To put away all the wives; which though it may seem harsh, yet is not unjust, if it be considered,
1. That marriages made between some prohibited persons; as suppose, between a father and his daughter, a brother and a sister, are not only unlawful, but void marriages, and ipso facto null, by the political laws of civil nations. And therefore these marriages with idolatrous and heathen women, being expressly and severely forbidden by God, might well be disannulled. And it was one of good Theodosius's laws, that those actions which were done against law, should be accounted not only unlawful, but null.
2. That there were many peculiar laws given to the Jews concerning the marrying and putting away of wives, as hath been observed before in their proper places, and therefore it is not strange if there be something more in this case that is now usual with us.
3. Supposing the matrimonial tie had continued, yet they might be excluded from cohabitation with them, as a just punishment upon them for the wilful breach of a known and positive law of God. And such as are born of them: this may seem harder than the former, but many things may be said.
1. Whatsoever evil befell either them or their children, they had all reason to accept it as the just and deserved fruit of their own sin.
2. That children may and sometimes do suffer, at least temporal evils, for their parents sins, or upon occasion of them, is most evident, both by the Scripture instances, and by the laws and usages of nations in some cases.
3. This may seem to have been a necessary part of severity, partly, as a proper punishment of the parents sin herein, and to deter others more effectually from the like practices; partly, to prevent the corruption of their other children by the conversation and society of this ungodly and idolatrous brood; and partly, lest such children, being continually present with them, and stealing into their affections, might at last prevail with them to take their ejected wives again.
4. These children were only cast out of the families and commonwealth of Israel, but were not utterly forsaken and ruined; but due care was probably taken by authority that they should have some provision made for them, and some care taken about their education in the Jewish religion, &c. According to the counsel of my lord; either,
1. As thou counsellest and desirest us to do. Or,
2. Let us do it in such manner as thou shalt think fit and agreeable to the law, as it follows; for it requires great caution, as being a matter of no small difficulty. And of those that tremble at the commandment of our God: and of other serious and religious persons who may with thee consider and regulate the business. Let it be done according to the law: this is meant, either,
1. Of the matter of the business, let that be done which the law requires; let them be put away. Or,
2. Of the manner of it, which must be according to the rules of God's law.