Polygamy

[Mark]

Pioneer, is this to say that is not perfect? Deut. 25:5 provides a polygamous relationship as the expectation.

Mark

[Blake]

I guess the twelve tribes of Yisra'El are one of those bad things happening. If Ya'akov didn't have two wives we wouldn't have Yisra'El.

[Pioneer]

mark said:

Pioneer, is this to say that is not perfect? Deut. 25:5 provides a polygamous relationship as the expectation.

Mark

Rather loose reading of Deut 25:5, there is not one thing said about a second marriage except for the childless woman! She is a widow, remarriage is allowed. I do not find where God ordained marriage to more than on wife.
He never killed anyone for taking multiple wives, but warned that many wives would corrupt a man.
But if silence gives you consent, such is life!
And remember Le 18:16. Almost contradictory isn't it? LOL

[Mark]

It's important to understand that the word "wife" in Hebrew is not as specific as what we might imagine. "Eeshah" simply means woman. It is the word "eesh" (which means "man") with an alef tacked on the end of it- alef signifies strength. It could be said that woman is man's strength (in my marriage I would certainly believe it).

This may suggest (or at least allow) differentiation between a first wife and the additional woman in the home- under the husbands protection.

Exodus 21:10 states clearly that if a man takes a second wife, he must in no way diminish the rights of the first wife in food, clothing or marital obligations of any sort. The explicit implication is that if he can manage that, he wasn't really much of a husband to begin with. The marriage relationship is viewed somewhat differently in different cultures (even within America). While polygamy apparently has its place; if you took the traditional marriage vow (the forsaking all others part), it is not possible since it is positively sin to break a vow.

The allowance for polygamy in Scripture is part of the social welfare system of the Israel theocracy. It demands that family provides for the future care of its women (that men provide a son for their wives to care for them when they are old). It allows for women and children who have been left destitute by war a place of legitimacy within society. This is certainly the application of David with Abigail. As far as Jacob having twelves sons necessitating two wives (and two concubines); I don't think that you can do that. Rachel's barrenness was likely directly related to her idolatry. Leah was the mother of both Levi and Judah: the Messianic through which all the world should be blessed. Leah was buried in the tomb of the patriarchs (as a queen). Rachel was buried by the side of the road.

The biblical allowance for a sexual relationship with more than one woman is difficult for us to understand- even caustic to our perceptions. Yet it is unquestionably allowed in Scripture as only a gracious response to a tragic situation- not the free male dominance that we perceive it to be nor the misapplications that are currently being applied in Utah. It is almost the anti-type of capital punishment: an extreme response to extreme circumstances.

I realize that I sound like I've changed my perspective; but sometimes it's valuable to play devil's advocate. In this case it was a difficult role to play. The one wife I have been blessed to share my life with meets the full measure of my need in every respect. She is my joy and my strength and my love. It is no struggle to remain forever and faithfully her husband, fosaking all others.

Thanks for playing, guys.

Mark

[R' Y'hoshua Moshe]

Our Heavenly Father actually brought forth the very tribes of Yisrael through four wives belonging to one man. I don't think we could say it is sin. I agree with Messimom's comments regarding it being a highly personal issue regarding love and respect between a husband and wife. Of course it isn't even legal at the moment, so it is a moot issue at this time. But, I must confess that it makes for interesting discussion.

Shalom chaverim,

Reuel