Overview

Polygamy in the Law of Moses argues that the Mosaic Law provides implicit support for polygamy as a licit practice in the Old Testament period. This assertion is contrary to the claims of a number of contemporary influential scholars. This book examines six key texts: Exodus 21:7-11; Leviticus 18:18; Deuteronomy 17:17; 21:15-17; 22:23-29; and 25:5-10. Each of these key texts are contested by various scholars regarding their implications for understanding polygamy in the Hebrew Bible. Ryan J. Stephens provides an examination of each of these key texts as well as a critical interaction with and evaluation of counter claims made by scholars. Stephens provides clarity to the discussion of polygamy in the Hebrew Bible in support of the view that polygamy was a licit practice in the Old Testament period.

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9781666957976

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Reviews

"Dr. Stephens has written an interesting and necessary correction to an important issue, polygamy in the Old Testament. Because it is difficult to understand why God would allow for polygamy in the Old Testament, but condemn it so strongly in the New Testament, a number of contemporary prominent scholars have advanced the idea that polygamy was never really permitted in the Old Testament either. Stephens provides a scholarly response to their claims and provides fresh support for the view that the Mosaic Law permitted and regulated polygamy. While other scholars have dealt with the issue as a whole and even covered other parts of the argument, the Mosaic Law seems to have been overlooked, Stephens' word admirably fulfils that deficiency. I highly recommend this work for those examining this important Old Testament topic. --Paul Wegner, Gateway Seminary This is the most definitive study of polygamy in the Old Testament. Stephens presents thorough and logical exegesis of relevant texts, taking into account factors such as legal formulation, contextual semantics, and narrative elements. In dialogue with alternative viewpoints, his research convincingly demonstrates that the Hebrew Bible permitted polygamy during the Old Testament period, although it was not the creation ideal and ""the New Covenant community is expected to move away from it."" --Roy E. Gane, Andrews University, author of Old Testament Law for Christians Was polygamy permitted by the Hebrew Bible? Ryan Stephens addresses this important question and in so doing provides a model of careful and persuasive scholarly exegetical reasoning of the relevant legal and narrative texts. I highly recommend Polygamy in the Hebrew Bible for serious students of the Bible. --Tremper Longman III, Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Westmont College While it is unlikely that there will ever be consensus about the biblical position on polygamy, it is an issue that warrants careful and critical consideration by biblical scholars, theologians, and practitioners of the Christian faith. Dr. Stephens has provided for all concerned a solid exegetical study of the various Pentateuchal passages concerning the practice. He has ungirded this with a reasoned critical response to ideas on all sides of the issue. Polygamy in the Law of Moses makes a solid contribution to the understanding of the biblical evidence and critical discussion on the matter. --R. Gregg Watson, professor of Old Testament Studies, Associate Academic Dean, Gateway Seminary"

Author Information

Ryan Stephens received his PhD in Biblical Studies OT from Gateway Seminary, and he has taught in secondary, undergraduate, and graduate institutions for over 20 years.

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