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First, the Bible’s teaching on monogamy is very clear. Jesus’ teaching is simply a restatement and direct application of Genesis 2 in it’s plainest, simplest meaning. Second, most of the Bible’s presenation of polygamy, though usually lacking in direct moral criticism, still portrays polygamy as a deeply troubled and troubling institution. Lamech, the first polygamist, is presented as a violent, arrogant, vengeful person, and his multiple wives seem to be as much an expression of his arrogance as his violence is. Likewise, many of the deepest conflicts and struggles of faith in the patriarchal stories are rooted in polygamy and the practise of keeping concubines. Ishmael’s birth, for example, could not have taken place had Abraham not participated in the ancient custom of concubinage, nor would Sarah have offered that alternative. This story actually stresses that the highest path of faith for Abraham and Sarah was strict monogamy, and God clearly assumes that all along. David and Solomon’s marriages also underline the pain and tragedy generated by men marrying many wives. Absalom’s revolt involves a humiliation of David by taking David’s “harem,” a humiliation that simply could not have occurred on such a scal