COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 108
“ Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
(Mark 10:6-9; Matthew 19:4-6)
THE WAY IT WAS FROM THE BEGINNING
INTRODUCTION
The Pharisees have asked Jesus, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?” Matthew adds, “for every cause,” giving us a clearer index into their devious ways. Jesus did not answer their question, but asked them what Moses said. After all, they were professed experts in the Law. The Pharisees answered that Moses “suffered,” or permitted “to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.” Jesus responded that Moses did this because of the hardness of their hearts – that is, to protect the woman against overly-harsh treatment. He also threw up a sort of roadblock to stall hasty actions – the preparation of a legal document. Now Jesus goes to the heart of the matter, refusing to become embroiled in “foolish and unlearned questions” (2 Tim 2:23) – that is, questions that are not asked because of a quest for truth. Servants of God are warned to avoid such traps – approaches to religion that “minister questions” (1 Tim 1:4), and produce a certain “doting [a diseased appetite for] about questions and strifes of words” (1 Tim 6:4). There are questions that are “unlearned” – that is, they are stupid because they are not the result of instruction. They flow out of the imagination and an attempt to justify self. The are questions that are not pointed in the right direction, and they cannot yield the “fruits of righteousness” (Phil 1:11). Being all-wise, Jesus detected when these questions were asked, and refused to get caught up in them. In this, He has provided a pattern for us all. We are to be learned enough in the ways of God and His Word to avoid the entrapments of foolish questions. Jesus will provide us a most excellent example of how to deal with such things.
FROM THE BEGINNING – MALE AND FEMALE
“ Mk 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.”
Jesus will appear to launch into another subject – but He is not! The Pharisees have fastened on a leaf, Jesus will fasten on the root. Answers to questions are not found in details of procedure, but in the purpose, or intent, of God. Understanding the purpose of God is critical to resolving any honest inquiry. That discernment will also enable a person to see the folly of unlearned questions. They will grate against the soul, for they attempt to pull one away from the Lord to whom all allegiance has been given. This is one reason Ephaphras fervently prayed that the Philippians would “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Col 4:12). He was not speaking about the fabled “will of God for your life,” an approach that has been concocted by fallen men.
The “good and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Rom 12:2) does not have to do with your station in this world – who you marry, where you work, where you go to school, etc. It is certainly not wrong to seek God’s direction in such things. In that seeking however, it is imperative that you come to the point where you can “discern both good and evil” (Heb 5:14). That is how you avoid making wrong choices! When it comes to obtaining all things that pertain to life and godliness, it is always “through the knowledge of Him” (2 Pet 1:3) – that is, through “our knowledge of Him,” NIV – “through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him.” AMPLIFIED This knowledge involves an acquaintance with the “ways,” manners, or the customary ways, God has of doing things. It also involves familiarity with His revealed purpose.
A person can approach life with an eagerness to know a specific plan for his life, asking all manners of questions concerning the propriety of doing this or that. I suppose that all of us, at some time, have addressed life in this way. This, however, is not the most mature way, and we must grow out of that mode of thinking, and grow into spiritual maturity. When once it is realized that God has called us into His will and purpose, it will make no sense to us to approach life as though we are to call God into our purposes.
All of this is demonstrated in out text. Rather than Jesus being diverted into a discussion about divorce and procedures associated with it, He sets the purpose of God before His pretentious inquirers. The real question is not, “Can a man divorce his wife?” Rather, it is “What did God intend in marriage?” Jesus will now address this subject.
FROM THE BEGINNING. Mark reads, “from the beginning of creation.” Jesus used the same words in Mark 13:19. Matthew says, “at the beginning” (Matt 19:4). Here Jesus will declare WHY God made male and female. Any questions concerning the involvements of married people must get back to this root – “the beginning.” These are the first words of the Bible: “In the beginning.” They speak of Divine intention – an established objective or purpose. Isaiah spoke of “the beginning of the world” (Isa 64:4). Jesus did also (Matt 24:21). Other references to “the beginning” include Prov 8:22-23; John 1:1,2; 8:44; Acts 15:18; Eph 3:9; 2 Thess 2:13; Heb 1:10; 2 Pet 3:4; and 1 John 1:1. This is also called “from the creation of the world” (Rom 1:20). It is also referred to as “the foundation of the world” (Matt 13:35; 25:34; Lk 11:50; Heb 4:3; Rev 13:8; 17:8). Now, Jesus will consider marriage from the standpoint of “the beginning” – when it was first established.
GOD MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE. Matthew reads the same way: “made them male and female.” Because it was “not good for man to be alone,” God said “I will make him a help meet for him” (Gen 2:18). Other versions read “helper comparable to him,” NKJV “helper suitable for him,” NASB “helper as his partner,” NRSV “one like himself as a help to him,” BBE “a help like unto himself,” DOUAY and “helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.” AMPLIFIED He did not make another man, for He had something more in mind than companionship and sharing in a common work. God’s purpose was to create a race from which a vast multitude would ultimately be brought to glory. Two men would be of no value in that purpose, for procreation would be essential (Gen 1:28).
The postulate here is that God made Adam to DO something, and Eve was his helper in the matter – a suitable, or appropriate, helper. Adam and Eve were a unit, not merely two separate entities. Thus we read, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them” (Gen 1:27). The “him” that was created is the same as “the them.” “Man,” in this sense, equals “humanity” – two in its parts, yet one in its essence. That is why it is written, “Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created” (Gen 5:2).
The word “image” denotes a representative figure, and speaks of the spiritual constitution of man, not his bodily presence. The male and female were not two separate images, but one – each one bearing God-like qualities that were complementary.
Thus Jesus brings His hearers to consider that both man and woman are God’s creation. Neither is to be considered an end of themselves, nor is their will the primary one.
NOT TWO, BUT ONE
“ 7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.”
FOR THIS CAUSE. What is the “cause” or “reason” NKJV of which He speaks? It is because God “made them male and female.” Both were not “made” the same way. Man was “formed” from “the dust of the dust of the ground” (Gen 1:7), and Eve was made “from the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man” (Gen 2:22). She was not made from his head, so he could lord it over her. Neither was she made from his foot so he could tread upon her or abuse her. She was taken from his side, close to his heart, and intended to be a part of him. When the Lord presented Eve to Adam he said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man” (Gen 2:23). It is “for this cause” that the following statement is made. Following the fall, Adam “called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living” (Gen 3:20).
A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER. These are come of the first words attributed to Adam, and were spoken when God brought Eve to him (Gen 2:24). This is also the first prophesy uttered by a man, for Adam knew nothing of a father and mother by experience. He spoke of things that were not yet in existence – fathers, mothers, and children. It was, therefore, an inspired utterance in which the Lord opened the future to Adam.
This utterance is worthy of some consideration. One might think that it should read, “the woman shall leave . . . ” But it does not. It states that the man is to “leave his father and mother” in order to be joined to his wife. A husband is no longer under the care of his parents, but now has a charge of his own. That is, the tie between husband and wife is closer than the tie between the man and his parents. He is not “one flesh” with his parents. He is with his wife. Paul also quotes this in his exposition of Christ and the church, as mirrored in marriage (Eph 5:31).
The tie between husband and wife is closest than all other human relations. This is what makes sodomy such a transgression. It attempts to forge a union that contradicts the Divine intention behind the creation of male and female. There may be associations such as that between David and Jonathan (1 Sam 18:1-2). David said Jonathan’s love for him “was wonderful, passing the love of women” (2 Sam 1:26). By this he meant that it was not a love rooted in the flesh or carnal affection. Their hearts had been united. Notwithstanding, this was an exceedingly rare condition. Furthermore, David nor Jonathan left wives to be with one another. The closest of all fleshly associations is still that of a husband and wife.
It ought to be noted that the Pharisees have asked about a man putting away his wife. Jesus, referring to Divine intention, is speaking of a man leaving other associations to be with his wife. This is in direct opposition to the thinking of the Pharisees. They are asking about the dissolution of marriage. Jesus is speaking of every effort being made to maintain it.
CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE. Other versions read, “be joined to his wife,” NKJV “be united to his wife,” NIV “hold fast to his wife,” ESV “remain united with his wife,” GWN “adhere to his wife,” MRD “abide by his wife,” TNT and “be joined to his wife and cleave closely to her permanently.” AMPLIFIED The word “cleave” means “to glue upon, glue to, to join oneself to closely, stick to.” THAYER The picture is of two boards securely glued together, so that one board cannot be broken without the other breaking also.
The union between a husband and wife is not a loose one. It is not one of mere subordination without careful consideration. Note, the word is not for the wife to cleave to her husband, but for the man to cleave unto his wife. This utterly decimates the notion that the wife is nothing more than a vassal, assigned to menial tasks which are done for the husband. To “cleave” is not to merely be around, but to culture a certain oneness. Such a man, assuming he is married to a virtuous woman, will “safely trust her, so he will have no lack of gain” NKJV (Prov 31:11). He is not looking for a reason to put her away, but is rather joined to her in both heart and mind. Again, this destroys the whole thought of the Pharisees.
NOT TWO, BUT ONE. When believed and embraced, these four words would resolve the great majority of marital conflicts: “not two, but one.” There is a sense in which individuality does not exist in marriage. That sense pertains to life in the world, not life with God, for there is only one Mediator between God and man, and it is Jesus (1 Tim 2:5). That is why our text says “one flesh.” We are “one spirit” with the Lord (1 Cor 6:17).
“One flesh” implies one in feelings, interest, and affection. Marriage is a moral and physical union. It involves both mind and body. Selfish interests have no place in marriage, even though some may argue that two people cannot possibly think alike. Much of the agreement between husbands and wives are the result of the man cleaving to his wife, refusing to let anything come between them.
Thus Jesus has taken the words of Adam and applied them to God Himself, confirming they were an inspired utterance – a prophecy declaring the mind of the Lord.
WHAT GOD HAS JOINED TOGETHER
“ 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Jesus is calling upon the Pharisees to think properly and draw correct conclusions. They had viewed marriage as something originating and concluded by men. The Lord has dashed their reasoning to the ground, showing that they have been speaking of something originated by the God of heaven. Therefore, when they think of marriage, God must be in the scenario.
WHAT GOD HATH JOINED TOGETHER. Men have haggled over this point, asking HOW God joins people together. Some have concluded that marriage ceremonies are worthless, and that a marriage certificate really has no value. All of that is nothing more than philosophizing. It is like saying a bill of debt, which is also a contract, does not really amount to anything (Lk 16:6-7). The marriage of Ruth involved a formal ceremony (Ruth 4:1-11). When Isaiah married a wife, it involved the writing of a contract with two witnesses (Isa 8:1-3). Isaiah alluded to special garments worn by the bridegroom and the bride (61:10). Both Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke of the attire of a bride (Isa 49:18; Jer 2:32). There were also marriage feasts (Gen 29:22). Jesus likened the salvation of God to a “wedding” (Matt 22:3,8,10,11,12; Lk 12:36), and a “marriage supper” (Rev 19:9). Jesus’ first miracle was at a “marriage” (John 2:1-2). Malachi spoke of a marriage in relation to “the wife of thy covenant” (Mal 2:14). Solomon wrote of a woman who forsook her marital companion, thereby forgetting “the covenant of her God” (Prov 2:17). All of this is to confirm that being “joined together” by God is not something mystical that excludes ceremony or formalities.
Ultimately, marriage is not the result of a common choice between a man and woman. Rather, it speaks of what God has “joined together,” “coupled together,” GENEVA or “united.” NJB That is, marriage is a sacred ordinance, not only sanctioned by God, but honorable in His sight. As it is written, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Heb 13:4). All marriage is honorable and to be conducted according to God’s will, whether it is the marriage of Cain (Gen 4:17), Esau (Gen 26:34), Abraham (Gen 17:15), or Jacob (Gen 28:6).
Marriage pertains strictly to this world. That is why Jesus said, “The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage” (Luke 20:34). Yet, even though the world is appropriately called “this present evil world” (Gal 1:4), there are sanctified relationships in it. During this year (2006), it has been estimated that only around 60% of the couples living together in the USA are married. This circumstance confirms that marriage is not being considered as two people whom God “hath joined together.” Unfortunately this delusion is spilling over into the church.
It also ought to be noted that God has joined more together than husband and wife. This is a principle that touches other areas also. Sin and death have been joined (Rom 8:2). Grace and peace have been united (Rom 1:7). In Jesus, grace and truth are joined (John 1:14). Other Divine unions include faith and love (1 Thess 5:8), faith and hope (1 Pet 1:21), the pursuit of peace and holiness (Heb 12:14), and denying ungodliness and worldly lust, while living soberly, righteously, and godly in this world (Tit 2:12). This is not to mention how the Lord has “fitly joined” all believers together in Christ Jesus (Eph 4:16). They are to be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor 1:10).
LET NOT MAN PUT ASUNDER. Man is not to put his hand to what God has done! If God has put it together, man must make no attempt to take it apart! The Pharisees have asked if a man can put away his wife “for every cause.” Now Jesus apprises them that more is involved than the will of man. There is the matter of what God has done, and it must be considered.
The person who seeks to “put asunder” what God has “joined” contradicts the will of God and the law of nature as well. It is obvious that this is a most serious consideration, and we must not fear to hear what the Lord is saying.
As will be confirmed in the following verses, this does not mean that all marriages are indissoluble. Jesus does not say that God never puts asunder what He has joined, and His words must not be interpreted to mean that. God joined Adam and Eve to the garden, and then put them asunder. Israel was joined to the land of Canaan, then expelled from it. Judas was joined to the apostleship, and was put asunder from it.
For that matter, God took Israel to Himself as a wife, and then gave her a bill of divorce because of her unfaithfulness. “Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away?” (Isa 50:1). “And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce” (Jer 3:8). There are times when God Himself severs the bond. In such occasions, man is not separating what God has joined.
Man not separating what God has joined together also applies in the domain of the Spirit. Grace and truth are not to be put asunder, nor are sin and death, or faith and hope. When the Lord joins believer to believer, let no man engage in such wickedness as attempting to separate them by humanly conceived doctrines and other impositions of men.