Topical Bible: Polygamy: Ashur

◄ Polygamy: Ashur ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Polygamy, the practice of having more than one wife simultaneously, is a topic that appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It is important to understand the cultural and historical backdrop of polygamy in biblical times to fully grasp its implications and the narratives surrounding it. Ashur, a descendant of Shem, is a figure mentioned in the Bible whose lineage and cultural context provide insight into the practice of polygamy.

Biblical Context

Ashur is identified in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10 as a son of Shem: "The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram" (Genesis 10:22). Ashur is traditionally associated with the Assyrian people, a significant ancient Near Eastern civilization. While the Bible does not explicitly mention Ashur practicing polygamy, the cultural milieu of the ancient Near East, including Assyria, often included polygamous practices.

Cultural and Historical Background

In the ancient Near East, polygamy was a common practice among various peoples, including those in Mesopotamia, where Assyria was located. Polygamy was often associated with social status, wealth, and the desire for numerous offspring, particularly sons, to ensure the continuation of a family line and to strengthen political alliances.

The Assyrians, as descendants of Ashur, were part of this broader cultural context. While the Bible does not provide specific accounts of Ashur's personal life or marital practices, the Assyrian culture, which he is associated with, practiced polygamy, especially among the ruling classes and nobility.

Biblical Narratives and Polygamy

Throughout the Old Testament, several key figures practiced polygamy, including patriarchs such as Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon. These narratives often highlight the complexities and challenges that arose from polygamous relationships, including familial strife, jealousy, and conflict.

For example, Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel, along with their maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah, resulted in a complex family dynamic that led to rivalry and tension among his sons (Genesis 29-30). Similarly, King Solomon's many wives and concubines are noted as leading him astray from God: "He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away" (1 Kings 11:3).

Theological Considerations

While polygamy is documented in the Old Testament, it is not presented as the ideal marital arrangement. The creation narrative in Genesis establishes the pattern of monogamous marriage: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This foundational principle underscores the biblical view of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further affirm monogamy as the standard for Christian marriage. Jesus refers back to the Genesis account when discussing marriage, emphasizing the "one flesh" union (Matthew 19:4-6). The apostle Paul also upholds monogamy in his instructions for church leaders, stating that an overseer must be "the husband of but one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2).

Conclusion

While Ashur himself is not directly associated with polygamy in the biblical text, understanding the cultural and historical context of his descendants provides insight into the practice during biblical times. The Bible presents a complex picture of polygamy, documenting its occurrence while also pointing towards monogamy as the divine ideal for marriage.