Topical Bible: Marriage: Wives Taken by Edict

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In the biblical context, the concept of marriage by edict refers to instances where marriages were arranged or commanded by a ruling authority, often for political, social, or religious reasons. This practice is seen in various narratives throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the cultural and historical settings of the times.

One of the most notable examples of marriage by edict is found in the Book of Esther. King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia, after deposing Queen Vashti, issued a decree to gather all the beautiful young virgins in his kingdom so that he might choose a new queen. Esther, a Jewish woman, was among those taken to the king's palace. The edict led to her becoming queen, which ultimately positioned her to save her people from a plot to destroy them. Esther 2:8 states, "When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who was in charge of the harem."

Another instance is found in the narrative of King Saul, who promised his daughter in marriage to David as a reward for his victory over Goliath and as a means to ensnare him. In 1 Samuel 18:17 , Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the LORD." However, Saul later reneged on this promise and gave Merab to another man, eventually offering his younger daughter Michal to David instead.

The practice of taking wives by edict is also evident in the account of the Benjamites in Judges 21. After a civil war that nearly annihilated the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites sought to provide wives for the surviving Benjamite men. They issued an edict allowing the Benjamites to seize wives during a festival at Shiloh. Judges 21:20-21 records, "So they commanded the Benjamites: 'Go, hide in the vineyards and watch. When you see the daughters of Shiloh coming out to perform their dances, each of you is to come out of the vineyards and catch a wife for yourself from the daughters of Shiloh. Then go to the land of Benjamin.'"

These examples illustrate the complexities and challenges of marriage by edict in biblical times. Such marriages were often influenced by external factors beyond personal choice, reflecting the societal norms and political dynamics of the era. The narratives highlight the sovereignty of God in using these situations to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the preservation of the Jewish people through Esther and the continuation of the tribe of Benjamin.

Nave's Topical Index

Esther 2:2-4,8-14
Then said the king's servants that ministered to him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
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Library

Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome
... the marriage of Justina as having taken place under ... man was permitted to have two
lawful wives. ... the Roman law strongly discountenanced plurality in marriage. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vii women who witnessed the.htm

Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine
... morals and yet no decisive steps taken against him ... Diocletian, she had been given
in marriage to Galerius ... passions by forcing from their homes wives and virgins ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iv saint helena and the.htm

Acts of Paul and Thecla.
... magician; for he has corrupted all our wives, and the ... know not, who makes virgins
averse to marriage; let him ... And Thecla, having been taken out of the hand of ...
/.../unknown/acts of paul and thecla/acts of paul and thecla.htm

The Subsequent Wickedness of Licinius, and his Death.
... we recount his innovations in regard to marriage or in ... noble birth and high reputation
whose young wives he snatched ... to them, he had yet never taken any pains ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter viii the subsequent wickedness of.htm

The Era of Persecution
... The wives and daughters of kings, consuls, and emperors had ... how, later, she with
others was taken to the ... departure as if called to a marriage supper; rather ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

Raymond Lull.
... indulge his passions in disregard of the marriage tie ... much of the remarkable change
that had taken place in ... with the promise of riches and wives, in converting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/raymond lull.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... Herod and Philip to have exchanged wives, after legally ... sacred as though marriage
had really taken place; the ... date of the betrothal and that of the marriage. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Luke of Prague and the High Church Reaction. 1473-1530.
... They murdered men and kidnapped their wives. ... story was both alarming and lively,
the parish priest had it taken down, sealed ... Marriage never made anyone holy yet ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi luke of prague.htm

The Seven Ecumenical Councils
... a catechumen coming into the Church have taken his place ... are not to be joined in
marriage with heretics ... It has seemed good that these abstain from their wives. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/

The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha)
... another town, in which they were celebrating a marriage; but, by ... water over her son,
whom she had taken with her ... were in the same city two women, wives of one ...
/.../the arabic gospel of the infancy of the saviour/the arabic gospel of the.htm