Genesis 2:24 commentary
THOMAS SCOTT COMMENTARY
Verse 24. According to the original institution of marriage, the nearest of all relations, and the proper source of all the rest, men, in every subsequent, age, would leave the immediate society even of their parents, to lay the foundation of new families; and thenceforth all other relative affections and duties must be regulated, in subordination to the affections and duties of that new relation. Thus one man and one woman are so closely united as to become one flesh; so that, according to the original institution, nothing can separate them but that which dissolves the union of soul and body, and even divides the component parts of the body from each other. This seems to be the remark of Moses rather than of Adam; but certainly it was the word of God speaking by one of them. Neither polygamy nor divorces can accord with this original institution. “In the beginning it was not so;” nor would such things have been practiced, but for the sinful lusts of men. And equally unscriptural are constrained celibacy and needless restraints upon marriage. The records of former times, and impartial observation on the present, evince, that it is not generally “good for man to be alone.” The mutual inclination of the sexes for each other (which was originally implanted by the Creator, however debased by sin), when regulated by the law of God, and free from other restraints, becomes the foundation of all the relations of life, the source of the most rational of our earthly comforts, and equally beneficial to individuals, families, and nations: like a river, which, gliding within its banks, beautifies and enriches the neighbouring plains. But when unscriptural restraints are imposed, or when it bursts through the appointed bounds it diffuses vice, discord, disease, and misery, with horrible rapidity; like the same river, obstructed in its natural channel, overflowing its banks, inundating and desolating the fields, and converting the neighbouring country into noxious marsh or fen.—’Go among the enemies of the gospel, and you shall see the women either reduced to abject slavery, or basely faltered for the vilest of purposes; but in Christian families, you see her treated with honour and respect; as a friend, as naturally an equal, a soother of man’s cares, a softener of his grief, and partner of his joys.’— Fuller.
THOMAS HAWEIS COMMENTARY
Verse 24: God with the first marriage, lays down the law for posterity. 1. It is the first and strongest relation; it began before parental duty existed, and is nearer than any ties of nature. Note, Before marriage, it is most disobedient and sinful to engage without parents’ consent; after marriage, no ties, nor authority must separate those whom God hath joined together. 2. It is indissoluble; there is but one allowed cause of divorce, fornication; unless peradventure, we may add obstinate desertion. Where a connection must be so lasting, with what seriousness, care, and thoughtfulness, ought it to be entered upon? 3. It is between one man and one woman. As true love can never be divided, lawless lust can never be satisfied. 4. They are one flesh: but they must be first one heart. The union of bodies is the direct plague in nature, without the union of souls.
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