And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.

Mark 10:1-12

And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. Mark 10:2-5

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:1-12.  Excerpts from the commentary's main idea, introduction, and the first section from the commentary provided for this text:

• The main idea for this text: "[m]arriage is a sacred covenant that ideally is dissolved only by death."
• "[S]tudy [of marriage] demands our most careful and humble efforts. It is treacherous territory." 
• "Two competing rabbinic schools of thought were present in Jesus’ day: (1) The more conservative school followed Rabbi Shammai and said the only ground for divorce was adultery (sexual immorality). (2) The more liberal school followed Rabbi Hillel and said divorce could be granted for 'any indecency.'"
• "The Pharisees in that day, for the most part, followed Rabbi Hillel, made divorce easy and wanted it to stay that way. So they come to Jesus “to test Him” (v. 2). Jesus was, therefore, thrust into a debate like many of us are today. The Pharisees wanted to talk about divorce, but Jesus wanted to talk about marriage and God’s divine blueprint." 
• Key Biblical texts on divorce and remarriage per the commentary: Genesis 2:18-25, Romans 7:1-3, Ephesians 5:21-33, Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Isaiah 50:1, Jeremiah 3:1, 8-9, Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12, Malachi 2:13-16, Matthew 19:3-12, Luke 16:18, 1 Corinthians 7:8-16, 39-40.  
• "Marriage is a good gift from a great God to be enjoyed. Sex is a part of this good gift. God’s design is one man, for one woman, for a lifetime (unless separated by death; Romans 7:1-3). Marriage is the joining of two bodies, two wills, two minds, and two sets of God-given emotions."  
• Marriage is sacred because it reflects the spiritual union of Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:21-33). As Jesus would never divorce His bride, a spouse should never divorce his or her mate." 
• "Though the Bible never condones divorce, it does recognize the reality of divorce (see also Isaiah 50:1; Jeremiah 3:1,8-9). The allowance of a divorce certificate provides regulations and is a concession for the protection and welfare of an innocent victim. Remarriage to one’s former spouse after marrying another is strictly forbidden."  
• "[Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12] appears to be a unique situation. (Nowhere does God give a direct command to divorce. The text may be recording their activity but not affirming it.) Some believe polygamy was an issue, though the text does not say this. In the best light this is an exceptional act eliminating the greater of two evils: defilement through mixed marriages, which led to idolatry." 
• "Malachi wrote during the time of Ezra. God hates divorce. It is never His perfect will. (Is this perhaps a counter to the activity recorded in Ezra?)" 
• "Desertion by an unbelieving spouse permits divorce and, it seems, grants permission for remarriage (some believe the summation of verses 1 Corinthians 7:39-40 rules out remarriage)." 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You also created marriage and provided my marriage - thank You God for my salvation and for my marriage!  I am not deserving of either but You save and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.