Polygamy, Where is it forbidden specifically

[Prodigalson123]

I have a friend who just came back from Egypt, his mom got married to an Egyptian man, and this man asked my friend if he was going to be mad if he had more then one wife. He stated that he wants four. So....my friend asked me where in the Bible does God prohibit polygamy. I can't find any specifics. Is it Biblical or cultural???

Edited January 13, 2006 by Prodigalson123

[Arthur Durnan]

If four wives, why not fourteen? Or like Muhammad of Yathrib, what, 25? Four for his compatriots, any number for the leader, yes? Both Muslims & Mormons always go far overboard on this strategic life issue. Our Lord was straightforward & to-the-point on it: In Matthew 19 - a repeat of Genesis 1:27; 2:21-25 - male & female for a lifetime. Husband & wife - singular - not plural. Deuteronomy 17:17 explicitly instructs God's people not to "multiply wives." Even Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2 couldn't be clearer, "the husband of ONE wife." Truth to tell, it was Adam & Eve in the first and strategic instance, never Adam and Eve....plus Miriam and Ruth and Rachel and Helena and Delilah and Joanne and whatever else. In Holy Writ, polygamists paid severe penalties for desecrating Jehovah God's declaration on holy matrimony. Solomon was the leader, so to speak, in going against God's will re monogamy. He sinned in two ways (1) he engaged in polygamy, and (2) he violated Jehovah's command against marrying pagans, which ultimately led to his own apostasy. Or did we forget? Polygamy denies Holy Scripture, denigrates womanhood and multiplies 'family' suffering. Fast coming down the pike to a community like yours: polyandry! Quik guys, clap if you deserve respect!

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[deadman1204]

with how hard it is to keep one wife happy, why would you want 3 more?

[book_wirm]

....my friend asked me where in the Bible does God prohibit polygamy. I can't find any specifics.

Aside from Pauls instruction on the office of a Bishop, there are none for anyone else.

In Christ,

Eric

[Arthur Durnan]

So the godly pastor should stay with but one wife but encourage his godly parishioners to add several each? Too many freaks. Not enuf circuses.

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[EricH]

In America, this is really a mute point. It is illegal. And we are told in the Bible to be subject to the governments that God has placed over us. In addition, polygamy is never commanded n the Bible. So we need to obey our government in this

[book_wirm]

So the godly pastor should stay with but one wife but encourage his godly parishioners to add several each?

No one said anything about "encouraging" anything. All I said was Paul's instructions regarding the office of a Bishop/Deacon include that he should be the husband of one wife. No other mention of monogamy is made in regards to others. Before we write it of as sin, perhaps it would be useful to consider why Paul gave such an instruction.

In America, this is really a mute point. It is illegal. And we are told in the Bible to be subject to the governments that God has placed over us. In addition, polygamy is never commanded n the Bible. So we need to obey our government in this

Agreed...almost. At this point in American history it is a moot point for you and me to consider it. However, it is a worthwhile question for two reasons.

1-It may become legal...especially considering the drastic changes already being suggested with regards to marriage in this country. It may soon be an issue which American churches deal with personally. Simply because some have written a thing off in there minds as cut and dry does not make it so. It is worth understanding what we believe and why we believe it.

2-Your statement smacks of ethnocentricism. We are not the only country in the world and we do not have the market cornered on Christianity. Missionaries are sent out into the world...a world in which more cultures are polygamous than are monogamous. It is, therefore, needful to have an answer ready when a new convert introduces you to his both his wives. Do you tell him to pick one and lose the other? Do you tell him to keep both, but not to marry anymore? Do you leave it to Christian liberty, seeing it violates no earthly law? Do you come up with any number of other possibilities?

For these two reasons it is a worthwhile discussion.

In Christ,

Eric

Edited January 13, 2006 by book_wirm

[Marnie]

I have a friend who just came back from Egypt, his mom got married to an Egyptian man, and this man asked my friend if he was going to be mad if he had more then one wife. He stated that he wants four. So....my friend asked me where in the Bible does God prohibit polygamy. I can't find any specifics. Is it Biblical or cultural???

Polygamy and divorce are two main reasons why G-d sent the Hebrews into captivity, along with idolatry. Malachi is full verses attesting to this.

[Arthur Durnan]

It certainly egregiously violates God's Holy Laws. His laws are not solely for North Americans, Central Americans, whatever. The Bible is a universal Book. Africa needs the Ten Commandments as much as Alaska does; Divine principles on Holy Matrimony are not off-base for Rwanda or The Sudan. Jesus Christ is the UNIVERSAL Savior born where the three major continents (africa, Asia & Europe) come together. In the light of Holy Writ on holy matrimony & one wife for a lifetime this particular observer could earnestly recommend that a polygamist who has sinned thus and "dug himself this pit," when he is converted to a new life in Christ continue to live with his initial wife, cease sexual relations with ones beyond her, and to whatever possible extent (financially) support the others. His commandments are not onerous.

"To the Law...if they they speak not according to this Word...."

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[book_wirm]

Polygamy and divorce are two main reasons why G-d sent the Hebrews into captivity, along with idolatry. Malachi is full verses attesting to this.

If you would, to which passages are you referring?

It certainly egregiously violates God's Holy Laws.

Would you also please say to which you are referring?

Also, perhaps you misunderstood me. I am not promoting the idea that God's laws are applicable based on your nationality or heritage. However, we are commanded to obey our governments and so as long they do not offend my ability to be pleasing in the sight of God, I must do so. For this reason, Arthur, it is right that you and I refrain from taking more than one wife because it does not prevent us from living right before God. Another, though, who lives in a society with no such laws, is free then to do the same as you and I...live pleasingly in the sight of God. If his government makes no restrictions on polygamy, then he is free to do so.

Thank you both.

In Christ,

Eric