₦airaland Forum

ThinkSmarter:
monogamy was chosen by the west due to civilization, economic challenges, and way of controlling their population. And eventually, when they brought Christianity to Africa, they imposed it on us.
Marrying two wives and taking good care of them is not a sin, but marrying one wife and still having affairs outside the marriage is a sin.

True.

KingGBsky:
With all this write up and study you will end up confusing yourself by yourself.
The Word Of God is not a story book to be understood by unbelievers.
This is the reason why muslims still contradict themselves till this present age.
You need The Holy Spirit to understand the Word Of God for without Him, you reading a mere book that will lead you to total confusion into condemnation.

You don't have any valid argument or contrary view, that is why you are bringing up this line to sway sentiments. Do you know why writing down of messages is important, we need it so that nobody distort event with their own personal bias. Periodically, the Bible never condemned polygamy, but society chose monogamy.

ryom:
@cooljude: what will be your comments on these scriptures-

(Mt 19:9) And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

(Mk 10:11) And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

(Lk 16:18) Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

With all due respect, is the sentence not self explanatory, Polygamy has to do with marrying more than one wife and not divorcing your wife. so how does that statement negate our argument?

flyover30:
not speaking from d biblical perspective, but I tink one wife saves u a lot of headache. I swear

I agree depending on your perspective and lifestyle.

SUMMARY
Today, both monogamous and polygamous martial relationships suffer from people's perverted view of what marriage should be. There is no doubt that many polygamous marriages are beset with adultery, incest, jealousy, hatred, bitterness, unhappiness, and immorality. It is little wonder that, when polygamy is viewed and evaluated as it is practiced by most people of the world today, it comes up short of the ideal for the marriage relationship. However, so do most monogamous marriages.
God instituted marriage as a part of his master plan for humanity and his laws concerning marriage only recognize it as a single institution. Although God's law does not divide marriage into monogamous and polygamous classifications, his law does speak to each of these marital conditions and the interpersonal relationships within each.

Beliefs and Feeling Most people base their morality and beliefs about marriage on their cultural tradition and past and current theological philosophy rather than the clear fact of scripture. However, it is an undeniable biblical fact that both monogamous and polygamous marriage relationships were engaged in by righteous men and women. If we truly believe what the Bible teaches concerning the marital state, then we cannot ignore what it says about polygamy and must admit that God sanctions both monogamous and polygamous marriages as being equally valid.

All Scripture Some people feel that polygamy may have been acceptable anciently, but it is no longer valid today because we live in a different age under different circumstances. This argument may sound good in theory, but it is without merit, because it is in opposition to Paul's instruction to Timothy concerning the validity of all of the word of God for his elect children:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2.Tim.3:16‑17 KJV). Clearly "all scripture" would include the laws that sanction and govern monogamous and polygamous marriages.

The fact is that polygamy is noted throughout the Bible as an approved marital state. If God had intended for there to be only monogamous marriages, he would have reflected this in his law for human behavior. However, in God's marital law we see terms, conditions, and rules set forth for both polygamous and monogamous marriages.
Polygamous marriages are not sinful, wrong, or less than the ideal; they are what they are. They are relationships sanctioned by God which can lead to much happiness and prosperity if the participants truly follow God's laws for such relationships with righteous attitudes and behaviors.

Those Seeking Truth One who is truly seeking truth cannot ignore the many references to lawful polygamy throughout the Bible and the important lessons that are taught through this marital relationship. Moreover, one is obligated to embrace those of the elect who have determined that this type of marital relationship is the one that they have determined is best for them.
http://www.bibleresearch.org/articles/alw2.htm

Polygamy and Problems
Many people feel that, even though polygamous marriages are not condemned in scripture, there are many scriptures showing that adultery, incest, jealousy, hatred, bitterness, unhappiness, and immorality are associated with polygamy. Therefore, they believe that polygamy must not be the most desirable relationship to enter into. The problem with this argument is that the scriptures also show the same kind of problems within monogamous relationships.
King David There is no doubt that king David who was a man greatly beloved by God (1.Sam.13:14; Acts 13:22) had many wives and concubines (2.Sam.5:13). Many people point to his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba as a condemnation of polygamy. However, an honest review of this account does not show any condemnation of polygamy, but it clearly shows that David had committed adultery with Bathsheba before he murdered her husband: "I gave you your master's house, and your master's wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had not been enough, I would have given you even more. Therefore, why have you despised the Lord's commandment and done evil in his sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife, and have slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon" (2.Sam.12:8-9 Para.). Nowhere in the account of this event or in any of the accounts of David's life is he ever condemned for having too many wives or concubines. The simple truth is that polygamy creates no more of an environment or opportunity for adultery, incest, jealousy, hatred, bitterness, unhappiness, and immorality than monogamous marriages. The problem is not with monogamous or polygamous marriages; it is with the ability of men and women to live within God's laws that regulate marriage.

The Ideal Marital Relationship Because Genesis 2:24 says: " Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh" some people feel that, in the beginning, monogamy was the ideal marital relationship between a man and a woman. However, nowhere in scripture do we find the polygamous marital relationship shown to be inferior to a monogamous relationship. The scriptures are very clear concerning what the ideal marriage relationship should be. The scriptures also tell us how to accomplish this ideal. However, an ideal marriage has more to do with one's attitude and behavior than whether the marriage is monogamous or polygamous. When speaking of the ideal in a marital relationship, we should consider that each individual has different needs, desires, and circumstances. Jesus said that remaining unmarried is the ideal for some who have been called to salvation during the gospel age (See Matt.19:12). And the apostle Paul said that the ideal for him was to remain celibate, but for some it is better to marry than to burn with passion. Paul does not say whether the marriage should be monogamous or polygamous: "I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift and another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion" (1.Cor.7:7‑9 NIV). Clearly, what is ideal depends on one's needs, attitude, and personal circumstance.
THE EXAMPLE Many well intentioned individuals believe that, although polygamy is not a sin, it should not be practiced in this age because many people have strong feelings in opposition to it. The problem with this belief is that it is conceptually incorrect. The reality is that people in general hate the things of God, oppose almost everything that is of God, and hate those who practice God's truth and way of truth. See Jn.15:18-19; 17:14-17. If one truly believes that they should not practice some of God's law in order to be an acceptable example to the unconverted; then, which of God's laws should a true follower of Christ cease to practice to avoid offending the unconverted? Should one cease to practice the Sabbath, start eating unclean foods, or begin to practice adultery in order to appease the unconverted? Obviously, one should teach and practice all of God's law as an example to the world. Therefore, one should not be ashamed to stand solidly behind the biblical practice of lawful polygamous marital relationships as noted in both the Old and New Testaments. Clearly, if one is intending to enter into or already is in a polygamous marriage, one should be concerned about the effect that this type of marriage will have on one's walk with God the Father and Jesus Christ, as well as the example being set to others in the Father's family as well as the unconverted. However, these considerations must be viewed sensibly and realistically in the light of all scripture concerning God's law.

CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LAW Some people use the argument that Romans 13:1-6 instructs the elect to obey all of the civil and criminal laws where they live. Therefore, one should not practice polygamy because many civil laws prohibit it. Although being subject to constituted authority and paying various monetary levies imposed by civil governments is the subject of Romans 13:1-6, one must view what is said in the light of other scriptures that clearly show that God's law takes precedent over laws devised by people. An example of a civil law that violates God's law is the law in many western countries that require people to swear an oath to tell the truth in a court of law. Obviously, if one follows God's law concerning swearing and oaths (Matt.5:33-37; Jms.5:12) one cannot obey this civil law. When one practices the law of God, whether it involves the Sabbath, childbearing, marriage, the swearing or taking of an oath, or any other of God's laws, if these laws are in opposition to the civil laws where one lives, one must deal with this situation as instructed through the word of God: "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And you shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles" (Matt.10:16‑18 KJV). Although a polygamous marriage does not violate God's law, it may be a violation of the civil and criminal law where one lives. Therefore, if one desires to engage in a polygamous marriage, one must be careful not to become entangled in the civil laws governing the area where they intend to live. If the practice of polygamy violates the civil and criminal law where one lives, there are basically three options: 1) Do not practice polygamy; 2) Relocate to a geographical location where there are no civil laws prohibiting polygamy; or 3) Be prepared to defend one's right to practice polygamy.

THE MARITAL CONTRACT Today, most people who profess to follow Christ have a very limited understanding of the marital contract and the instructions concerning marriage contained in the Bible. This fact is substantiated by the extremely large numbers of dysfunctional families and divorces within the professing Christian community. The following is an overview of some of the basic elements of monogamous and polygamous marital contracts as set forth in the Bible. Property and Choice In many male dominated cultures (historically and today), a man's children and wives were and are considered his property. In many cultures, children have no say in choosing their husbands or wives. The Bible clearly shows that both men and women were often given into marriage without their consent. This was the case with Abraham's son Isaac and his wife Rebekah. Abraham sent his trusted servant to his brother Nahor to acquire a wife for Isaac, and Nahor sent his daughter Rebekah (who he had with his concubine Bethuel) with Abraham's servant to become Isaac's wife. See Gen.22:1-67. The reason for mentioning this is to show that God allows for cultural and traditional standards and philosophies to be imposed in forming marital contracts if these contacts do not violate his law or if the individuals which are to be married do not resist the specific martial agreement. The Contract An essential part of any marriage is the marriage contract. And as with any contract, the marriage agreement has terms and conditions. One of the first things to understand about a marital relationship is that, whether it is monogamous or polygamous marriage, it is governed by God's law of marriage and these laws govern every critical aspect of the marriage relationship from beginning to end. Once one enters into a monogamous or a polygamous marital relationship, divorce is not an option; marriage is intended to be for life unless the relationship is broken under the terms and conditions set forth in God's law concerning marriage. Jesus Christ who was the Creator God and law- giver allowed Moses to sanction divorce among the Israelites because of the hardness of Israelite men's hearts. However, Christ who is the mediator of the new covenant has clarified and modified the law of divorce that he allowed

Moses to sanction. Now the only valid reason for the cancellation of a marriage contact is fornication (which includes adultery). See Matt:5:31-32; 10:11-19; 19:3-9; Lk.16:18. The Monogamous Contract When two people enter into a marital relationship with the understanding that it is to be a monogamous relationship and bind themselves to this agreement, this relationship comes under the terms and conditions set forth in the Bible for such a relationship. Neither party can alter the agreement without dire consequences. The agreement can only be terminated by the death of either party, fornication, or adultery as set forth in God's law. See Matt:5:31-32; 10:11-19; 19:3-9; Lk.16:18. The Polygamous Contract When people enter into a marital relationship with the understanding that it is to be a polygamous relationship and bind themselves to this agreement, this relationship comes under the terms and conditions set forth in the Bible for such a relationship. Neither party can alter the agreement without dire consequences. The agreement can only be terminated by the death of either party, fornication, or adultery as set forth in God's law. See Matt:5:31-32; 10:11-19; 19:3-9; Lk.16:18. The following are some of the major problems with the way in which polygamous relationships are practiced today: A marriage that begins as a monogamous relationship and becomes polygamous because of the insistence of one of the partners over the objections the other partner. Without the consent of the both spouses, this situation results in an adulterous relations between the husband and the other wives. The husband takes two living sisters as wives or a wife and her daughter as wives. Neither of these relationships is allowed under the law given to national Israel governing polygamy. See Lev.18:17-18; 20:14-17. While it is true that some men and women who are practicing polygamy are living in an adulterous or an incestuous relationship in violation of God's laws that govern marriage and sexual relationships, this does not mean that all polygamists are living in sin.

One Woman, Two Husbands? Some might think that, because God's law allows for a man to have more than one wife under certain circumstances, women can also have more than one husband. Paul says the following in his letter to the congregation at Rome about God's law and its relationship to the Father's elect children: "Brethren don't you know, (I'm speaking to those who know the law,) that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? For the woman which has a husband is bound to her husband by the law as long as he lives; but if her husband is dead, she is not bound to him. Therefore, while her husband is alive if she marries another man, she is an adulteress : but if her husband is dead, she is free from that law; so that she is not an adulteress, although she is married to another man" (Rom.7:1-4 Para.). The principles of the marital relationship set forth in both the Old and New Testaments clearly forbid a woman to have more than one husband at a time.
Should Everyone Practice Polygamy? Obviously the practice of polygamy is not for everyone, because not all men or women are comfortable with this concept or practice. Not all of the patriarchs or great men and women of the Bible practiced polygamy, and there is no instruction urging men and women to do so. Clearly, for individuals who adhere to biblical law, a monogamous or polygamous marriage is a personal choice. Could entering into a polygamous marriage be a mistake? Absolutely. It could be a mistake just as being in a monogamous marriage could be a mistake. Although God's law allows polygamous marriages, it may be more prudent and practical to remain celibate or enter into a monogamous relationship in some circumstances. However, once one is married, one must obey God's laws that govern marriage in order to live righteously before God.

OBJECTIONS TO POLYGAMY Many people who profess to follow biblical teachings object to the practice of polygamy and attempt to alter the intent and meaning of scripture in favor of their own tradition, cultural education, or personal belief or bias. The following will examine some of the scriptures that people use in an attempt to prove that polygamy is not a marital option for the elect today.
The One Man One Wife Rule Many cite the example of Adam and Eve as the basis for their belief that it was God‘s original intent that marriage be a monogamous relationship between one man and one woman: "And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Gen.2:23‑24 KJV).
Although it is clear that the Creator only made Adam one wife, this fact does not establish a one man one wife rule. Genesis 2:23-24 is only a statement of fact; it does not establish monogamy as the only valid marital state. One Flesh Because Genesis 2:24 says: " Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (KJV), some people assume that this is proof that polygamous marital relationships are sinful. However, the assumption that being one flesh is confined to the marital relationship between one man and one woman is inconsistent with the teachings of the apostle Paul:
"Don't you know your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a LovePeddler? God forbid. What? Don't you know that he which is joined to an LovePeddler is one body ? For he says that two shall become one flesh. But he that is joined to the Lord is one" (1.Cor.6:15‑17 Para.).
Clearly two becoming one flesh is not limited to one man and one woman, nor does it place limits on the number of women that can be wives of one man. The one flesh concept and its reality in the physical world applies to any sexual relationship between a man and a woman. If this were not so then Paul's analogy would not make sense because even a married man can have sexual relations with a LovePeddler. Although Paul is using this analogy to explain a spiritual concept, his use of this example seems to indicate that a man can become one flesh with more than one woman.

The Pharisees' Question: "The Pharisees also came to him to test him. They asked him, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his his wife for every cause? Jesus replied, Haven't you read, that at the beginning he made them male and female, And he said, For this reason shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cling to his wife: and the two of them shall be one flesh? Therefore, they are no more two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together no man should separate" (Matt.19:3-6 Para.).
The question put to Jesus was not about monogamy or polygamy; the question concerned divorce and remarriage. It was a question of law (i.e. God's law concerning marriage) and specifically the portion of this law that dealt with the cancellation of the marriage contract. "They then asked him, Why then did Moses command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He said to them, Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to put away your wives: but this was not allowed at the beginning. And I say to you, Whoever divorces his wife, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery: and whoever marries her which is divorced commits adultery" (Matt.19:7-9 Para.). See also Mk.10:1‑12.
Jesus explains that the reason the Creator God allowed Moses to sanction divorce was because of the hardness of Israelite men's hearts. He also says that the law did not allow for divorce when marriage was established at creation. It is important to understand that God makes the rules concerning human behavior and that he has the authority to alter these rules as he sees fit in order to fulfill his plan for humanity and to accommodate the human condition. Jesus who was the Creator God and law-giver before he became human, clarifies and modifies the law of divorce when he said that the only valid reason for the cancellation of a marriage contract is fornication (which includes adultery). Jesus also explains that those who remarry after an unlawful divorce commit adultery (a violation of God's law). See Matt:5:31-32; 10:11-19; 19:3-9; Lk.16:18.

SPIRITUAL LEADERS While polygamy is not forbidden or condemned in the teachings of the New Testament, there are instructions which prohibit the spiritual leadership of congregations from having more than one wife.
The following are the apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy and Titus concerning the number of wives men who are ordained into the ministry of the church are permitted to have.
To Timothy Paul writes, "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife , vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach" (1.Tim 3:1‑2 KJV).
To Titus Paul writes, "For this cause left I you in Crete, that thou should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife , having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly" (Titus 1:5‑6 KJV). Paul's instruction to Timothy and Titus reveals that polygamous marriages were common within the congregations of the elect at that time; otherwise, these instructions would have been unnecessary if only monogamous marital relations were permitted within the church. The reasons for this prohibition should be obvious considering the time and effort required to carry out the responsibilities of one who is called to lead and care for the elect in the capacity of a spiritual leader.

POLYGAMY AND PROPHECY The prophet Isaiah recorded many things that would occur before and after Christ returns to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. One of the things that he recorded shows that polygamous marriages will be practiced after Christ's return: "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 your name, to take away our reproach" (Isa 4:1 KJV).
Prophecies show that, before Christ returns, the earth's population will be greatly reduced. Isaiah's prophecy shows that there will be a tremendous imbalance between the numbers of men and women able and willing to marry. The number of women who desire marriage will far exceed the number of eligible men. These women will want children, companionship, and a sexual relationship, so they will be willing to be a part of a plural marriage to fulfil these natural human desires.
Forbidding to Marry "Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth" (1.Tim.4:1‑3 KJV) Paul's prophetic warning has truly come true today. There are many who have departed from the faith and teach things that are contrary to the word of God. It is interesting to note that forbidding to marry is one of the things that these evil people will teach. Although "forbidding to marry" clearly includes the teaching of celibacy as a requirement to live a pious life or to serve as a spiritual leader, it could also include teaching that polygamous marriages are forbidden. Polygamy was practiced without criticism before the advent of Christ and was regulated by many laws concerning fair and equitable treatment of wives and children, succession of heirs, and distribution of inheritances. Additionally, polygamy will be practiced after Christ returns according to the prophecy of Isaiah.

The vast majority of professing Christians today
believe that the Bible teaches that monogamy is
the only acceptable form of marriage and that
polygamy violates God's law concerning
marriage. But is this what the Bible teaches, or is
this just a popular cultural opinion?

Within both secular and biblical history, and up
to this present day and age, we find people
entering into both monogamous and polygamous
marriages for reasons of economics, cultural and
social requirements, political alliances,
procreation, sexual lust, and true love.

It is not the intent of this study to compare the
merits of a monogamous or a polygamous
martial relationship. This study is meant to
clarify the legality of polygamy from the biblical
perspective and answer some conceptual
questions about the polygamous marital
relationship.

Is Polygamy a Sin?
In order to determine if polygamy is a sin from
the biblical perspective, one must first know
what sin is and is not. Notice how sin is defined
in the Bible:
"Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin
is the transgression of the law" (1.Jn.3:4 KJV).
"All unrighteousness is sin" (1.Jn.5:17 Para.). "Do you
have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Blessed is the one
not condemning himself in what he approves. But the one
doubting, if he eats, he has been condemned, because it is
not of faith—and all that is not of faith is
sin" (Rom.14:22-23 Para.).

"Therefore, to anyone knowing to do good, and not doing it,
it is sin to him" (Jms.4:17 Para.).
What Is Sin?
Sin is the violation of the physical and spiritual
law of God—sin is lawlessness. Sin is any
deviation from God's righteous laws, precepts,
and principles that define how people should live
and worship God.

The law reveals the standard of behavior with
which all must comply, and its perfect system of
justice demands the execution of all law–
breakers (Rom.3:20; 6:23). The law only
determines guilt or innocence; it does not have
the ability to restore harmony between God and
humanity.

The law of God is perfect. Its precepts, principles,
and value judgments are empirical and do not
depend upon human validation.
No Law, No Sin
In his letter to the saints at Rome, the apostle
Paul explained, "sin is not imputed when there is no
law" (Rom.5:12‑13 KJV).

Is there a law in the Bible that prohibits
polygamy? No. There is no such law found in the
Bible. And where polygamous relationships are
noted, there is nothing negative said about this
form of marriage. However, there are many laws
noted in scripture that regulate the polygamous
marriage and there are also many scriptures that
clearly show that polygamy does not violate
God's law.

Polygamy Is Not Adultery
God's law dictates that sexual relationships
between men and women is only sanctioned
within a marital relationship. Sexual
relationships between men and women outside
of marriage fall within one of three broad
categories: adultery, promiscuity, or rape.
Lawful polygamy is not adultery; it is a material
relationship which is sanctioned and governed by
God's law. Adultery is the result of a husband or
a wife breaking the marriage contract. Adultery
is an illegal relationship with someone other
than the person to whom one is married.
According to the letter of the law, polygamy is
not adultery because there is a marriage
agreement in place between the husband and
each wife.

"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but
whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (Heb.13:4
KJV).


POLYGAMY, PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
In order to show the validity of polygamous
marriages for the elect of God under the gospel
age agreement, it is necessary to review what the
Bible says about its practice before the advent of
Christ, during the early church era, and after
Christ returns.

Polygamy in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament there are dozens of
examples of men marrying and being married to
more than one wife at a time. The patriarchs
Abraham and Jacob are examples of righteous
men who had several wives in order to father
male heirs.

Abraham's Wives
Abraham had two wives and one concubine
Keturah who later became his wife after Sarah
died (Gen.25:1; 1.Chron.1:32). Sarah his first wife
gave her servant Hagar to him as a wife to bear
his children (Gen.16:1‑4).

It is important at this point to understand that, in
ancient times, when a man had more than one
wife or wives and concubines, these wives and
concubines were segregated by position and
authority within the husband's family. The first
wife held the highest position and it was to her
first-born son that the husband's inheritance was
given. The husband's concubines were true
wives, but subordinate to the first wife.

Although it is difficult for some people to accept
the premise that one person can own another
person as property, this is nevertheless a fact of
history and a perfectly legal biblical concept
which has its own set of rules that must be
followed concerning the treatment of such
individuals. Sarah had the legal right to give her
servant Hagar to her husband as a wife to bear
his children, because her servant was her
property to manage as she saw fit. See
Gen.16:1-16.

Although the child born to Sarah's servant was
not her genetic offspring, the child was in fact
legally hers. Moreover, the child would have
received an inheritance as the first-born son if
Sarah had not given birth to Isaac.

Jacob's Wives
Jacob whom God named Israel had four wives.
His first two wives were Leah and Rachel who
were sisters. Leah gave Jacob her servant Zilpah
to be his wife and bear his children. His second
wife Rachel gave Jacob her servant Bilhah to
bear his children. From these four wives, the
twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes of national
Israel were born. See Gen.30:1-10; 35:23-27.
Here we see a situation similar to that of
Abraham and Sarah; in that, Leah and Rachael
owned female servants whom they gave to their
husband Jacob as wives for the purpose of
bearing children.

Gideon's Wives
Gideon who judged Israel for many years and
obeyed God's instruction to lead Israel out from
under the oppression of the Midianites had many
wives and at least one concubine:
"And Gideon had seventy sons which he fathered: for he had
many wives. And his concubine that lived in Shechem also
bare him a son, whom he called Abimelech" (Jdg.8:30‑31
Para.).

A Warning about Kings and Wives
God knew that, after entering the promised land,
the Israelites would want to imitate the nations
around them and be governed by a king. So
before the Israelites entered into the promised
land, they were given specific instructions about
the placing of a king over them (Deut.17:14-19).
One of these instructions prohibited such a king
from having many wives. Some believe that this
instruction prohibited polygamy; however, this
instruction was a preventative measure to keep
the king from being adversely influenced by his
many wives — "Neither shall he multiply wives to
himself, that his heart turn not away" (Deut.17:17). King
Solomon is an example of a man who allowed his
wives to influence him into turning from God.
See 1.Kgs.11:1-8.

Israel Wanted a King
Just as God expected, Israel rebelled against him
and the system of priests and judges that he had
established to govern them and wanted to be
governed by a king, so God chose Saul to rule
over them.

King Saul had many wives and at least one
concubine named Rizpah (2.Sam.3:7; 21:11).
When Saul died and David assumed rule over
Israel he took the former wives of Saul and
added them to the wives he already had
(2.Sam.12:. But apparently the number of
wives David had was not excessive. God said of
king David who was a polygamist that David had
a perfect heart (attitude) before him, which
means that David was in harmony with God's
law. See also 1.Sam.13:14; Acts 13:22.

Solomon's Wives
"But king Solomon loved many strange women, together
with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites,
Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the
nations concerning which the Lord said to the children of
Israel, You shall not go in to them, neither shall they come
in to you: for surely they will turn away your heart after
their gods: Solomon clung to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines:
and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass,
when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his
heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with
the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his
father" (1.Kgs.11:1‑4 KJV)

Notice that Solomon was not criticised or
condemned for having hundreds of wives and
concubines, he was criticised and condemned
because of the kinds of wives he chose, his
departure from God, and his idolatry and
worship of false gods.


Polygamy and the Early Church
There is very little mention of polygamy in the
New Testament, but there are a number of
teachings and clarifications that can be of
assistance to a polygamist.

Avoid Fornication
Some people view Paul's instruction to the
Corinthians concerning the avoidance of
fornication as proof that only monogamous
marital relationships are sanctioned for the elect:
"Now concerning the things that you wrote to me: It is
good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to
avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let
every woman have her own husband" (1.Cor.7:1‑2 KJV).
When Paul's letters to the Corinthians are
studied, it is clear that there were major
problems concerning marital relationships,
adultery, promiscuity, and incest within the
congregation. Here Paul is addressing the
problem of sexual urges and promiscuity. He is
merely saying that, in order to avoid these sexual
pressures, men and women should enter into a
marital relationship.

Pearly255:
If my future husband find you more attractive than I do... He's a fool. I'm not worried about a cheating husband.

I won't be a fool o. gush, you are pretty. my name is Jude and I would very much like to know you

ZarZar:
Trust me, it's not about the setting but the guy. She probably thought about it & decided against marrying him. Because if she really liked him, she'd have accepted it even if he threw it in the air & she had to dive mid-air like a poodle in a dog show, just to get it. Simply put, she knows he's not the one.

She be like, "Mine, mine, mine"...

I agree with your logic, she had gone back to weigh her options and she realised he was not in her top priority. I just hope she never regrets this decision and I advise the guy not to propose to her in the nearest future.

zionmade2:
I schooled at d brown 5-storey building showing in one of those pics. Ohanku has been reconstructed many times and stiil no way. D last time i was around there a life was lost during d construction.
I told my classmates den and am still saying it today so many years after.
So many blood were shed on that road only second to ngwa road Junction. So many thieves were burnt on dat road including someone who only stole maggi. In as much as there was a time aba needed to purge themselves of thieves but so many thieves whose action were not worth death were burnt on those roads.
Until something spiritual is done they can construct dat road a thousand times it will go back to dat state. Aba has so many blood on their hands and dat city require spiritual purging

Their is no hope in this country, so far as most people reason the same way as you. use quality materials with good drainage to make that road and let me see the devil that would affect its condition. Everything mustn't be supernatural.

I enjoyed the write-up but I feel Mr President should resign and take proper care of his health but in Nigeria, nobody gives away power.

I am neutral to this issue, any group have the right to demonstrate so far it is lawful and peaceful. I don't see any issue here.

My formal neighbours are Igalas from Ibaji. I am a native of Nsukka and their masquerade, music, and alot of their wordings and customs. Their language has some Yoruba wordings and very few Igbo words mostly spoken in my place.

I don't understand something I'm that pics, dem dey censor handshake?

This is so wrong, it's the innocent people who knew nothing about this xenophobic attack that would get killed. What a country.

lol. the dude girl wasn't smiling at all, she would have punched her if she persisted. she was going for the guy jare.

The day I find out that one teacher is lustfully looking and I mean just looking at my sister or later on my daughter in the foreseeable future. e go collect well well. Yes it's normal to admire a girl if she is beautiful but showing a paedophiliac tendency would not be accepted and appropriate measures would be administered to you.

Op you lie.

EternalTruths:
jstriker442
freekick go to the site and check the last comment which I have pasted below




Sh
February 22, 2017 at 8:11 PM
The answer will be 062 if you look at the conditions as 'atleast' for example: atleast " one number is correct and well placed". The answer is 042 if u look at the conditions as 'only' ie. Only " two numbers are correct and wrongly placed" for example..
Does this make sense..anyone else follow this logic??



cooljude and freekick, since the word only was not included in the statement, 042 is not acceptable as the only true answer until a condition called " Only " is attached


The true answers are 062 and 042 depending on the condition attached but note that only was not stated

You sabi argue sha. They posted 042 as the answer. 062 can never be an answer because you can't use two codes to unlock a door. you either have the password or not. I told you that 6 is illogical because it contradicts statement one and two. I drop my pen here, I won't argue again if you refuse to correct yourself.

EternalTruths:
cooljude

That is where we diverge

Two numbers are correct but wrongly placed does not mean the last number was rightly placed.

Get the logic

In logic, you take note of patterns and occurrences

6 in all its appearances, never occupied the center.

I had solved it before I checked Google. since you won't agree with me, check this link. http://www.forwardjunction.com/2016/12/will-you-crack-code-with-answer.html?m=1

EternalTruths:
One was correct and rightly placed does not make the other wrong.

Get the logic behind that statement.

Note in all 3 appearances, 6 never occupied the center. it only occupied first and third positions

That is exactly what you don't get. 6 contradicts itself in statement 1 & 2. If it was the right number and in the right position in statement 1, it should hold truth for statement 2. but if you follow up well. 2 was the correct number and in the right orientation in statement one. please read my first analysis well.

EternalTruths:
you are wrong

look at the reoccurrence of 6 but at wrong places except the center.

Note that they said one is correct but wrongly place does not make the others wrong.

did 6 change its location WRT to combo one and two. meaning that 6 is not among. Remember the first one said one was correct and rightly placed while the other one said one was correct but wrongly placed. so if 6 was correct and rightly placed while wouldn't it hold with statement two even though it occupies the same location as it's location in the first combination. Just follow my logic and you would get it rightly.

This case have been a sad event for the family of my uncle and aunt from my mom's side. We still hope that he returns back alive but they must surely pay for their crime. That zone is way too insecure, arm robbery, kidnapping, assassination. The reason for kidnapping him his a big lie, how would you bring herdsman to attack your own people. Nimbo is one community. It's purely for monetary gain and some personal vendetta, because I know that Ransome had been paid but his whereabouts can't be pinpointed.

I feel we the citizens should be briefed about his health. I wish him well but when are we going to really start looking inwards to develop our health sector and other sectors.

djeasy:
nothing wa no go cause trouble for 9ja. WI-FI TOO? Ha na wa oh...

WiFi no be d problem, I hear sey dey increase school fees because of one supposed WiFi wey no dey function and d money too much.
That was how they added #10,000 back then when I was a FUTO student. They called it AfriHUB fee, imagine forcing us to pay for computer tuition in a private firm and I didn't use the facility for once. Amazingly, it has been added permanently to the school fees, even though we know that the money doesn't get to AfriHUB because if you want to start any program with them, you would have to register afresh, that decree was carried out by the last VC (Asiabaka). The new VC has introduced his own fee in other to steal as much as he wants. I protested back then as a student and I support this protest, most of Nigeria's VC are criminals who see themselves as demigods.

slimmdree:
Brodaly ur not getting it, no one says PMB doesnt have hes fault, but what the guy is saying is if GEJ had done the needful then, we wont be in this situation right now.

Brodaly what I am saying is they should stop the blame game and divert tactics, they came with a promise of correcting the wrongs, they should work towards it and not remember us of so many ills.
If it's about calling out past leaders, we would also call our current president because he once ruled this country too. we know all this issue before and they campaigned on reverting and making things better, so what I am saying is that irrespective of political affiliation, we should hold any office holder to fulfill their campaign promise and not let them find excuses not to deliver.
I am fed up with this country, if you read our daily papers from 1960, it seems like 2017 paper. The same issue. OK tell me, how can a country this big not generate energy for its citizens. I thought the current minister of Power once said, is it rocket science to produce enough power. Why has his tone changed, in fact I see less power, what are they doing to better things.
Honestly, i would prefer every government to have just one core agenda, for instance if Buhari had said this first four terms would be dedicated to solving our power and making sure that everything is resolved. Then the next next tenure could be dedicated to Food sustenance or Road development.
We just have to start moving forward abeg, I no wan dey hear excuse.

Yes the past government was wasteful and that was why they lost the election. You made promises of changing things and making them better, well let's leave that for Nigerians to decide.
This government has spent close to two years in office and they've not delivered on their promises or agenda in short they are making things worse with unnecessary policies causing uncertainty and panic in the system. I don't care about political parties, all Nigerians want are basic amenities and things that would make our life improved.
I know that you are writing to defend your paycheck and stomach but you and others like you are the biggest problem, supporting very useless governments and policies even though you could see the negative effect of such policies around you.
Why would a president wait till 6 months to choose his cabinet, worse still this is one of the most inexperienced, unqualified, and outrageous cabinet ever, If you want to copy China policy of Mao's time, you should also provide the zeal to educate the masses and actually invest on internal industrialisation, if you are controlling FOREX and the use of foreign products, why not be a beacon and rather improve our health sector so that he wouldn't have to travel for medical tourism thereby saving our foreign exchange and boosting the confidence of our local health sector.
As I said earlier, I don't care about any party but it pains me when people like you would call *A* *H*.

fairheven:
from childhood, when I think of Aroundizuogu, it was this guy's name that comes to mind... just imagine with all his juju and power, he couldn't use such to develop his place..?
oyibo man would use his witchcraft to advance life and science but black man uses his own to do evil and perpetrate darkness

Oyibo would do what? science is not voodoo or magic but calculated factual phenomena that can be replicated anywhere in the world. I don't believe tales about mysticism because they are lies. Until we choose to systematically analyse every event to find the underlying principle without going metaphysical until then we would start growing technologically.

We are not serious in this country, his he doing us a favour to speak to us. He is there as a president to serve Nigerians and it is within our right to know important things concerning his well being. I wish him well but I disagree absolutely with the way information was handled about his travel.