1 Chronicles 3

“These were David’s sons who were born to him in Hebron: Amnon was the firstborn, by Ahinoam of Jezreel; Daniel was born second, by Abigail of Carmel; Absalom son of Maacah, daughter of King Talmai of Geshur, was third; Adonijah son of Haggith was fourth; Shephatiah, by Abital, was fifth; and Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah, was sixth.  Six sons were born to David in Hebron, where he ruled seven years and six months, and he ruled in Jerusalem 33 years.  These sons were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon.  These four were born to him by Bath-shua daughter of Ammiel.  David’s other sons: Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet—nine sons.  These were all David’s sons, with their sister Tamar, in addition to the sons by his concubines.”  1 Chronicles 3:1-9 (HCSB)

Who knew David had so many children?  We typically only think of Absalom (the rebel) and Solomon (the wise-king-turned-idolater).  And how about those wives?  Most people only know of Michal (Saul’s daughter) and Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife).  So, what are we to learn from these other women and children?  They seem to have been trouble for David.  Was there a time when God actually encouraged multiple wives?  Simple answer: No.  

Sure, God allowed multiple wives (and ancient Middle-Eastern secular culture had no problem with it), but we never see Him command it, nor do we see anything positive come from it.  Just because God allows a scenario to occur in Scripture does not necessarily mean He endorses it.  Multiple spouses always lead to conflict.  And the battle between spouses led to conflict between siblings.  Eventually, the question arises, “Who inherits the birthright and blessing?”  Consider how the apostle Paul in the New Testament describes the difference between children of the multiple-wife marriages of the patriarchs and how only one spouse carried the “child of the promise.”

“But it is not as though the word of God has failed.  For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Neither are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants.  On the contrary, your offspring will be traced through Isaac. That is, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but the children of the promise are considered to be the offspring. For this is the statement of the promise: At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son. And not only that, but also Rebekah received a promise when she became pregnant by one man, our ancestor Isaac. For though her sons had not been born yet or done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to election [to His design] might stand— not from works but from the One who calls—she was told: The older will serve the younger. As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.”  Romans 9:6-13 (HCSB)

It is good to know that Messiah Jesus has only ONE bride, the Church!  (Ephesians 5:25-27; Isaiah 54:5; Revelation 19:7-9; Revelation 21:9; 2 Corinthians 11:2)

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