Polygamy in the Law of Moses

The Mosaic Law provides implicit support for polygamy as a licit practice in the Old Testament period. Polygamy in the Law of Moses provides an examination of the evidence for this claim as well as a critical interaction with and evaluation of counter claims made by scholars.

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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.