Topical Encyclopedia Polygamy, the practice of having more than one wife simultaneously, is a topic that appears in various narratives throughout the Bible. One of the most notable figures associated with this practice is Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelite nation. Abraham's life and family dynamics provide insight into the cultural and theological implications of polygamy in the biblical context.Abraham's Marriages Abraham, originally named Abram, is first introduced in the Book of Genesis. He is called by God to leave his homeland and is promised that he will become the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham's primary wife is Sarah (originally Sarai), who is described as beautiful but barren (Genesis 11:29-30). Due to Sarah's inability to conceive, she offers her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham as a secondary wife, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures to ensure an heir. Genesis 16:1-2 states, "Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, 'Look now, the LORD has prevented me from having children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.' And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai." Hagar and Ishmael Abraham consents to Sarah's proposal, and Hagar conceives and bears a son named Ishmael. This arrangement, however, leads to tension and conflict within the household. Hagar's pregnancy causes her to despise Sarah, leading to mistreatment by Sarah and eventual flight by Hagar into the wilderness (Genesis 16:4-6). The angel of the LORD appears to Hagar, instructing her to return and submit to Sarah, promising that her descendants will be too numerous to count (Genesis 16:9-10). The Birth of Isaac Despite the birth of Ishmael, God's covenant with Abraham is to be fulfilled through Sarah. In Genesis 17:15-19 , God reiterates His promise, stating that Sarah will bear a son, Isaac, through whom the covenant will be established. This promise is fulfilled when Sarah miraculously conceives and gives birth to Isaac in her old age (Genesis 21:1-3). Family Dynamics and Legacy The presence of multiple wives and children from different mothers creates a complex family dynamic. The tension between Sarah and Hagar, and later between their sons, Isaac and Ishmael, highlights the challenges and conflicts inherent in polygamous arrangements. In Genesis 21:9-10 , Sarah sees Ishmael mocking Isaac and demands that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away, which he does after God assures him that Ishmael will also become a great nation (Genesis 21:12-13). Cultural Context and Theological Implications Abraham's polygamous relationship with Sarah and Hagar reflects the cultural norms of the time, where polygamy was an accepted practice for ensuring lineage and inheritance. However, the biblical narrative does not shy away from depicting the strife and complications that arise from such arrangements. The account of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar serves as a backdrop for understanding God's unfolding plan and the establishment of His covenant through Isaac, the child of promise. The account of Abraham and his family is a foundational narrative in the Bible, illustrating the complexities of human relationships and the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His promises despite human shortcomings. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 16:1Now Sarai Abram's wife bore him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. Nave's Topical Index Library By the Circumcision of Abraham, Marriage with Sisters Forbidden ... Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision The People among whom we Labour. David's Deserts The Banquet of the Ten Virgins, or Concerning Chastity The Power of Christianity. What is the Christian Home? Index of Subjects. The Israelites The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ... Resources What is the House of Yahweh? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a concubine? Why did God allow men to have concubines in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible truly teach monogamy / monogamous relationships? | GotQuestions.org Polygamy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Abraham's Family Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Elkanah's Family Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Jacob's Family Polygamy: Mosaic Law Respecting the Firstborn In Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Elkanah's Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Husband's Favoritism In Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Jacob's Polygamy: The Evil Effects of Rehoboam's Related Terms |
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