Topical Bible: Marriage: Early Introduction of Polygamy

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The concept of marriage as depicted in the Bible begins with the union of Adam and Eve, establishing the foundational model of monogamous marriage. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse underscores the original design for marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

However, the early chapters of Genesis also introduce the practice of polygamy, which deviates from this initial design. The first recorded instance of polygamy in the Bible is found in the lineage of Cain. Lamech, a descendant of Cain, is noted for taking two wives, Adah and Zillah. Genesis 4:19 records, "And Lamech took two wives, one named Adah and the other Zillah." This introduction of polygamy occurs in a context marked by moral decline and violence, as seen in Lamech's boastful declaration of vengeance in Genesis 4:23-24.

The practice of polygamy becomes more prominent in the narratives of the patriarchs. Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation, takes Hagar as a secondary wife at the behest of his wife Sarah, due to her barrenness (Genesis 16:1-4). This decision leads to familial strife and tension, illustrating the complications that arise from deviating from the monogamous ideal.

Jacob, Abraham's grandson, also becomes a polygamist, marrying Leah and Rachel, and later taking their maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah, as concubines (Genesis 29:23-30; 30:3-9). The resulting family dynamics are fraught with rivalry and discord, further highlighting the challenges associated with polygamous relationships.

The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, does not explicitly prohibit polygamy but regulates it, suggesting a concession to cultural practices rather than an endorsement. Deuteronomy 21:15-17 provides guidelines for inheritance rights among the children of multiple wives, ensuring fairness and justice within the family structure.

Throughout the historical books, polygamy is seen among Israel's leaders, including King David and his son Solomon. David's multiple marriages are documented in 1 Samuel 25:42-43 and 2 Samuel 3:2-5, while Solomon's extensive harem is noted in 1 Kings 11:1-3. Solomon's marriages to foreign women lead him astray, as they turn his heart toward other gods, demonstrating the spiritual dangers associated with polygamy.

The prophetic literature often uses the metaphor of marriage to describe the relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing faithfulness and exclusivity. This imagery reinforces the ideal of monogamous commitment, as seen in passages like Hosea 2:19-20 : "And I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion."

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles reaffirm the monogamous model of marriage. Jesus references the Genesis account when discussing marriage, emphasizing the "one flesh" union (Matthew 19:4-6). The apostle Paul also upholds monogamy as the standard for Christian leaders, instructing that an overseer must be "the husband of but one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2).

The early introduction of polygamy in the Bible reflects a departure from God's original design for marriage. While it is documented among key biblical figures, the associated narratives often reveal the inherent challenges and spiritual pitfalls of such arrangements. The biblical text consistently points back to the ideal of monogamous marriage as a reflection of divine intention and covenantal faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 4:19
And Lamech took to him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ...
... certain kinds of food and abstained from marriage. ... on prudential grounds, to plead
for its introduction. ... The early Christians were also forbidden to frequent ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii false brethren and.htm

Women of the Frankish Church
... might not be undermined by the introduction into his ... his consent to his daughter's
marriage; whereupon Theodelinda ... Although she was early left a widow, she had ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/viii women of the frankish.htm

The Banquet of the Ten Virgins, or Concerning Chastity
... Chapter I.--Marriage Not Abolished by the Commendation of ... of the Sacred Virgins;
The Introduction of Virgins ... and Generation; That Golden Age, Early Men; Solid ...
/.../methodius/the banquet of the ten virgins or concerning chastity/

Index of Subjects.
... Darmstetter's Introduction to the Zend-Avesta, and article in ... Marriage allowed to
the baptized by the apostles ... Mozley's Ruling Ideas in Early Ages, referred to ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm

Essay
... Moreover, sacrifices of living creatures were in use very early. ... of the sexes to
each other in the marriage state. ... The sin of Adam was the introduction of death ...
/.../an essay on the mosaic account of the creation and fall of man/essay.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... It was further modified by the introduction of star-worship ... instance that in the
case of a second marriage on the ... From early times it was a law that if a slave ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... union, and many a son contracted a marriage after this ... for sterility was customary
in very early times. ... The introduction of a person into a fresh household ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... to OEbaras, the companion of the conqueror's early years. ... him not to give Mandane
in marriage to a ... appear to threaten one another, and the introduction of the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm