by Adelani Aderemi

Created on: July 14, 2009   Last Updated: July 28, 2009

Polygamy means a man having more than one spouse at a time. Christians believe that this practice is against the laid down rules of marriage though there are instances in Biblical times when men of God had many wives and were not sanctioned by God. David was an example but most notable for his love of women is Solomon, David's son by Bathsheba. Solomon had three hundred wives and seven hundred concubines. People like Abraham, David and Solomon lived in the in pre-Christian era under the old covenant as mediated by Moses.

Among notable men of God who went into polygamy was Abraham. After waiting till age of 86 for God's promise of an heir, his wife Sarah suggested that Abraham should take her house maid Hagar as wife so that she (Sarah) may through Hagar get offspring. This was in line with their culture anyway and Abraham accepted. Jacob, through the deceit of Laban his father in-law also came to have two wives because he could not give up his love for Rachel. Esau, Elkanah, David and Solomon had many wives.

Problems faced

It is worthy of mention that since it started, polygamy has been causing problems not only for those who practice it but also for the society. Sarah could not cope with the despicable attitudes of Hagar towards her after she became pregnant for Abraham. At last, she persuaded Abraham to send Hagar and her child away when Isaac was born. Jacob's house was also not peaceful. Leah was unloved but Rachel was. The two sisters were always at each other's throat because they shared Jacob's heart. The trouble extended to their children and was the root cause of the wickedness of Joseph's brothers. Jacob lived almost all his years mourning for Joseph thinking he was dead. Hannah had her own share of problems from Peninah, Elkanah's second wife. The Lord specifically warned that the Kings of Israel must not go into polygamy, lest the women take away their hearts. In Deut 17:17, Moses gave them the Lord's warning that "He [the king of Israel] must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold" Ancient wisdom of Israel was declared by King Lemuel's mother when she warned her son to "Not give your strength to women, nor your ways to destroyer of Kings." (Prov 31: 3) However, David did not heed this warning, he still took Uriah's wife in addition to the many wives he had already. Perhaps the most culpable was Solomon whose many wives took his heart away from pure worship of the Lord.

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