Multiple wives in OT?
Q: I'm half way through the Old Testament and I need help with understanding. Why do all these godly men have so many wives!?! I understand that they may have done that to secure an heir for their bloodline but I still just can't wrap my head around why this is okay.
God could have made the first and only wive "fruitful &multiply", then why have all these other wives? If they are allowed a certificate of divorce if the man is unfaithful then they all could have. I just don't understand.
A: Sinful men make sinful choices. Scripture is descriptive in many places and prescriptive in others. Its a history of mankind so it will include sin, evil and wrong choices that don't align with pursuing holiness.
Some did it because they mingled with pagans around rhrm and pagan nations when God told them not to.
It was never Gods intention for there to be more then 1 man & 1 woman in a relationship. He designed it from creation in Eden to be 1:1. When we go the way of sin it never ends well, there's always consequences.
In addition, many (a lot) in Israel weren't not saved/had faith, so they did what they wanted to. Its why God created the govt with rules and laws, and specifically in Israel as a nation He created legal protections for women so men couldn't just use them first sex and throw them away (marrying as the only means of legally having sex) to get a new model, and possibly run back to a previous wife. God gave women legal protections, and prevented such wickedness, by lustful men.
Back then women only had protection by the father, while living at home unmarried, or married to their husband. It was not safe nor good (for many reasons) for her to not have protection (under a man). All women were married off unless prostitutes [though many of those in Israel may have been a divorcee due to a husbands wickedness in divorcing her], but fornicators, adulterous and prostitutes were usually stoned to death once found. So legitimate virgins marrying men needed to be good wives so their fears of divorce didn't come true in situations where she didn't marry a godly man due to parents arranging the marriage, in ones where it was a business transaction among those who weren't actual believers. Many evil men did evil deeds, but among the godly parents, the daughter could decline the man for engagement if she didn't like him. But those in small towns had slim pickins, and some may have agreed also to honor the parent more than ensure he was godly.
Men were the head of the home and so they handled all the household business, legal stuff, property belonged to them (to keep it in their tribe) etc, so women would have to try to go to court but I'm not sure, at some point court there mightve required money and not to just seek justice freely so again men sin so they do corrupt things, and women may not have got justice in many cases. Maybe bribery by the husband to the make judge etc. by the time of Jesus.
So men since moses time till Jesus time were giving out divorces for ungodly, unloving reasons, just to be able to go legally have aex with younger women or women whose family have money or power or status etc. Varied reasons. And it harmed women. It caused them to be destitute and looked down on, and dishonored her family too. Many parents didn't take the daughter back in.
Matthew 19:3 In this passage, Jesus discusses divorce with the Pharisees, emphasizing that God intended marriage to be a lifelong commitment. He states that Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of people's hearts, but from the beginning, it was not so.
"And he answered and said to them, 'Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.'" Matthew 19:4-6
Mark 10:2-12 parallels the account in Matthew, where Jesus reiterates the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of divorce.
"And Jesus said to them, 'Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.'" Mark 10:11-12
Luke 16:18 Here, Jesus again speaks about the implications of divorce and remarriage.
"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery." (Luke 16:18
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 The Apostle Paul addresses marriage and divorce, urging couples to remain together and only separate in cases of infidelity.
" A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife."
Divorce is bad because it damages the Gospel. https://snsanswers.blogspot.com/2022/10/marraige-shadow.html?m=1
The Old Testament contains several provisions and laws that address the rights and status of women in ancient Israelite society. Here are some key aspects:
1. **Marriage and Family**:
- **Deuteronomy 24:1-4**: This passage discusses the conditions under which a man may divorce his wife and the implications for her remarriage. It reflects the recognition of women's status in marital relationships.
- **Exodus 21:10-11**: If a man takes another wife, he must not diminish the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first wife. This provision protects the rights of the first wife in a polygamous situation.
2. **Inheritance Rights**:
- **Numbers 27:1-11**: The daughters of Zelophehad petitioned Moses for the right to inherit their father's land since he had no sons. God affirmed their request, establishing a precedent for women's inheritance rights in Israel.
3. **Protection from Abuse**:
- **Exodus 21:20-21**: This passage provides guidelines regarding the treatment of female slaves, emphasizing that if a master strikes a woman and she dies, he is to be punished. This reflects a level of protection for women, even in servitude.
4. **Sexual Morality and Protection**:
- **Deuteronomy 22:22-24**: This law addresses cases of adultery and sexual misconduct, providing severe consequences for those who violate a woman's rights. It underscores the importance of sexual morality and the protection of women's honor.
5. **Ritual Purity and Participation**:
- **Leviticus 12**: This chapter outlines the purification process for women after childbirth, recognizing their role in family and community life. While it includes restrictions, it also acknowledges the significance of women in the community.
6. **Role in Worship**:
- **Exodus 38:8**: Women played a role in the worship practices of Israel, as seen in the mention of women serving at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.
7. **Wisdom Literature**:
- **Proverbs 31:10-31**: This passage describes the "virtuous woman" and highlights her value, capabilities, and contributions to her family and community, portraying an idealized view of women's roles.
While the Old Testament reflects the cultural context of its time, these provisions indicate a recognition of women's rights and roles within the community. The interpretation and application of these laws have evolved over time, and they continue to be discussed in contemporary religious and ethical contexts.
Hope this helps
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