Response:

Part 1:
The Old Testament law was given to the Jews, and not the Gentiles. When a person receives Christ, he is declared to be free from the law (Romans 8:2). Reconciliation is always the goal of a New Testament Christian (II Corinthians 5:19). However, Deuteronomy 24:4 seems to be very specific. In fact, remarriage to the first husband is referred to as "abomination before the Lord", which is a very serious expression in the Old Testament (sometimes the preposition used is "unto" or "to". The fact that it is an abomination before the LORD is significant, as opposed to being an abomination to the Jews themselves.). The reason why this prohibition is given is not stated. Many believe that it was designed to prevent "wife-swapping", so that a man would think twice before divorcing his wife, because he could never marry her again. Whatever the reason, I would be very hesitant before remarrying your previous husband. I don't think that it is ever a good idea to behave in a manner that is contrary to the Scriptures, and since we have no other specific guidelines to follow, I would recommend that you remain single.

Part 2:
I agree with your points concerning the Deuteronomy passage. The law was given to Jews, and believers are free from the law. However, I do believe that the law does give us some insight into the mind of God. God apparently did not want the Jewish ex-wives to go back to their husbands. I do wonder (and I'm not sure that this is correct, but I will share it with you) if the entire section there is irrelevant to us today. The reason I say that is because that passage gives permission for divorce to take place as long as the man gives the wife a bill of divorcement, yet Christ said that it was not God's plan for anyone to get divorced! I believe that Matthew 19 makes it clear that the bill of divorcement was intended to limit divorce, not encourage it. By the same token, the prohibition against taking your ex-wife back after her remarriage is also probably intended to discourage divorce from taking place.

Since Christ and Paul make it plain that divorce is never right, and remarriage is never right, the Deuteronomy passage becomes unnecessary. Now, let's look at your situation. You have one spouse who is yet living, your first husband. The New Testament does teach the principle of reconciliation. Therefore, it could be argued that, if neither you nor your first husband had another living spouse, it would be acceptable, and perhaps even honorable, for the two of you to get remarried to each other. However, according to your letter, your husband is currently married. Yes, that makes him an adulterer, and his new wife also, but that does not give you the right to "get involved" in their marriage. You should not pursue a relationship with him. In the eyes of the law, and God, he is married to someone else. Therefore, you do not have a rights to him, and you should not break up his existing marriage. A second divorce on the part of your husband will not glorify God, nor help anyone. May I suggest that you seek God's grace to remain alone. It will not be easy, but God will bless those who choose to obey His Word, even though it may be difficult.

By Pastor Dr. Mark Montgomery Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210