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Most people today would frown upon a man or woman who has a secret family in another state. So why did God allow polygamy in the Old Testament?
Key Points:
- The Bible nowhere explicitly condemns polygamy. We first see it in Genesis 4:19. Later, Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon had multiple wives or concubines.
- Due to patriarchal societies, it was nearly impossible for a woman in the ancient world to provide for herself. Women relied on their fathers, brothers, and husbands for provision and protection. Those who did not have male family members often ended up as prostitutes or slaves.
- In some ways, polygamy was a “social security” system in the ancient world since many men died in warfare, leaving multiple, unmarried women alive.
- Though God allowed polygamy without explicitly commanding it, the Bible presents monogamy as the plan that most closely conforms to God’s ideal for marriage. Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 17:14-20; 1 Kings 11:3-4; Titus 1:6
- Because polygamy is outlawed in most modern nations, Christians should obey the law of the land by not practicing it (Romans 13:1-7). We are only allowed to disobey the laws of the land if those laws contradict God’s commands. Since God only allows polygamy versus commanding it, a law prohibiting polygamy should be upheld.
Quote This:
Genesis 2:24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is your interest in discussing this topic?
- Read Genesis 2:24. What do think this verse speaks to about marriage? Do you agree or disagree that monogamy is God’s ideal for marriage? Why or why not?
- Is it fair to say that at some points in the ancient world, polygamy was the best solution to an overall bad situation? Why or why not?
- Why do you think some men in the ancient world would have been in favor of polygamy (1 Kings 11:3-4)?
- Can you think of any situation in the world today in which polygamy would be acceptable?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
