Polygamy in the Bible

[Pastor DTSalaz]

Originally Posted by erikwebster

Don't see where polygamy is banned by Christ or its declared morally sinful.

Try again

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...r=19&version=9

It is in Gods original intent for man. Because God tolerates sin does not make it OK. He is longsuffering not willing that any should perish.

I just began reading this post and am surprised, floored, disgusted at what some posters are writing. This is supposed to be men of God writing these things. All men ought to be men of God not referring only to what we traditionally call men of God. Pastors, ministers, leaders, the five fold ministry. I certainly hope this is not an indicator of where mens hearts lie. From the abundance of the heart. I hope it is just in discussing this post that we become so open. This certainly seems like some people are looking for some kind of justification of where they are at or where they wish they could be.

Thank God for the Holy Ghost that will lead us away from the lusts of the flesh.

Only on for a little while but will post a few more comments on Monday

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Be blessed
Pastor DT Salaz

[Apocrypha]

Originally Posted by Pastor DTSalaz

It is in Gods original intent for man. Because God tolerates sin does not make it OK. He is longsuffering not willing that any should perish.

I just began reading this post and am surprised, floored, disgusted at what some posters are writing. This is supposed to be men of God writing these things. All men ought to be men of God not referring only to what we traditionally call men of God. Pastors, ministers, leaders, the five fold ministry. I certainly hope this is not an indicator of where mens hearts lie. From the abundance of the heart. I hope it is just in discussing this post that we become so open. This certainly seems like some people are looking for some kind of justification of where they are at or where they wish they could be.

Thank God for the Holy Ghost that will lead us away from the lusts of the flesh.

Only on for a little while but will post a few more comments on Monday

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Be blessed
Pastor DT Salaz

Your saying the act of biblical polygamy is sinful when the scriptures don't say it is. Don't see why your disgusted or repulsed. Its illegal in America, and we follow the laws of the land, but other than that its not a moral issue using straight scripture, its a cultural issue.

Seriously if your gonna say its "sin" then show where its banned other than in church leadership.

[Apocrypha]

Originally Posted by Pastor DTSalaz

Mat 5:27 You have heard that it was said to the ancients, "You shall not commit adultery."
Mat 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.


How many men do we have with only one eye or one hand. This was not to say that men ought to poke out their eyes or cut off their hands. We would have a lot of maimed people in church. lol This is Jesus talking about the heart condition. He can see the heart but man can only see the outward appearance. If men were to do this then we could see the real condition of man.

It is not lusting after a married woman it is women in general. The actual sin begins in the heart. Sin is usually never is instantaneous. There is always a progression. Lust not only has to do with sexual desire but desire in general.

Jas 1:14 But each one is tempted by his lusts, being drawn away and seduced by them.
Jas 1:15 Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin. And sin, when it is fully formed, brings forth death.

The look turns into a thought. The thought is tossed around for a while deciding how we can do this without being caught. We are then seduced by our thoughts and the conception turns into a reality. Sin. Sin is committed and we think we got away with it. Continuous sin becomes habit forming it is fully formed bondage has taken place. You cannot control it, it controls you. The ultimate result is always death. Make wise choices for every action is a seed of thought that has sprouted whether good or wrong. The harvest is coming.

Be blessed

Pastor DT Salaz

Wrong, the word "lust" actually means covet in modern english if its properly translated. Its referring to married women (once again).

Do you actually read the entire thread before you bring out the guns?

[TK Burk]

...again

Originally Posted by tk burk

Here’s one for all you ‘it’s-not-prohibited-in-the-new-testament-so-it’s-not-sin’ folk; using the same line of reasoning you’re using for polygamy, please explain how we should view the following Old Testament Laws:

Deuteronomy 21:18-21: The responsibility to stone to death a rebellious child
• Nowhere in the entire bible is this law ever said to have been obeyed by a child’s parents. I wonder why?

Deuteronomy 13:6-10: The responsibility to stone to death your family or close friend if they say something that might lead you to backslide
• Talk about watching what you say!

Deuteronomy 25:5-9: The responsibility to marry and bare children with a widowed sister-in-law
• This one would definitely make the family reunions more interesting….

Nowhere are these specifically said to be prohibited in the New Testament. Consequently, can (or maybe, should) a person (Christian) still do them? Are they sinning if they do? what do you say?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Pastor DTSalaz

It is in Gods original intent for man. Because God tolerates sin does not make it OK. He is longsuffering not willing that any should perish.

God doesn't "tolerate sin". If polygamy was a sin why didn't God express it at all against Abraham? Why didn't God condemn Jacob, Moses, and David. In fact, when Moses is spoken against because he took a second wife who was Ethiopian...God DEFENDS Moses. Not only that but the Bible says that Gideon had many wives who bore him 70 sons....yet God doesn't condemn or sanction him once over it. In fact, listen to how the elders of Israel bless Ruth when she marries Boaz.....

"11And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:" - Ruth 4:11

This blessing implies that Jacob's polygamy was a blessing, not a sin, not a curse, not an "allowance". You'd condemn Jacob to Hell for committing Adultery. God's Word in no way insinuates such a thing. God's word implies that Jacob's polygamous marriages were a blessing.

Elkanah has two wives and yet he's described as faithful in his worship of the Lord (I Samuel 1:3). His worship is accepted and commended. God could have easily said, "Yet in having two wives, God was not entirely pleased with Elkanah." But Elkanah is regarded as a faithful man who is commendable before God. You'd say Elkanah was in adultery. Since he never repented of this "adultery" (if it is indeed adultery) Elkanah is burning in a devil's Hell today.

David marries Michal, then Abigail and Ahinoam. David then takes Maachah, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah. David then takes more wives and concubines (2 Samuel 5:13). Then David commits adultery with Bathsheba. Now...no where in all the marriages prior to David meeting Bathsheba does the Bible say that David "did evil in the sight of the Lord". It wasn't until Bathsheba that David is confronted for the sin of adultery. This obviously illustrates that none of the unions prior to Bathsheba can be classified as adulterous or sinful. It was David's taking of a wife that didn't belong to him that provoked God to anger. Up until then God was blessing David.

Now...here's a BIGGIE. Not only does God not speak against David's many wives...God says that HE GAVE DAVID THESE WIVES (2 Samuel 12:8). Not only that, this text has God telling David that if that had not been enough....God would have given him MORE! Certainly God isn't "tolerating sin"....because if he is...he's also the author of it.

Psalm 26:1-12, indicates that during this time David walked in "integrity...truth...and hates wickedness". If David were in sin with these polygamous marriages....this would not be true. David goes on to say, "I restrain my feet from every evil way, that I may keep your word" (Psalms 119:101). Obviously when David married his wives and spent time with them, it wasn't sinful. The only sin David is condemned for is his adultery with Uriah's wife and his having Uriah murdered. In Psalm 119:128, David says, "I esteem right all thy precepts concerning everything, I hate every false way". David obviously didn't hate polygamy. And God certainly didn't hate it seeing that David's wives were given to him by God.

My point is that God isn't "tolerating sin", God is the very one who has given men multiple wives, namely David. And God has also NEVER spoken against these men.

Polygmay is not a sin.

However, when addressing marriage Paul does emphasize that many of this directions were good "for their present distress". Polygamy was illegal under the Roman Empire...so Paul doesn't directly speak of it or address it. It would be unthinkable to Paul for a good Christian citizen of Rome to illegally marry more than one wife. But Paul doesn't condemn polygamy as sin...if he did...he'd be condemning the majority of the men of God in the OT and even God himself for giving wives.

Now, I think this present distress (the church sojourning in a hostile world and under secular and ungodly governments) continues today and therefore monogamous marriage is still best in the context of our place in history and dispensations. However, during the Millennium, it's possible that we will see a reassurance of polygamy as Israel receives every covenantal promise of God contained in the Law and the Prophets. Of course...I could be wrong because that would be just speculation. However, those who partake in the "resurrection" will be like the angels in Heaven neither marrying or giving in marriage.

I just began reading this post and am surprised, floored, disgusted at what some posters are writing. This is supposed to be men of God writing these things. All men ought to be men of God not referring only to what we traditionally call men of God. Pastors, ministers, leaders, the five fold ministry. I certainly hope this is not an indicator of where mens hearts lie. From the abundance of the heart. I hope it is just in discussing this post that we become so open. This certainly seems like some people are looking for some kind of justification of where they are at or where they wish they could be.

I think you're misconstruing what we are saying. I know I'm not saying I'd want another wife. I think that would be very problematic in today's world. And I believe that Paul's directions are best heeded in our present "distress" as we sojourn in this hostile world. It's not the same today as it was in Israel. That being said, I also cannot say that polygamy is a "sin" given the overwhelming biblical evidence that God allows and provides polygamy numerous times throughout the Scriptures.

Thank God for the Holy Ghost that will lead us away from the lusts of the flesh.

Again, I think you're misconstruing the points being made here. The Bible says,

Titus 1:15
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

I think people with a one track mind see polygamy only one way, lustful, evil, etc....because those are the eyes with which they see the world. Polygamous marriages were allowed by God, provided by God, and deemed a notable blessing. In the OT culture polygamy wasn't only a blessing to the man, but a blessing to the women who came under his care. Jacob, Moses, David and others never mistreated or abused their wives. Biblical polygamy isn't abusive, abominable, or wrong. In their day, it protected women, lifted them into the royal family, and protected them from exploitation.

Only on for a little while but will post a few more comments on Monday

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Be blessed
Pastor DT Salaz

Amen.

I'm not saying, "Hey guys, God doesn't mind, let's party, grab as many women as you want." I'm simply defending Scripture from Puritanical Legalism that would condemn Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, David, Solomon, and many, many others to Hell for something that wasn't ever deemed a sin.

[Aquila]

I'm interested in hearing one of you, "David's in Hell for having many wives", types to answer post #495.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by TK Burk

So “Old West” society is a model for biblical Christianity? So are you going to next claim that Rooster Cogburn was a good saintly example?

Bro...you're missing my point. My point is that God's Law has been regarded as an acceptable standard to consider in society as recently as within the past 200 years. Your concepts and worldview are entirely post-modern 20th century.

Please, tell me, do you know the difference between SPANKING and STONING? The former is intended to CORRECT. The latter is intended to KILL.

So, from your statement I guess you believe that killing a rebellious kid is NOT a sin, right??

In context a child who curses father or mother isn't just a child who speaks evil against them. This is an incorrigible child. And while in today's world we have other ways of dealing with them...God's Law granted parents full authority to deal full justice to their child. It's therefore NOT a sin. If we were living in a post-apocalyptic world after a nuclear exchange and we had a loose agrarian clan society...we could fall back on this and be within the bounds of moral justice. In our current disposition, much grace can be granted. And children should THANK almighty God for that.

On a side note, my mom used to say, "Boy, you better straighten up and fly right. Because I brought you into this world...and I can take you out." While modern laws in our advanced society would balk at such a notion...given circumstances like those in the Bible...my mother would have been perfectly within her God given boundaries to do so.

I did not ask WHY God gave this Law; I asked if it should still be obeyed, and if so, is it a sin.

Now let’s see you answer the REAL question in CONTEXT with the same reasoning you have that’s pro-polygamy….

Yes. For example, if an Islamic cleric in the United States were to begin advocating that Americans turn from the Christian principles of a free society and adopt a Wahabist extremist faith in devotion to Allah to bring America to her knees....I'd say execute them for high treason in time of war.

What’s with you and the “old west"? Are you the president of a Louis L'Amour fan club or something?

The old west is considered as the “wild west.” How is that connotation applicable with biblical Christianity?

Brother, these arguments are silly! AGAIN, we’re talking BIBLE. WHERE DOES IT SAY IT IN THE BIBLE?

Again I'm only illustrating that the principles behind these laws would be seriously considered in society as recently as within the past 200 years. You're concepts and judgments are entirely based on a 20th century, post-modernist worldview. A society that produced some the greatest Christian culture known to man saw no issue with the principle of a man's brother taking his brother's wife in to wife. Now, I'm not saying this condones polygamy. I'm only saying there are eternal principles we can learn from in the Law.

So there is “NOTHING WRONG” with stoning rebellious kids to death or with killing your family or close friends if they speak against Truth?

You're minimalizing the context of the Laws given. Even in their Old Testament context they wouldn't permit that. We are talking about executing a child who is beyond the point of reasoning and training. Yes, personally, I think it wouldn't be wrong. I assure you that if we lived by this law in the United States today, after the first incorrigible child was executed every kid in America would be sitting straight eating their vegetables....and humbly asking for seconds.

And yes, there's nothing wrong with executing traitors of our nation.

Are you for real about this? I doubt it. What you’re suffering is called “cognitive dissonance.” That is why you will actually stand behind such ignorance so long as it seems to support your view. Brother that is contrary to what’s needed to interpret biblical Truth. “Study to show thyself approved unto God…RIGHTLY DIVIDING the Truth….”

Coming next....

You're evidently not understanding what I'm telling you.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Proverbs 12:4

"A (SINGULAR) virtuous WOMAN (SINGULAR) is A CROWN (SINGULAR) to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."

If God allowed plural wives the above scripture would appear thus.

"Virtuous women are crowns to their husband: but the one that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."

Proverbs 18:22

Whoso findeth A WIFE (SINGULAR) findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

If God normal plan was to have plural wives the above scripture would appear as below.

Whoso findeth another wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD

Proverbs 19:14

"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and A (SINGULAR) prudent WIFE (SINGULAR) is from the LORD."

A prudent wife is found in Proverbs 31, and she is a singular wife and represents the singular Bride of Christ. Alas those who condone NT polygomay see Proverbs 19:14 as printed below.

"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and prudent wives are from the LORD."

Proverbs 31:10-31


"Who can find A (SINGULAR) virtuous WOMAN? (SINGULAR) for HER (SINGULAR) price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in HER (SINGULAR), so that he shall have no need of spoil.

SHE (SINGULAR) will do him good and not evil all the days of HER (SINGULAR) life.

SHE (SINGULAR) seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with HER (SINGULAR) hands.

SHE (SINGULAR) is like the merchants' ships; SHE (SINGULAR) bringeth HER (SINGULAR) food from afar.

SHE riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to HER (SINGULAR) HOUSEHOLD (SINGULAR), and a portion to her maidens.

SHE (SINGULAR) considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of HER (SINGULAR) hands SHE (SINGULAR) planteth a vineyard.

SHE (SINGULAR) girdeth HER (SINGULAR) loins with strength, and strengtheneth HER (SINGULAR) arms.

SHE (SINGULAR) perceiveth that HER (SINGULAR) merchandise is good: HER (SINGULAR) candle goeth not out by night.

SHE (SINGULAR) layeth HER (SINGULAR) hands to the spindle, and HER (SINGULAR) hands hold the distaff.

SHE(SINGULAR) stretcheth out HER (SINGULAR) hand to the poor; yea, SHE (SINGULAR) reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

SHE is not afraid of the snow for HER (SINGULAR) HOUSEHOLD (SINGULAR): for all HER (SINGULAR) HOUSEHOLD (SINGULAR) are clothed with scarlet.

SHE (SINGULAR) maketh HERSELF (SINGULAR) coverings of tapestry; HER (SINGULAR) clothing is silk and purple.

HER (SINGULAR) husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

SHE (SINGULAR) maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are HER (SINGULAR) clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

SHE (SINGULAR) openeth HER (SINGULAR) mouth with wisdom; and in HER (SINGULAR) tongue is the law of kindness.

SHE (SINGULAR) looketh well to the ways of HER (SINGULAR) HOUSEHOLD (SINGULAR), and eateth not the bread of idleness.

HER (SINGULAR) children arise up, and call HER (SINGULAR) blessed; HER (SINGULAR) husband also, and he praiseth HER (SINGULAR).

Many daughters have done virtuously, but THOU (SINGULAR) EXCELLEST THEM ALL.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a WOMAN (SINGULAR) that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give HER (SINGULAR)of the fruit of HER (SINGULAR) hands; and let HER (SINGULAR) own works praise HER (SINGULAR) in the gates."

Psalm 128:3

"Thy WIFE (SINGULAR) shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table."

How would this scripture look if polygamy was God's norm?

"Thy wives shall be as a fruitful vines by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table."

The Biblical norm for marriage is one wife to one man, therefore the Apostle Paul instructed the Elders of the church to only have one wife. Just as Adam and Jesus had one wife.

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Proverbs 12:4

"A (SINGULAR) virtuous WOMAN (SINGULAR) is A CROWN (SINGULAR) to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."

If God allowed plural wives the above scripture would appear thus.

"Virtuous women are crowns to their husband: but the one that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."

Proverbs 18:22

Whoso findeth A WIFE (SINGULAR) findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

If God normal plan was to have plural wives the above scripture would appear as below.

Whoso findeth another wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD

Proverbs 19:14

"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and A (SINGULAR) prudent WIFE (SINGULAR) is from the LORD."

A prudent wife is found in Proverbs 31, and she is a singular wife and represents the singular Bride of Christ. Alas those who condone NT polygomay see Proverbs 19:14 as printed below.

"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and prudent wives are from the LORD."

Proverbs 31:10-31


"Who can find A (SINGULAR) virtuous WOMAN? (SINGULAR) for HER (SINGULAR) price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in HER (SINGULAR), so that he shall have no need of spoil.

SHE (SINGULAR) will do him good and not evil all the days of HER (SINGULAR) life.

SHE (SINGULAR) seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with HER (SINGULAR) hands.

SHE (SINGULAR) is like the merchants' ships; SHE (SINGULAR) bringeth HER (SINGULAR) food from afar.

SHE riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to HER (SINGULAR) HOUSEHOLD (SINGULAR), and a portion to her maidens.

SHE (SINGULAR) considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of HER (SINGULAR) hands SHE (SINGULAR) planteth a vineyard.

SHE (SINGULAR) girdeth HER (SINGULAR) loins with strength, and strengtheneth HER (SINGULAR) arms.

SHE (SINGULAR) perceiveth that HER (SINGULAR) merchandise is good: HER (SINGULAR) candle goeth not out by night.

SHE (SINGULAR) layeth HER (SINGULAR) hands to the spindle, and HER (SINGULAR) hands hold the distaff.

SHE(SINGULAR) stretcheth out HER (SINGULAR) hand to the poor; yea, SHE (SINGULAR) reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

SHE is not afraid of the snow for HER (SINGULAR) HOUSEHOLD (SINGULAR): for all HER (SINGULAR) HOUSEHOLD (SINGULAR) are clothed with scarlet.

SHE (SINGULAR) maketh HERSELF (SINGULAR) coverings of tapestry; HER (SINGULAR) clothing is silk and purple.

HER (SINGULAR) husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

SHE (SINGULAR) maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are HER (SINGULAR) clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

SHE (SINGULAR) openeth HER (SINGULAR) mouth with wisdom; and in HER (SINGULAR) tongue is the law of kindness.

SHE (SINGULAR) looketh well to the ways of HER (SINGULAR) HOUSEHOLD (SINGULAR), and eateth not the bread of idleness.

HER (SINGULAR) children arise up, and call HER (SINGULAR) blessed; HER (SINGULAR) husband also, and he praiseth HER (SINGULAR).

Many daughters have done virtuously, but THOU (SINGULAR) EXCELLEST THEM ALL.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a WOMAN (SINGULAR) that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give HER (SINGULAR)of the fruit of HER (SINGULAR) hands; and let HER (SINGULAR) own works praise HER (SINGULAR) in the gates."

Psalm 128:3

"Thy WIFE (SINGULAR) shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table."

How would this scripture look if polygamy was God's norm?

"Thy wives shall be as a fruitful vines by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table."

The Biblical norm for marriage is one wife to one man, therefore the Apostle Paul instructed the Elders of the church to only have one wife. Just as Adam and Jesus had one wife.

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

I'm sure David considered each of those verses every time he married a wife. He found a "virtuous woman" one day and then another "virtuous woman" on another.

Now please address post #495 and post #525.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by erikwebster

Your saying the act of biblical polygamy is sinful when the scriptures don't say it is. Don't see why your disgusted or repulsed. Its illegal in America, and we follow the laws of the land, but other than that its not a moral issue using straight scripture, its a cultural issue.

Seriously if your gonna say its "sin" then show where its banned other than in church leadership.

So are you prepared to say Polyandry is a moral issue and forbidden under New Testament, while polygamy is not?