Was it God’s Will for King David and Solomon to Have Multiple Wives?

The ancient practice of multiple wives was not an uncommon tradition in royal Assryian cultures, where women were often used as a means to secure partnerships, safety, and luxury. This custom was deeply rooted in the expectations of the time, but how aligned was this tradition with the teachings and will of God as described in the Torah?

King David’s Multiple Wives

According to the Torah, there was a limit of 18 wives for a king, though this was often interpreted as meaning a maximum of 6 wives, each representing a tribe. In his old age, when he was considered 'cold' and less interested in multiple wives, King David had the highest number of wives for a king, which suggests he was at the peak of his life and influence. He married Bathsheba when his previous marriage to Michal had effectively ended due to divorce. The biblical narrative suggests that David's actions, particularly his affair with Bathsheba, were criticized for violating the spirit of the Torah, not necessarily the technical laws. He spent 13 years in repentance before passing away, demonstrating the severe consequences of his actions under divine scrutiny.

King Solomon's Multiple Wives

King Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, had 700 wives and 300 concubines. His intention was to use these wives as opportunities for evangelization, aiming to convert them to Judaism. However, his approach was criticized for the wrong intention rather than the practice itself. The biblical text in 1 Kings 11:1–4 reveals that these wives turned Solomon's heart away from God. Further, God warned against marrying foreign women from other religions because such alliances would likely lead to spiritual deviation. This is emphasized in Deuteronomy 17:17, which mandates that a king should not have a large harem with foreign wives because it would cause him to drift from serving the Lord.

The Consequences of Multiple Wives

The biblical perspective on multiple wives goes beyond just the husband's intentions, highlighting the broader impact on the kingdom and the individual. For example, Nehemiah 13:23–26 describes how these marriages led to cultural dilution and eventual spiritual apostasy, affecting even a beloved king like Solomon. The narrative emphasizes that such practices were not aligned with God's will and could result in severe spiritual and social consequences.

The question of whether it was God's will for King David and Solomon to have numerous wives invites a deeper examination of biblical ethics. It becomes apparent that while cultural and political contexts might have influenced these decisions, the biblical narratives consistently stress the importance of allegiance to God and spiritual integrity. Ultimately, these kings faced divine judgment for actions that led them astray from their spiritual commitments.