{Edited from a conversation about the extreme exceptions in which divorce is biblically justifiable.}

If both spouses are unbelievers, children of Satan, then if one commits even one of the greatest crimes, however great the punishment may be, this would not have an effect on the covenant they made to each other. If the woman directly broke the covenant itself, such as by having sex with another man, only then would the man, though also an infidel, be justified in putting her away.

If one of them is a believer, then "what part hath he that believeth with an infidel" comes into play. Even so, Paul counsels that it is usually best to remain together - but if the unbelieving depart, let him depart (1Cor 7).

If a person claims to be a believer, actions that would prove them otherwise would be what John terms "sins unto death", such as murder, idolatry, and, again, adultery.

I would add that if someone is dangerous, then the obvious necessity getting away from them is a separate discussion, not an excuse for breaking covenants.

#sabbathposts 2023/10/21