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“What about…”. Aledo Church of Christ Summer Series 2014. Polygamy. Why does it matter?.
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“What about…” Aledo Church of Christ Summer Series 2014
Why does it matter? “…they dig up dirt on many perennial Old Testament ethical challenges, and Bible believers shouldn’t shove them under their holy rugs… Christians should honestly reflect on such matters. Unfortunately, most pastors… are reluctant to tackle such subjects, and the results are fairly predictable. When uninformed Christians are challenged about these texts, they may be rattled in their faith.” (Copan, p. 20). “Some of the laws and customs in the Hebrew Bible appear morally offensive to the modern reader. For example, polygamy seems to have been sanctioned in ancient Israel and appears to have survived, if only in exceptional cases, down to the Roman period.” (Davies, Eryl W. The Immoral Bible: Approaches to Biblical Ethics. New York: T&T Clark, 2010; p. 4) “…the fact is that the Hebrew Bible is an authoritative document for both the Jewish and Christian faiths, and consequently Jewish and Christian believers might reasonably expect it to confirm and reinforce their beliefs and practices… (Davies, Eryl W. The Immoral Bible: Approaches to Biblical Ethics. New York: T&T Clark, 2010; p. 3-4) • Missions (Parrinder, Geoffrey. The Bible and Polygamy. London: SPCK, 1950). • “New Atheism” • “Biblical Ethics” and Christian Evidences “…one area left unaddressed is that of Old Testament ethics. In some ways, this topic is probably most deserving our attention… The New Atheists commonly raise questions about strange and harsh Old Testament laws…” (Copan, Paul. Is God a Moral Monster? Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011; p. 19.) “They might also expect it to present standards of behaviour to be emulated, and images of God which show him to be compassionate… If so, it is likely that they will often be disappointed.” (Davies, Eryl W. The Immoral Bible: Approaches to Biblical Ethics. New York: T&T Clark, 2010; p. 3-4)
Old Testament Monogamy The family plan of Eden: Gen. 2:18-25 Others: Cain, 4:17; Noah, 7:7; Noah’s sons, 7:7; Isaac, 24:67; Hadar, 36:39; Er, 38:6; Joseph, 41:45; Amram, Ex. 6:20; etc. “In the OT there are thirty-three reasonably clear historical cases of polygamy out of approximately three thousand men mentioned in the scriptural record” Davidson, Richard M. Flame of Yahweh: Sexuality in the Old Testament. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2007; p. 210
Does the OT Approve or Disapprove? • Lamech, Gen. 4:19-24 (cf. Seth, 5:21-24) • Abraham, Gen. 16 & 21:9-21 • Jacob, Gen. 29:21-31, 30:1-6, 34:13-31 • Esau, Gen. 26:34-35, 27:46, 28:8-9 • David, 2 Samuel 12:1-12 • Solomon, 1 Kings 11:1-8
Repentance for Polygamy? • Jacob • Gen. 32:24-28 – wrestles with divine being • Gen. 35:16-19f – only Rachel is mentioned conjugally • Rachel is only “wife” cf. 30:26 & 44:27 • Rachel mentioned as wife: 46:15, 18-19, 25 • David • 11 wives and concubines • David leaves all alone after return 2 Sam. 20:3 • Bathsheba seems to be only queen 1 Kings 1:15 • Narrator specifies Abishag only served 1 Kg. 1:2-4
Passages Suggesting Polygamy • A woman and her sister: Leviticus 18:18 • Idiom “woman to her sister/man to his brother” • Used 20x in OT = fellow citizen • A female slave: Exodus 21:7-11 • Word translated “conjugal rights” is unknown • Could also be oil or housing: cf. 33:27, 2 Chronicle 30:27 • Kings of Israel: Deuteronomy 17:15-17 • Sons of multiple wives: Deuteronomy 21:15-17 • Levirate Law: Deuteronomy 25:5-10 Davidson, Richard M. Flame of Yahweh: Sexuality in the Old Testament. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2007; p. 191-202
Summary: • The Bible never commands polygamy. • The Bible never speaks approvingly of polygamy while stating the fact of its use. • The Bible seems to highlight conflicts resulting from polygamy. • The Bible condemned polygamy (Lev. 18:18)
