My Musings – “Divorce her quietly” as opposed to “expose her to public disgrace” meant privately before two witnesses rather than publicly before a magistrate. It might have spared Mary some public humiliation, but she would have nonetheless likely been shunned and gossiped behind her back. The prospect for any future marriage unthinkable. Either way, Joseph’s reputation would remain intact.
While Joseph might be sparing Mary somewhat, he was still planning to “abandon” her and escape persecution himself. In all likelihood, before he was visited by the angel, he did not believe Mary. It would have been hard to believe her. But even if he were to abandon her, Mary was assured that the “Lord is with you.” That would have been enough, but through the angel, God persuaded Joseph to not divorce her. God selected a “highly favored” woman and a…
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