Now in the law there are many sundry laws regarding women and marriage that do apply to the discussion.
1. Exodus 20:17 includes not coveting a neighbors wife -- right up there with the rest of his possessions.
2. In the bond slave law Exodus 21:10 basically says that if a man takes a second wife he cannot reduce the rights of the first wife -- including sexual rights. A woman had sexual rights to her husband -- wonder if God was thinking of Leah?
3. Exodus 22:16 requires a man who seduces a virgin to take her as his wife and to give up his right to get rid of her. Deut. 22:19 and 29 restate this. I wonder what this would do to the unwed mother problem?
4. Leviticus 18 provides a life of relatives and relationships in which marriage is not allowed. A couple of interesting ones that a person is not allowed to marry a mother and daughter together or sisters together (Leah and Rachel?). Polygamy is assumed but now has some restrictions. Note: Both Abraham and Jacob would have been in trouble by these laws.
5. Leviticus 20:21 eliminates taking a brother's wife while he is still alive. If divorce takes place then a brother cannot have her. The law of a brother being required to take his older brother's wife to raise up inheritance still stays however.
What gets interesting is what is not condemned: polygamy. In fact there are some laws that assume its existence.
Next: Divorce
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