Matthew 19:7

“They say unto him, etc.] That is the Pharisees, who object the law of Moses to him, hoping hereby to ensnare him, and expose him to the resentment of the people, should he reject that, as they supposed he would; why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and put her away? referring to (<052401>Deuteronomy 24:1) which they thought to be a contradiction, and what they knew not how to reconcile to the doctrine Christ had delivered, concerning the original institution of marriage, and the close union there is between a man and his wife, by virtue of it, and which is not to be dissolved by men. Concerning a writing of divorcement and the form, and manner of it, see Gill…”

“They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?”

“Why did Moses ... - To this they objected that Moses had allowed such divorces Deuteronomy 24:1; and if he had allowed them, they inferred that they could not be unlawful. See the notes at Matthew 5:31. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Why did Moses command - Christ replies, Moses permitted (not commanded) it, because of the hardness of your hearts - Because neither your fathers nor you could bear the more excellent way. Deu 24:1; Mat 5:31; Mar 10:2; Luk 16:18. Matthew 19:9”

“19:7-8 why did Moses say (literally command): The Pharisees thought Jesus had contradicted a command of the law (see Deut 24:1-4), but Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to their hard hearts. Jesus introduced the revolutionary principle that God’s permission is not necessarily his desire (see 1 Cor 6:12). Divorce is never God’s desire (Mal 2:14-16); it is an expression of human sin.”

“Why: Mat 5:31; Deu 24:1-4; Isa 50:1; Jer 3:8; Mar 10:4 and to: Mat 1:19; Mal 2:16 Matthew 19:8”