Dictionary of Bible Themes The practice of having more than one wife at one time. Although not explicitly forbidden in Scripture as a general practice, it is presented as problematic and monogamy is the clearly preferred option. Genesis 2:24Monogamy is God's intention for marriage See also Jeremiah 2:2Hosea 2:19-20 Ephesians 5:31 Genesis 4:19 Early examples of polygamy See also Genesis 26:34; 28:9; 29:281 Kings 3:1 Reasons for the practice of polygamy See also Sealing foreign treaties 1 Kings 16:31Genesis 16:1-3 2 Chronicles 13:21 Producing offspring See also Genesis 30:3-5,9A large family, and especially numerous progeny, was regarded as a sign of divine blessing. Judges 8:302 Samuel 3:1-5 1 Chronicles 7:4 2 Chronicles 11:23; 24:2-3 Deuteronomy 17:17 Problems associated with polygamy Being led away from God 1 Kings 11:1-8See also It was common for kings to cement foreign alliances by marriage. Israel's king is warned against the practice Nehemiah 13:25-26Malachi 2:11 Genesis 29:30; 30:1 Deuteronomy 21:15-17 Conflicts within families See also Genesis 16:4-61 Samuel 1:4-7 Sarah and Hagar 2 Chronicles 11:21-221 Kings 1:11-13 Hannah and Peninnah the conflict over the succession to David's throne 2 Samuel 5:13Further examples of polygamy See also 1 Samuel 25:40-43pp 1Ch 14:3 2 Samuel 12:8-91 Kings 20:5 2 Kings 24:15 Ahab 1 Chronicles 4:5Jehoiachin Daniel 5:2Ashhur Belshazzar Genesis 31:50Restrictions on polygamous relationships Exodus 21:10Leviticus 18:18 1 Corinthians 7:2 Polygamy forbidden 1 Timothy 3:2See also Polygamy is expressly forbidden for church leaders. 5674 daughters5680 family 5702 husband 5708 marriage 5718 mothers 5744 wife 8252 faithfulness, relationships |
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