What does 2 Samuel 3:3 teach about God's design for marriage?

A brief look at 2 Samuel 3:3

- 2 Samuel 3:3 records, “his second, Chileab… the third, Absalom…”

- In one sentence Scripture shows David fathering children by two different wives.

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What the verse reveals about David’s marriages

- David is already practicing polygamy.

- The text states the fact without approval; it is descriptive, not prescriptive.

- Multiple wives stand in tension with God’s one-flesh ideal.

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God’s original blueprint

- Genesis 2:24 says, “a man… be joined to his wife” — singular.

- Jesus affirms the same pattern (Matthew 19:4-6); Paul echoes it (Ephesians 5:31).

- One husband + one wife = God’s enduring design.

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Polygamy: tolerated, never endorsed

- The Law warns kings not to “take many wives” (Deuteronomy 17:17).

- Whenever polygamy appears, heartache follows (Genesis 30; 1 Kings 11).

- David’s household will illustrate that sorrow in the chapters ahead.

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Consequences in David’s house

- Absalom murders his half-brother and later rebels (2 Samuel 13-15).

- Adonijah vies for the throne (1 Kings 1-2).

- Rival mothers and sons fracture the family and the kingdom.

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Takeaways for marriages today

- God’s design remains one-man, one-woman, covenant love — exclusive and lifelong.

- Faithful monogamy protects hearts, homes, and future generations.

- Following the blueprint lets marriages mirror Christ’s steadfast love for His church (Ephesians 5:25-33).