why did God allow Solomon to have 700 wives plus 300 concubines ?

[JohnD]

Quick answer:

To allow mankind to make choices. Right or wrong.

To be truly able to choose... one has to have the option to

make the wrong choice.

[JohnD]

Examples like Solomon and the downturn in his life

show us the wisdom of not doing what he did.

[LonerAndy]

On 7/5/2020 at 9:00 PM, R. Hartono said:

Doesnt God allow only one wife ?

So in the Old Testament, Israelite were allowed to have multiple wives.  In fact, in some cases they were commanded to have multiple wives.  In I believe Deuteronomy, if your brother dies without a son, you are suppose to marry his wife, and raise a son to carry on his name.  Which is very odd to an American like me, but what do I know.

If I was in that culture, I'd be very keen to make sure my brothers married good looking women.  (I am kidding!)

Nevertheless, having multiple wives was not a problem Biblical.  The only direct restriction was Deuteronomy 17:17 which says not to have too many wives.  I would guess... that Solomons 100s on 100s of wives was too many.... which... explains why Solomon ended up falling before G-d at the end of his reign.

So violating G-d's word always has consequences.

As for today... we Christians are under the new testament, which says 1 Timothy 3:2, which says Husband of ONE wife.

Pretty clear.

We live in a messy world, but the standard that all Christians should strive for, is man of one woman.

[Willa]

free will.   it is allowed but one wife is blessed.  His disobedience caused him to back slide and be tempted by idolatry.  One wife is the best way, since pastors were limited to one wife.  That might be one wife at a time since they are allowed to have a wife.

[creativemechanic]

I read something  of a theory that said that polygamy was not God's perfect will but he allowed it because of the circumstances of the time.

Israel would constantly be at war and whod go to war- men. So there could be at times (due to men being killed in battle) a massive female to male imbalance. Polygamy allowed for  women who would normally have no means for support (since they didnt work) to get into a family as well as be able to build back up the population.

[Fidei Defensor]

4 hours ago, Betha said:

I used to think SOLOMON was a sex maniac.....but not so !

He is mentioned as a 'Type of Christ' and his purpose of acquiring all these women was not for sex but to give them safety and protection during a time when life was very hard for women without a Protector - Father, Husband, Brother.

That is first time I’ve heard of Solomon being a “Type of Christ.” How do you come to that conclusion when he erected idols of Baal and Molech? (1 Kings 11:7).  Christ would never bring honor to false gods, He being The True God in the flesh said, “Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” (Matthew 4:10). 

Edited July 7, 2020 by Fidei Defensor

[Fidei Defensor]

4 hours ago, Betha said:

I did not come to that conclusion, I heard it mentioned years ago....and shame on me I did not check out 1 Kgs 11. I hae done now.....and see that he did evil in the sight of the Lord.  Just goes to show not to believe all you hear. Thank you for correcting me !!! thank you !!!

You are most welcome. Indeed, I encourage all my brothers and sisters to check what you hear with the Scriptures.  

[Your closest friendnt]

On 7/6/2020 at 3:05 AM, Not me said:

why did God allow Solomon to have 700 wives plus 300 concubines ?

Because He has a sense of humor....

Lol...sorry I couldn’t resist...

Going to my room, grounded again, or maybe it’s still..

In Him, Not me

 

Because he was after God's own heart...

[Your closest friendnt]

10 hours ago, LonerAndy said:

So in the Old Testament, Israelite were allowed to have multiple wives.  In fact, in some cases they were commanded to have multiple wives.  In I believe Deuteronomy, if your brother dies without a son, you are suppose to marry his wife, and raise a son to carry on his name.  Which is very odd to an American like me, but what do I know.

If I was in that culture, I'd be very keen to make sure my brothers married good looking women.  (I am kidding!)

Nevertheless, having multiple wives was not a problem Biblical.  The only direct restriction was Deuteronomy 17:17 which says not to have too many wives.  I would guess... that Solomons 100s on 100s of wives was too many.... which... explains why Solomon ended up falling before G-d at the end of his reign.

So violating G-d's word always has consequences.

As for today... we Christians are under the new testament, which says 1 Timothy 3:2, which says Husband of ONE wife.

Pretty clear.

We live in a messy world, but the standard that all Christians should strive for, is man of one woman.

We also have the criminal code...

[Daniel Marsh]

On 7/5/2020 at 9:00 PM, R. Hartono said:

Doesnt God allow only one wife ?

Short answer it was political.  Joining alliances with other kings, who wanted to get rid of their spoiled children.