Mal 2:14-16 | TNotes | STEP | 2:14 The expression faithful partner identifies a marriage companion (Greek Old Testament koinōnos , “joint partner”). The Hebrew word, used for a seam or a joint in construction (e.g., Exod 26:6-11 ), suggests a permanent bond. • marriage vows (literally covenant ): Marriage is a solemn covenant to which God is witness (see Prov 2:17 ).

a2:14►

bExod 26:6-11►

cProv 2:17►

d2:16►

e1:3►

fHos 9:15►

gExod 34:6►

hDeut 7:9►

iDeut 24:1-4►

‏ Malachi 2:14-16

2:14 ^a The expression faithful partner identifies a marriage companion (Greek Old Testament koinōnos, “joint partner”). The Hebrew word, used for a seam or a joint in construction (e.g., Exod 26:6-11 ^b), suggests a permanent bond.

• marriage vows (literally covenant): Marriage is a solemn covenant to which God is witness (see Prov 2:17 ^c).
2:16 ^d hate: God hates a broken covenant (see 1:3 ^e; Hos 9:15 ^f). This is appropriate because God’s relationship with people is characterized by faithfulness, and he expected no less from Israel (Exod 34:6 ^g; Deut 7:9 ^h).

• To divorce (literally send away) means to expel a marriage partner. Malachi wanted to correct the abuse of the divorce laws (see Deut 24:1-4 ⁱ).

• to overwhelm her with cruelty: Cruelty entails acts of violence or wrongdoing. The estrangement of divorce is a violent and cruel social crime. To divorce one’s wife is treachery against her and against the marriage covenant. It breaks the heart, destroys relationships, violates the integrity of the family, damages the children’s well-being, and puts the future in jeopardy.