Topical Bible: Polygamy: Jehoiachin

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Introduction

Polygamy, the practice of having more than one wife simultaneously, is a topic that appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. While the practice was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, the biblical narrative provides a complex view of polygamy, often highlighting its social and familial challenges. Jehoiachin, a king of Judah, is one of the figures associated with this practice, although the biblical text does not provide extensive details about his personal life in this regard.

Jehoiachin's Background

Jehoiachin, also known as Jeconiah or Coniah, was the son of Jehoiakim and the grandson of Josiah. He ascended to the throne of Judah at the young age of eighteen and reigned for only three months before being taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (2 Kings 24:8-12). His reign occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by political instability and the looming threat of Babylonian conquest.

Biblical References

The Bible does not explicitly mention Jehoiachin practicing polygamy. However, as a king of Judah, it is plausible that he may have had multiple wives, following the customs of other monarchs of his time. The practice of polygamy among Israelite kings is documented in several instances, such as with David and Solomon, who had numerous wives and concubines (2 Samuel 5:13; 1 Kings 11:3).

Jehoiachin's captivity in Babylon is a significant event recorded in the biblical narrative. In 2 Kings 25:27-30, it is noted that after thirty-seven years in prison, Jehoiachin was released by Evil-merodach, king of Babylon, and given a place of honor at the king's table. This act of clemency suggests that Jehoiachin maintained a certain level of dignity and status even in exile.

Cultural and Theological Context

In the ancient Near East, polygamy was often practiced by royalty and the elite as a means of securing political alliances and ensuring the continuation of a dynasty. The Bible, while recording instances of polygamy, also presents the challenges and conflicts that arise from such arrangements. The accounts of Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon illustrate the familial strife and moral complexities associated with having multiple wives.

From a theological perspective, the biblical ideal for marriage is monogamy, as established in the creation narrative with Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:24). The New Testament further emphasizes this ideal, with Jesus affirming the union of one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6) and the Apostle Paul advocating for monogamous relationships among church leaders (1 Timothy 3:2).

Jehoiachin's Legacy

Jehoiachin's legacy is primarily tied to his role in the Davidic line and the Messianic prophecies. Despite his brief and troubled reign, he is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:11-12), underscoring the continuation of God's covenant promises through the line of David.

While the Bible does not provide specific details about Jehoiachin's marital practices, his account is a reminder of the complexities of leadership and the enduring hope found in God's redemptive plan.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 24:15
And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Iranian Conquest
... Polygamy was also encouraged and widely practised: the code imposed no limit on
the number of wives and concubines, and custom was in favour of a man's having ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... In BC598 Jehoiachin and a large number of the upper classes were carried into ... Polygamy
was not common; indeed, we find it stipulated in one instance that in ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm