Changed the title because as I thought about it Jacob's polygamy, though he was tricked into it, becomes used by God to build the nation of Israel. It is in fact the how of there are twelve tribes is due to Jacob's many children, possible becasue of his four wives.
There are also several issues in this like Leah's basically being handed off to a man who didn't want her. Still married but were they husband and wife? Was their really a 'one flesh' relationship beyond the sexual between them? Based on what happens -- probably not. So what was their 'marriage'?
One thing that does need to be considered is what would have happend had Jacob only had one wife and produced all his children through her. Genetically, there would have been problems if this had been the case. With four wives genetics spreads out and allows for more latitude.
The one thing that the story of Jacob's family does illustrate is the problems of a polygamist household. Leah and Rachel basically have a baby making contest and when they can't do it anymore they involve the handmaidens. But is this really a problem of polygamy itself or simply the way these marriages came about? More likely the later.
Next: Lest We Forget Esau
I cannot think of one single example in Scripture when polygamy didn't cause some sort of problem, I guess this ought to clue us into something. Nevertheless, I do believe God used polygamy to further His purposes in many ways (reaps where He does not sow) i.e. populating the earth, providing for women who may not have had any other means of protection and/or provision.
ReplyDeleteActually, there are a couple polygamist households in Scripture where no comment is made at all. In addition, what do we do when a monogomast household has problems -- do we say the problem is monogomy? Nope. We usually say the couple needs to work on the relationship. Western Prejudice? Maybe. Fact is there are many polygamist households around the world and many of them are that way by choice and everyone is happy with it. Ths topic premiates Scripture so it will be interesting where it goes.
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