Polygamy in Christianity - Intertestamental Period

Intertestamental Period

Polygamy was an exception (although not rare) in post-exilic Israel. The practice began to be criticized and declined during the intertestamental period but there is some extant evidence of polygamy being practiced in the New Testament period. The Dead Sea Scrolls show that several smaller Jewish sects forbade polygamy before and during the time of Christ. The Temple Scroll (11QT LVII 17–18) seems to prohibit polygamy. However, polygamy was not an uncommon practice in Jewish society during the intertestamental period.

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