Concubinage in the biblical context refers to a recognized relationship between a man and a woman that is similar to marriage but lacks the full status and rights of marriage. In ancient Israel, concubines were often women who did not have the same social or legal standing as wives, yet they were considered part of the household and had certain protections and roles.

Saul and Concubinage

King Saul, the first king of Israel, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, and his reign provides insight into the practice of concubinage during this period. While the Bible does not explicitly detail Saul's personal involvement with concubines, the cultural and legal context of his time suggests that concubinage was a recognized institution.

1. Cultural Context: During Saul's reign, concubinage was a common practice among the Israelites and their neighboring cultures. It was often used to solidify alliances, increase a man's progeny, and ensure the continuation of his lineage. Concubines were typically women of lower social status or foreign origin, and their children could be considered legitimate, though they often had fewer inheritance rights compared to the children of wives.

2. Legal Status: The Mosaic Law provided certain protections for concubines, though it did not grant them the full rights of a wife. For instance, Exodus 21:7-11 outlines the rights of a female servant who becomes a concubine, ensuring she is not mistreated and has provisions for her well-being. This reflects a broader legal framework that sought to protect vulnerable individuals within the household.

3. Saul's Household: While specific references to Saul's concubines are not detailed in the biblical text, the political and social structure of his reign implies the presence of concubines in the royal household. As king, Saul would have been expected to maintain a household that reflected his status and authority, which likely included concubines as part of his extended family.

4. Biblical References: The Bible does not provide explicit accounts of Saul's interactions with concubines, but it does mention the practice in relation to other kings and leaders. For example, 2 Samuel 3:7 refers to Rizpah, the concubine of Saul, highlighting the political implications of concubinage. After Saul's death, Abner, the commander of Saul's army, is accused by Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, of taking Rizpah, which was seen as a challenge to Ish-bosheth's authority.

5. Moral and Ethical Considerations: From a biblical perspective, the practice of concubinage, while culturally accepted, often led to familial strife and conflict. The accounts of concubines in the Bible frequently highlight the complexities and moral challenges associated with these relationships. In Saul's case, the incident involving Rizpah underscores the potential for concubinage to become a source of political tension and personal rivalry.

In summary, while the Bible does not provide extensive details about Saul's personal involvement with concubinage, the practice was an integral part of the social and legal fabric of his time. The laws concerning concubinage sought to provide a measure of protection and order within the household, reflecting the broader cultural norms of ancient Israel.2 Samuel 3:7
And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?
Nave's Topical Index

On the Government of God
... Commands of God disobeyed by Christians 82 f. Concubinage, 107 f., 194 f.; laws
concerning, 107n. Constans, Emperor, 144n, 170n. ... Saul, 204, 214. Saurin, 33. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/index 2.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... argues in the contrary direction, and concerning a far ... a marriage as merely legalised
concubinage (Cheth. ... two heads"as farther extending the laws of kindred ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... 546; doctrines taught by: of Samuel to Saul, [405]548 ... 840]375; an heretical notion
concerning, [841]389 ... Concubinage, for offspring's sake unlawful, [904]406; was ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

What is a concubine? Why did God allow men to have concubines in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org

Concubinage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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