accept the message from Malachi.
2. The explanation given in greater detail
a) At the marriage ceremony:
i) There were human witnesses.
ii) God was also there as a witness.
b) Marriage took place when couples were still young.
i) The bride is called “the wife of your youth”.
ii) People married when they were younger in the hope of having children.
3. Treachery
As time passed, women were divorced. Marriage was a covenant to last for a lifetime. But this covenant was set aside. Women suffered even more when divorce took place then!