How we cite our quotes:
Quote #10
You ask, “Why does he not?” Because the LORD was a witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Did not one God make her? [9] Both flesh and spirit are his. [10] And what does the one God [11] desire? Godly offspring. So look to yourselves, and do not let anyone be faithless to the wife of his youth. (NRSV Malachi 2:14-15)
Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. (KJV Malachi 2:14-15)
Now here’s a switch. In ancient Israel, adultery is what happens when a married woman sleeps around—a married man with a wandering eye could say, “Whatever, I do want I want.” Now, however, God describes Israel as an unfaithful husband who has betrayed his wife and put the future of his heritage in jeopardy. Malachi tosses traditional values into the trash and makes equality the new normal.