Polygamy, the practice of having more than one wife simultaneously, is a topic that appears in various narratives throughout the Bible. While the practice was culturally accepted in certain periods of biblical history, the Scriptures provide numerous accounts that highlight the negative consequences associated with it. These accounts serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the discord and moral complexities that often accompany polygamous relationships.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham and Sarah (Hagar): Abraham's marriage to Sarah and his subsequent union with Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, is one of the earliest examples of polygamy in the Bible. In Genesis 16, Sarah, unable to bear children, gives Hagar to Abraham as a wife. This decision leads to strife and jealousy between Sarah and Hagar, resulting in Hagar's mistreatment and eventual departure. The tension between Sarah and Hagar foreshadows the future conflict between their descendants, the Israelites and the Ishmaelites.

2. Jacob, Leah, and Rachel: Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel, as well as his relationships with their maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah, further illustrate the complications of polygamy. Genesis 29-30 describes how Jacob's love for Rachel over Leah creates a rivalry between the sisters, leading to envy and competition for Jacob's affection. This familial discord extends to their children, setting the stage for future conflicts among the tribes of Israel.

3. Elkanah, Hannah, and Peninnah: In 1 Samuel 1, Elkanah's two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, experience a strained relationship due to Peninnah's ability to bear children while Hannah remains barren. Peninnah's provocation of Hannah causes deep emotional distress, highlighting the personal suffering that can arise from polygamous arrangements.

4. David and His Wives: King David's multiple marriages, including those to Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, contribute to familial turmoil and political intrigue. The narrative of David's son Absalom, who rebels against his father, is partly rooted in the complex dynamics of David's household (2 Samuel 13-18). The consequences of David's polygamy are further seen in the tragic events surrounding his children, such as the rape of Tamar by her half-brother Amnon.

5. Solomon's Wives: King Solomon's extensive polygamy is perhaps the most explicit biblical example of the spiritual and political consequences of such practices. 1 Kings 11:1-4 recounts how Solomon's many foreign wives led him to idolatry, turning his heart away from the LORD. This deviation from faithfulness to God ultimately contributed to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The biblical narratives consistently reveal that polygamy often results in jealousy, rivalry, and familial discord. These accounts underscore the challenges of maintaining harmony and faithfulness within polygamous households. Furthermore, the spiritual consequences are significant, as seen in Solomon's apostasy, which serves as a warning against the dangers of divided loyalties.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly address polygamy, it emphasizes the ideal of monogamous marriage. Jesus, in Matthew 19:4-6, reaffirms the Genesis account of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, stating, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." The Apostle Paul also upholds monogamy in his epistles, advising church leaders to be "the husband of but one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2), reflecting the early Christian community's preference for monogamous relationships.

In summary, while polygamy is present in the biblical narrative, the associated consequences serve as a testament to the challenges and moral complexities it introduces. The biblical ideal, as reinforced in the New Testament, points towards monogamy as the model for marital relationships.