What does Malachi 2:16 mean?

In the Old Testament, "covering someone with your garment" is a metaphor for protection. A classic example is Ezekiel 16:8, where God describes His love for Israel using the symbolism of a man and wife. As the protector and provider, men are supposed to "cover" their wives. Malachi's two-part criticism in this passage is that this is not happening. Israeli men are marrying pagan women (Malachi 2:11), and they are divorcing their Jewish wives in order to do it (Malachi 2:14). This is exactly the opposite of "protection." In fact, it is an act of spiritual violence.

The Hebrew phrasing of this verse can be taken in one of two ways. The opening of verse 16 either refers to a man who "hates and divorces," or to God Himself "hating divorce." Either way, the implication of the verse is clear: God in no sense approves of divorce. This is either emphasized with a double declaration from God, or by associating the act of divorce with an attitude of "hatred."

Old Testament rules for divorce were never meant to imply God's approval. This is further supported by this verse's association of "faithlessness," and spiritual danger, with divorce. Rather, divorce laws were meant to reign in the impact of that sin (Matthew 19:7–9). This was especially meant to protect the rights of women, who in that culture were highly dependent on their husbands (and children) for support.