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www.ephraimsite.webs.comRecently I was in a conversation with an acquaintance over the issue of polygyny. He of course did not agree with the practice. That doesn’t really bother me but when he decided to call it a sin I felt compelled to help him get his doctrine straight. I very quickly realized this man had never actually studied the issue. His only argument, when we got right down to it was the example of Sarah and Hagar. His thoughts were that because these two couldn’t get along that was proof enough for him; because it must be something that sows discord and Yah hates discord therefore polygyny must be a sin. Brilliant thinker ladies and gentlemen Just kidding. So I talked with him some about the potential differences between the two women based on what we do know about their cultures. And that is mostly what I wanted to share.
Who was Sarah? Sarah was a Hebrew of course. Abraham and Sarah came from Mesopotamia. The Mesopotamian culture was polygynous. This is not an issue of race, but this could have had some bearing on their arguing, the Mesopotamian people are generally thought to have been white. Abraham, as we can see in Scripture was more communal and kinder than we can imagine most other people being. He invited strangers to come into his camp and rest and dine without charging them. He lead a rescue mission against several kings, to save his nephew Lot. Not to mention that he even took in Lot in the first place. If Abraham was so generous then we know Sarah must have been as well. She called Abraham lord or master. I think I could think up several more examples, but you all are familiar with this.
Who was Hagar? An Egyptian. The Egyptian culture was racially a mixed culture, sort of like America. Several archeologists believe a majority were black Africans, but included peoples from the Middle East, settlers from across the Mediterranean sea (Europe) and yes even settlers from Mesopotamia. Some of these peoples intermarried and some didn’t. The Egyptian culture was largely monogamous. The rich had some slaves that they kept for the purpose of concubines. Adultery was a typical practice as was homosexuality. This was also a culture where luxury was important. People came from all over to trade luxurious items in Egypt. The Egyptians appear to have been prideful and selfish people. On top of all this Hagar was probably sold by her parents to the Pharaoh. This is the culture that Hagar would have been raised in. Big difference right? What do we know about Hagar personally? She was a harem slave. And she was given to Sarah when Sarah was taken into the Pharaoh’s harem. Anyone know what a personal harem slave did? Hagar’s job would've been mainly to help Sarah take care of any personal needs especially bathing and dressing. Hagar probably would have combed Sarah’s hair, laid out her clothes, even scrubbed her back, the list goes on. I think for most women, especially someone like Sarah, this kind of relationship would have the effect of the two feeling very close to each other. And for Sarah she might have felt as though they were friends.
So, is it any wonder why Sarah suggested Hagar for Abraham and not another Hebrew woman. We do know that Abraham had many people with him, one place it says Abraham had 300 trained fighting men; those men must have had families, must have had daughters. So there was variety to choose from, but I think Sarah picked who she felt was her closest friend. Not only that, Hagar might have seemed a little exotic coming from a different culture; and not just any culture but the sensual Egyptian culture. But those cultural differences were probably major contributors to the downfall of the relationships. I’m not saying it is wrong to marry from another culture but if the differences are too big and the people are not willing to change, that is not good. I think the problem in this case was Hagar herself. She was not raised in a submissive home, she was not raised in a kind and generous home, and she was not willing to change to follow Yah and to follow her husband. That is my point Hagar was not willing to change for the better. Hagar possibly saw her relationship with Abraham as if she were becoming Sarah’s replacement.
We can learn some other things from this as well. I think this story can stand as a testimony and reminder to everyone who believes the way we do. The Scripture says not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. I think Hagar was probably a very beautiful and attractive unbeliever. I won’t accuse her, but I will mention the Scripture does not record Hagar calling on Yah until she was in the desert almost dead. I just want to encourage everyone; lets be careful who we let into our homes, lets not be overtaken with beauty or excitement to a point that we overlook the fact that this person is an unbeliever.
Back to my main point that started these thoughts; my acquaintance with the polygyny problem, or should I say monogamy problem. When we finished this part of the conversation he didn’t have much to say. Then by the time I was done, just briefly mentioning, some of the other forty something polygynous men in the Bible, and Yah Himself, and the reference of Yeshua and the 10 virgins, this guy was left speechless.
