Why Did God Allow Polygamy? The Truth Behind the Patriarchs' Practices.

Why did God Allow Polygamy?

Polygamy is a practice that has been widely accepted in many cultures throughout history. It is the practice of being married to more than one person at the same time. In the Old Testament, polygamy and concubinage were common among Israel’s patriarchs and kings. Some even argue that the Bible sanctions polygamy.

However, when we read the accounts of polygamy in the lives of Abraham, Jacob, David, and others, we see that it was never God’s design or intention for marriage. Polygamy brought spiritual and familial devastation to those who practiced it, and it was never a part of God’s perfect plan for marriage.

The Biblical Definition of Marriage

The Bible defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Jesus referred to this definition when he said, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:4–6).

This passage shows that marriage is a union of two people, one man and one woman. The two become one flesh, and the marriage bond is so strong that no man should attempt to separate it. This is God’s perfect plan for marriage, and it is the standard that we should aim for in our own marriages.

The Polygamous Practices of the Patriarchs and Kings

The Old Testament records the polygamous practices of the patriarchs and kings, including Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others. Some argue that these practices were accepted and even sanctioned by God, but we must read these accounts carefully to understand the truth.

Abraham

Abraham had two wives, Sarah and Hagar, and he also had concubines (Genesis 16:1–6; 25:1–6). However, we see the tension and conflict that resulted from this arrangement. Sarah became jealous of Hagar and mistreated her, and Hagar eventually fled into the wilderness. God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled through Sarah, not Hagar or any of his concubines.

Jacob

Jacob had two wives, Leah and Rachel, and he also had two concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah (Genesis 29:15–30; 30:1–24). This arrangement also caused tension and conflict within the family, as Leah and Rachel competed for Jacob’s affection. Jacob’s favoritism towards Joseph, the son of Rachel, also caused jealousy and bitterness among the brothers.

David

David had multiple wives and concubines, and his polygamous practices led to spiritual and familial devastation. His affair with Bathsheba resulted in the death of her husband, Uriah, and the loss of their child. The rivalry and jealousy among David’s wives and children led to violence and rebellion within the family. David’s son Absalom even tried to overthrow his father’s kingdom (2 Samuel 11–20).

Solomon

Solomon had an even larger harem of wives and concubines than David, numbering in the hundreds (1 Kings 11:3). His polygamous practices led him to worship false gods and turn away from God’s commandments, and his kingdom was eventually divided as a result (1 Kings 11:9–13).

The Spiritual and Familial Devastation of Polygamy

The accounts of polygamy in the lives of the patriarchs and kings show us the spiritual and familial devastation that this practice can bring. Polygamy led to jealousy, rivalry, and conflict among the wives and children. It also led to spiritual compromise and turning away from God’s commandments.

When we look at God’s plan for marriage, we see that it is designed to be a union of two people who are committed to each other for life. This commitment is meant to be a reflection of God’s covenantal love for his people. When we introduce other partners into the marriage, we dilute this commitment and open the door to spiritual and emotional turmoil.

The Beauty of Monogamous Marriage

While polygamy may have been accepted in some cultures throughout history, it is not God’s perfect plan for marriage. The beauty of monogamous marriage is that it reflects God’s covenantal love for his people. Just as God is faithful to his covenant with his people, so should husbands be faithful to their wives.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). This kind of sacrificial love is only possible in a monogamous marriage, where the husband and wife are fully committed to each other for life.

Monogamous marriage also provides a stable and healthy environment for raising children. Children thrive in an environment where they feel loved and secure, and a monogamous marriage provides this kind of stability.

The Union of Christ and His Bride

Ultimately, the beauty of monogamous marriage points us to the ultimate marriage between Christ and his bride, the church. The apostle Paul wrote, “‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:31–32).

The union of Christ and his bride is the ultimate expression of covenantal love. Through his death and resurrection, Christ has made a way for his people to be reconciled to God and to enter into this covenantal relationship with him.

As we live out our marriages in a monogamous and faithful way, we reflect this covenantal love to the world around us. We show that marriage is a beautiful and sacred institution that is designed to point us to the ultimate marriage between Christ and his bride.

Conclusion

Polygamy may have been accepted in some cultures throughout history, but it was never God’s perfect plan for marriage. The accounts of polygamy in the lives of the patriarchs and kings show us the spiritual and familial devastation that this practice can bring.

Instead, we should aim for monogamous marriages that reflect God’s covenantal love for his people. Through our marriages, we can show the world the beauty of God’s plan for marriage and point them to the ultimate marriage between Christ and his bride.

References

• Matthew 19:4–6


• Ephesians 5:25


• Ephesians 5:31–32


• Genesis 16:1–6


• Genesis 25:1–6


• Genesis 29:15–30


• Genesis 30:1–24


• 2 Samuel 11–20


• 1 Kings 11:3


• 1 Kings 11:9–13

As Christians, we must strive to follow God’s perfect plan for marriage and avoid the spiritual and familial devastation that comes with polygamy.