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Daily Devotions

Romans

Romans 
Day 
Day 135

"Bound by the law..."

Text: Romans 7:2

THE LAW WITH REFERENCE TO MARRIAGE

Paul demonstrated that he knew the Mosaic Law. He went on to bring up the law with specific reference to marriage.

“For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law
to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies,
she is released from the law of her husband.”
Romans 7:2

1. The Law of Moses

Three aspects were covered in particular:-

a) The Moral Law (The Ten Commandments)
b) The Ceremonial Religious Law (The system of worship involving sacrifices)
c) The Judicial Law (This governed all other aspects not covered by the above categories)

2. The Judiciary Law

This part of the law ensured good governance of the nation of Israel. Some of the laws covered many aspects of life. The following may be highlighted:-

a) Laws that covered conduct in war (Deuteronomy 19)
b) Laws that covered murder (Deuteronomy 21)
c) Laws that covered marriage and divorce (Deuteronomy 21-22, 24)

3. The Strength of the Law

Paul noted the strength of the law with reference to those who were married:-

a) Bound by the law

The authority of the law was acknowledged. All Jews were bound by the law of Moses.

b) Bound by the law only until death

The law bound partners in marriage until death.

c) Freed from the authority of the law
i) The death of the husband

The law loses its power upon death.

ii) Released from the authority of the law

The wife is released from the authority of law of marriage by death.