Polygamous marriages have been a significant part of African societies and are also documented in numerous biblical accounts. This article contends that the African traditional practice of polygamy shares fundamental foundational principles with biblical polygamy. African tradition encompasses many elements of community, family, lineage, wealth inheritance, kingdoms, chiefdoms, and communal responsibilities within the family and community setup. Polygamy as a communal structure existed not to suit the interests of men. It extended to other structures, such as economies of scale, the socio-economic fabric of life, and traditional and/or cultural activities.
Isaiah 4:1 shows that marriages involving multiple wives were recognised realities in biblical communities. Isaiah addresses a woman’s marital status within a man’s household and considers family lineage, continuity, social life, and belonging. African and biblical communities both regard marriage as a communal institution rather than a private affair.
It is a non-starter to conclude that polygamy is uniquely an African tradition and custom with no biblical connection. The biblical record contains numerous examples of respected figures who practised polygamy, and the institution was regulated rather than universally condemned in the Old Testament. Their names are as follows:
- Lamech married Adah and Zillah.
- Abraham married Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah.
- Esau married Judith, Bashemath, and Mahalath.
- Jacob married Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah.
- Gideon married so many wives and had 70 sons.
- King David married several wives, including Abigail, Bathsheba, and Michal.
- King Solomon married 700 wives and 70 concubines.
- King Abijah married 14 wives.
The twelve tribes of Israel originated from the lineage of four wives in a polygamous marriage and “roll-ons” or concubines. A question one Christian can raise: because of the above-mentioned facts, is Israel the product of sin or the chosen nation of God?
Some of these men were direct men of God who, in some instances, spoke directly to God and/or the angels from heaven, yet they married many wives at the same time.
African men who practiced polygamy are our ancestors, grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters, pastors, priests, prophets, traditional healers, herbalists, sangomas, teachers, role models, and/or our neighbours or community leaders.
The opinion piece argues and concludes that polygamy is not a new practice; it is as old as humankind and as old as the world order described in the Bible, from Genesis to the end of the world. This remains a matter of theological reflection, cultural engagement, and ongoing dialogue among traditionalists and faith communities.
By
Dr Sefoko Ramoshaba
064 709 2097
3 Comments
I agree with the article but at the same time ,some men go into polygamy for their own agendas.
That’s true
Good day. You are spot on. Your article is concise and factual. You actually call a spade a spade. Truthful and honest.