1. The Implications of polygamy in the Old Testament

2. The Implications of polygamy in David’s life.                                                                              2And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; 3and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 4and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron. 2 Samuel 3:1-5 (ESV)

If we desire to understand God’s view of polygamy, we must return to the beginning of God’s design for marriage, one man and one woman for life.

24Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:24-25 (ESV)

Problems plagued David’s house because of polygamy.

18Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, Proverbs 5:18 (ESV)

22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.                        Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)

Anytime one violates Biblical principles and commands, he or she is going to create a problem for himself or herself.

Not only did God’s original plan consist of monogamy, he explicitly commanded that kings over his people were not to have “many” wives.

15you may indeed set a king over you whom the LORD your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you...17And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.  Deuteronomy 17:15-17 (ESV)

Men should keep themselves pure for one does not know the slippery slope and where one’s sin will lead.

15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:15 (ESV)

3. The Implications of Polygamy in the New Testament

Consider the reflection of the principle monogamy in pastoral leadership in the New Testament with the requirement for kingly leadership in the Old Testament.

2Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)

How would David have been measured as a manager of his household by the end of 2 Samuel.

5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 1 Timothy 3:5 (ESV)

23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Ephesians 5:23 (ESV)

4. The Implications for Polygamy in the practical issues of life. Matthew 19:3-6