Did God approve of David and Solomon having multiple wives?

The question of whether God approved of David and Solomon having multiple wives is both complex and nuanced, requiring a careful examination of biblical texts and the historical context in which these figures lived. To address this question comprehensively, we must consider the broader biblical narrative, the specific passages that mention David and Solomon's marriages, and the theological principles that underpin Christian teachings on marriage.

David and Solomon, two of the most prominent kings of Israel, are well-known for their multiple marriages. David had several wives, including Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 3:2-5; 1 Chronicles 3:1-9). Solomon, his son, is famously noted for having 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). At first glance, this might appear to suggest that God condoned or even approved of their polygamous practices. However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals a more complex picture.

In the beginning, God's design for marriage is clearly outlined in Genesis 2:24: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This passage indicates that God's ideal for marriage is monogamous—one man and one woman united in a lifelong covenant. This principle is reiterated by Jesus in the New Testament when He addresses the issue of marriage and divorce in Matthew 19:4-6, affirming the Genesis account and emphasizing the unity and exclusivity of the marital relationship.

Despite this ideal, the Old Testament contains numerous instances where cultural practices, including polygamy, diverged from God's original intent. David and Solomon lived in a time when polygamy was culturally accepted and often practiced by kings for political and social reasons. Marriages were frequently used to form alliances, secure peace, and consolidate power. While these practices were common, they were not necessarily in line with God's will.

The Mosaic Law provides some regulations concerning polygamy, which might be interpreted as a form of concession to human weakness rather than approval. For instance, Deuteronomy 21:15-17 includes laws about inheritance rights for the sons of multiple wives, and Deuteronomy 17:17 specifically warns the kings of Israel not to "multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away." This latter verse is particularly relevant to Solomon's story, as it directly addresses the dangers associated with polygamy for those in positions of power.

David's polygamy, while documented, is not explicitly condemned in the narrative. However, the consequences of his actions are evident. The story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) is a stark reminder of the moral and ethical pitfalls that can accompany the abuse of power and the violation of marital fidelity. David's adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah led to severe consequences for his family and kingdom, as prophesied by the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12:10-12).

Solomon's polygamy is more explicitly criticized in the biblical text. 1 Kings 11:1-4 states that Solomon's many foreign wives "turned his heart after other gods," leading him into idolatry and ultimately bringing about God's judgment on his reign and the kingdom of Israel. This passage highlights the spiritual dangers and the deviation from God's commandments that resulted from Solomon's marriages.

From these narratives, it is clear that while God permitted polygamy in certain contexts, it was not His ideal for marriage. The negative consequences experienced by both David and Solomon serve as cautionary tales about the spiritual, moral, and social pitfalls of deviating from God's design. Their stories illustrate how the accumulation of wives and concubines can lead to complications, strife, and a turning away from God.

The New Testament further reinforces the monogamous ideal for marriage. In his epistles, the Apostle Paul provides instructions for church leaders, emphasizing the importance of marital fidelity and monogamy. In 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul states that a bishop must be "the husband of one wife," and in Titus 1:6, he repeats this requirement for elders. These qualifications underscore the importance of monogamy as a model for Christian leadership and as a reflection of the faithfulness and unity that should characterize Christian marriages.

In addition to biblical texts, Christian literature throughout history has consistently upheld the monogamous ideal. Early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Chrysostom, spoke against polygamy and emphasized the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital bond. Augustine, in his work "The Good of Marriage," argued that the unity of one man and one woman in marriage reflects the unity of Christ and the Church, a theme that Paul also explores in Ephesians 5:22-33.

In summary, while God did not immediately or explicitly condemn the polygamous practices of David and Solomon, the broader biblical narrative and theological principles indicate that monogamy is God's ideal for marriage. The negative consequences experienced by these kings serve as a testament to the dangers and moral complications of polygamy. The New Testament and subsequent Christian teachings further affirm the importance of monogamy, highlighting it as a model for Christian living and leadership. Thus, from a non-denominational Christian perspective, it is clear that God's approval rests on the monogamous union of one man and one woman, reflecting His original design and the covenantal relationship between Christ and the Church.