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In daily Mass this week (4th Week in Ordinary Time) we read of the rebellion and subsequent death of David’s son Absalom. Among the causes of Absalom’s rebellion is the rivalries that set up among. the sons of David by his different wives. More on that below. But more generally we ought to ponder the problem of polygamy which is reasserting itself in Europe and other places where “thrupples” (three to get married) and other polygamous unions demanding recognition as marriage. Let’s ponder a biblical and Catholic response to this reemerging moral error.
In the Book of Genesis, God’s plan for marriage is set forth clearly: one man and one woman in a stable, lasting, fruitful relationship of mutual support. God said, It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable helpmate for him (Gen 2:18). Note that the word used is “helpmate,” not “helpmates.” After teaching the man that animals are not suitable companions, God puts Adam in a deep sleep and, from his rib, fashions Eve (cf Gen 2:21). Note that in presenting a suitable helpmate for Adam God created a woman not another man; He also created one woman—not two, not three. So, we see that both homosexual “marriage” and polygamy are excluded.
Scripture goes on to insist that marriage is a lasting union, for it says that a man shall “cling” (Hebrew דָּבַק = dabaq) to his wife (not wives), and the two (not three or more) of them shall become one flesh (Gen 2:24). God then went on to tell them to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28).
Given the clear plan for marriage, what should we make of the polygamy of the patriarchs (e.g., Jacob, Moses, Gideon, David, and Solomon)? Does God really approve of this? There is no evidence that He thunders from on high at their seemingly adulterous and clearly polygamous behavior; in fact, it seems to go unrebuked. The fact that they have several wives is noted in Scripture more in passing, with little if any shock. For example, Nathan the Prophet rebukes David for many things, but having multiple wives is not among them.
Let’s begin by noting that the Scriptures teach truths in various ways: there is direct rebuke and punishment described for wrong-doing, but there is also subtle instruction through stories. This is the way in which the Scriptures teach against polygamy. Through various stories we learn that polygamy causes nothing but trouble: factions, jealousy, envy, and even murder. The problem was not so much the multiple wives as it was the sons they bore.
Polygamy was common among the Old Testament patriarchs. Here is a “brief” list:
Continued below.
In the Book of Genesis, God’s plan for marriage is set forth clearly: one man and one woman in a stable, lasting, fruitful relationship of mutual support. God said, It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable helpmate for him (Gen 2:18). Note that the word used is “helpmate,” not “helpmates.” After teaching the man that animals are not suitable companions, God puts Adam in a deep sleep and, from his rib, fashions Eve (cf Gen 2:21). Note that in presenting a suitable helpmate for Adam God created a woman not another man; He also created one woman—not two, not three. So, we see that both homosexual “marriage” and polygamy are excluded.
Scripture goes on to insist that marriage is a lasting union, for it says that a man shall “cling” (Hebrew דָּבַק = dabaq) to his wife (not wives), and the two (not three or more) of them shall become one flesh (Gen 2:24). God then went on to tell them to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28).
Given the clear plan for marriage, what should we make of the polygamy of the patriarchs (e.g., Jacob, Moses, Gideon, David, and Solomon)? Does God really approve of this? There is no evidence that He thunders from on high at their seemingly adulterous and clearly polygamous behavior; in fact, it seems to go unrebuked. The fact that they have several wives is noted in Scripture more in passing, with little if any shock. For example, Nathan the Prophet rebukes David for many things, but having multiple wives is not among them.
Let’s begin by noting that the Scriptures teach truths in various ways: there is direct rebuke and punishment described for wrong-doing, but there is also subtle instruction through stories. This is the way in which the Scriptures teach against polygamy. Through various stories we learn that polygamy causes nothing but trouble: factions, jealousy, envy, and even murder. The problem was not so much the multiple wives as it was the sons they bore.
Polygamy was common among the Old Testament patriarchs. Here is a “brief” list:
Continued below.
The Problems Produced by the Polygamy of the Patriarchs - Community in Mission
In daily Mass this week (4th Week in Ordinary Time) we read of the rebellion and subsequent death of David’s son Absalom. Among the causes of Absalom’s rebellion is the rivalries that set up among. the sons of David by his different wives. More on that below. But more generally we ought to...
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