8. He saith unto them, Moses--as a civil lawgiver.
because of--or "having respect to."
the hardness of your hearts--looking to your low moral state, and
your inability to endure the strictness of the original law.
suffered you to put away your wives--tolerated a relaxation of the
strictness of the marriage bond--not as approving of it, but to prevent
still greater evils.
But from the beginning it was not so--This is repeated, in order to
impress upon His audience the temporary and purely civil character of
this Mosaic relaxation.
JFB.
Outline
Jesus enters Judea. (1,2)
The Pharisees' question about divorces. (3-12)
Young children brought to Jesus. (13-15)
The rich young man's inquiry. (16-22)
The recompense of Christ's followers. (23-30)
Painted Illustration of a Pharisee During the time of Jesus
Important Topics for Bible Study
Quick Reference Map
Map of Judea in the Time of Jesus
(Click to Enlarge)
Painted Illustration of Jesus Teaching Children
Ancient Customs
Geography
Galilee
Judaea
Matthew Resources
The New Testament