Is Isaiah 4:1 against polygamy?

Isaiah 4:1
And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, we will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

From the information I gleaned around the web, polygamists and monogamist agree on two things regarding this Bible verse, it’s talking about polygamy and it’s a prophecy. Most also agree that there is nothing positive about it. There are two ways in which the verse is interpreted: literal and figurative.

Those who interpret it literally say that there will come a time when the male population will be decimated. This can happen most probably through wars. Give a group of men a flag to wave and a drum to march to and off they go to fight for whatever is the most convenient reason for the moment. So this coming dearth in men will revive polygyny (legally?) just so unmarried women can have a man’s name, even if they are going to provide for their own needs.

Those who interpret it figuratively say that it represent churches who simply wants to be called Christ’s name but still want to do things their own way. The Christ, of course, represents the man and the women represents those churches who want to be called Christian but does not want be to be subjected to the Word of God (they will provide for their own needs). This does have a ring of the truth in it, especially when it comes to polygamy.

So I’ve been asking myself what makes this verse appear in a negative light. Is it the seven women marrying a man (polygyny) or is it the wilful women who wants to marry for the name only but does not want to follow the Biblical institution of marriage?

Monogamists are quick to point out that it is polygamy that makes the verse negative since nothing good comes out of it. However, it is largely ignored that the “marrying” does not happen yet and the women are proposing to get hitched to a man just to take his name. Yep, the women already have that notion before the marriage, not after it... before polygamy happens, not after polygamy happens.

How about the women (churches) not wanting to subject themselves to marriage as defined and indicated in the Bible? Instead opting to follow their own definition of marriage for their own benefit? In short, people who have their own religion and want to be called Christians but does not want to be subjected to the guidelines set in the Bible. Even in monogamy, this is still not right.

It is interesting to note, though, what the verse implies in the literal and figurative sense: (1) Polygyny will again be recognized among Christians and (2) God is often portrayed as a polygamist in the Bible.

Christian Polygamists Must have Higher Standards for Themselves

Should polygamist aspire to a higher standard than monogamists? Of course. Fact, everybody should strive to the standard of being like Jesus. I came across this post which says that polygamists should be above reproach and blameless. A sentiment I can agree with.

I'm sharing the whole article which can be originally found here. If it's not okay then give me a ping to take it down.

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Polygamy: Some Points To Ponder

Submitted by Justin on Fri, 10/11/2013 - 01:59.

Dear All,

Polygamy is not much different than monogamy except that it adds a dimension of complexity and opportunity. Consequently, what is proper in monogamy is even more important to practice in polygamy.

From being in polygamy circles (Christian ones at least) I see that what is needed is a moral code and a level of integrity that befits our calling.

Being called to polygamy is like being called to be a bishop in a church. You have to be above reproach and blameless. The standard that we must aspire too is even higher than those who practice monogamy.

Right now, Many do what is right in their own eyes and there seems to be no baseline code of conduct that is even remotely followed. I really believe that until a group of people come together and start to live poly in a reasonable manor that our cause will remain small and reviled.

If we wish to be taken seriously, seriously enough to attract the kind of families and single women that can strengthen all of us, we must start to walk worthy.

People don't seem to want to hear that there should be a moral and ethical basis for what we do or a standard from which we operate. However, anarchy does not work in monogamy so why should it work in polygamy? Why do people in the normal world have to act within certain parameters to be part of civilized society but people who want to take on another wife need not do the same?

It is time to come together and stop being islands unto ourselves so that we can become part of a society that works together to live the lifestyle we have chosen. The type of women that we want to find are not going to be attracted to something that is so chaotic, unstable, and morally insecure.

So what shall we do?

1. Do not talk about sex or sexual preferences with women you have just met. If you do then you are not really serious about polygamy or the woman you are taking with. It degrades us all.

2. Do not talk about the earning potential of a sister wife. You are not dating to find an extra source of income for your family. This is crass and makes the woman feel like she is being selected for profit rather than character and personality.

3. Do try to get to know the woman's character, viewpoints, sensibilities, dreams and desires. Make them know that you are interested in them as a person first and foremost.

4. Do not be looking for a sister wife unless your wife or husband is "fully" on board and is in it with you. Polygamy has to come from a place of unity and common commitment or else you will run the risk of really messing up someones life.

5. If you are a Christian do get God's permission to seek polygamy. Not everyone is cut out for this lifestyle and if God is not in it with you then you will probably not succeed on your own.

6. Don't lie, stretch the truth, be coy, or otherwise falsely represent yourself at any time. Have confidence that if a woman is meant for your family that she will be able to accept the truth.

7. Consider meeting quickly in real life rather than carrying on a multi-month or multi-year relationship that goes from "hi may name is" to "your my wife" online. You can't know someone online like you can know someone in person. If a family or woman is not willing to meet after a short time it probably means they are not ready for polygamy. Meeting in person in a safe and public place will let you know if the relationship is worth continuing online. Even if you have to fly half way across the country to find this out the time and heartache you will save yourself is well worth it.

8. Men, respect each others families and women. Do not talk to or approach another man's wives or even women that you know they are dating. Have some class and show your brothers some respect.

9. consider the practicalities of having another wife. Make sure you have the homes or at least the square footage in your present house to keep them. Consider that the woman coming into your family will need, at some point, to build some assets too for her financial security. Have life insurance and a will made up to protect your wives and children should something happen to you.

10. The bottom line is that anything that would make a monogamous family prosper is doubly important to consider when you are running a poly family. Love, respect, consideration, fairness, and all the other characteristics of holy matrimony need to be present in spades for those who wish to be successful polygamists.

Blessings,

Justin

"Listen, Hear,and Obey on time"

An article on Should Polygamy be Legalized

I came across this interesting article at LegalSource360.com advocating for the legalization of polygamy. The author, Robin Smith, compared two situations where betrayal happened in while trust in the other. The betrayal situation is often accepted by society acceptable and cool, often conferring on the betraying males the alpha male status. The trust/love situation often declares the man involve as a fool and a criminal.

based on what I observed in my community, Mr. Smith did hit the nail squarely on the head. but legalizing polygamy? I'm not sure, yet.

Check out this article ==> http://www.legalsource360.com/index.php/should-polygamy-or-plural-marriages-be-legalized-yes-18-5881/

Polygyny Among Indigenous People in the Philippines

Wikipedia states that polygyny was the norm for tribal Filipinos way back then. Actually, it still exist today among tribal folks who remained true to their old beliefs (not Christians). I was in contact often with Talaandig, Manobo, and Higaonon communities in Bukidnon in the 90's. Although a lot of them were Christianized, a few remain as traditional animist. It is among them that I observed polygyny.

Surprisingly, relations between polygamous (non-Christian) and monogamous (Christian) members of the tribes were amiable. Religion didn't matter among them. It was a different story with Christians who were not of tribal origin, dumagats or "from the sea" we were called.

Of course, it nothing new to me how Christians treat tribal folks, mush more those who remain animists. But I was more interested more in their way of life. Not that I was considering polygyny back then because I was still unmarried. It was in the way they add a second or more wife.

For the Talaandig-Manobo-Higaonon who practiced polygyny, adding a second or more wives means additional help for the existing wife/wives to tend the field, do housework, and take care of the children. Not that the men are lazy, they usually do the hunting, trading, farm work that requires their strength, and defending their families and villages from raids.

The wife/wives have a lot of say about the family. In fact, it was them who did the courtship. Yep, imagine the man simply pointing out a fine young lady with strong arms and good sturdy legs and the wives marches off to her house. This gives an opportunity for the ladies to get acquainted and know each other before any commitment is made.

Their polygyny was more about cooperation and working together for the family. A far cry from the jealousy and conflict emphasized by monogamists. I have often wondered why, in a union blessed by and under the guidance of God, would people expect the worst to happen instead of letting love, compassion, and understanding prevail?

The Rock: Where Monogamist and Polygamist Live Together

"Why do some people not like that we have two mommies?"

This was asked by a 7 year old. Check out this article on The Rock, a haven for those who choose to follow their beliefs rather than be coerced by society... click here. Some photos here.

As a country, we've grown much more tolerant of alternative lifestyles in recent years. But are we ready to tolerate plural marriage? Should we be that tolerant? And will society judge Faith and her siblings harshly because they have two moms and a dad?

                                                                                                              - Dave Semenara          

Good questions.

Parable of the Ten Virgins

The parable of the ten virgins is really about being prepared for the second coming. The ten virgins are the church or churches while the bridegroom is our Lord and Saviour Yahshua. So only 5 virgins went with the the groom because the other 5 were not ready when he arrived to fetch them. Lesson of the story is we should be prepared. But it doesn't end with that.

The common interpretation for this parable is that the virgins were bridesmaids who accompanied the bride to the wedding reception. Yep, 5 virgins ended up hungry that night for being unprepared. However, what are bridesmaids? They are not married to the groom and usually went home together with the other guests after the feast. They don't stick around and stay with the bride and the groom for the rest of their lives, do they? Besides, the "bride" was curiously silent in this parable. A wedding, even a patriarchal one, usually revolves around the bride and the groom.

This is what those who believed in polygamy are pointing out. The virgins must be the brides. Our Lord and Saviour Yahshua would not be using a wedding/marriage during the time He was here as a man as an example if he was totally against polygamy.

This interesting page got me thinking about it... parable of the 10 virgins.

Polygamy Turns Good Men Into Their Worst Enemies

This is a common theme among anti-polygamy articles, that having two or more wives turn godly men into disobedient sons. Its the same question as which was made first, the chicken or the egg. Do this men already have character flaws that caused them to disobey a command to have only one wife or the taking of more than one wife caused them to disobey God's commandments?

See, various examples are given of polygamous patriarchs where the addition of a wife or two to the first one are said to have caused strife between the wives or among siblings. The foremost often cited is that of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. Actually, it's a complicated case among the three because Abraham didn't consider Hagar his wife or concubine even after he got her pregnant. He said to Sarah to do to the Egyptian whatever she wants because the poor girl remained as her servant. Sarah giving Hagar to Abraham to produce an heir has something to do with traditions back then.

To keep it short, Hagar bore Ishmael and then Sarah bore Isaac. From Ishmael came the followers of Islam and from Isaac descended the followers of Christianity. Two opposing camps. I believe that there are no coincidence and everything is part of or becomes part of God's overall plan for restoration.

Did Abraham's descendants through his two sons became enemies because he "took" Hagar? Was it due to disobeying an instruction for men to have only one wife? OR was it because Sarah did not have that much trust or confidence in God when he said that Abraham and Sarah will have a son even if she's already a hundred or so?

Taking a cue from his father, and playing by logic, Isaac should have a blissful family life since he was a monogamist. Yet Isau and Jacob had serious sibling rivalry, but that's another story. The point is both monogamist and polygamist are portrayed in the bible having family problems.

If we trace it back up to the beginning of humanity, there was only one man and one woman, the most ideal condition for monogamy. Yet, our original parents stilled disobeyed God.

Why focus only on the problems of polygamists and why make it appear that polygamy was the cause of the problems?