“If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.”
Context:The book of Exodus contains the account of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the establishment of God’s covenant with them at Mount Sinai. In Exodus 21, God provides guidelines and laws for various social and ethical issues, including regulations related to servants and marriage.
Polygamy in the Old Testament:The verse begins by acknowledging the possibility of a man taking another wife. In the cultural context of the Old Testament, polygamy was permitted, although it was not God’s original design for marriage. This verse does not explicitly endorse or condemn polygamy but rather addresses the rights and responsibilities of the first wife when her husband takes another wife.
Care for the first wife:The verse emphasizes the husband’s continued obligations towards his first wife. It states that he must not diminish her food, clothing, or duty of marriage. This instruction highlights the importance of treating all wives fairly and ensuring that the needs and rights of each wife are upheld.
Provision of basic needs:The husband’s responsibility to provide food and clothing for his wife demonstrates the biblical principle of caring for the basic needs of one’s family. This principle can be extended beyond marriage to include the broader responsibility of individuals to care for the well-being of their dependents and loved ones.
Duty of marriage:The phrase “her duty of marriage” refers to the conjugal rights and intimate relationship within the marriage. It signifies that the husband is not to neglect his first wife’s sexual rights and needs even if he takes another wife. This requirement emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship within the bounds of marriage.
Principles of fairness and equity:While the verse acknowledges the practice of polygamy, it also provides a measure of protection for the first wife. It promotes the principles of fairness, equity, and mutual respect within the marital relationship. It reminds husbands of their obligations towards their wives, including their emotional, physical, and material well-being.
Application to Christian marriage:Although the practice of polygamy is not endorsed in the New Testament, the principles highlighted in this verse can still be applied to Christian marriages today. It emphasizes the importance of treating one’s spouse with love, respect, and fairness, and recognizing the mutual responsibilities within the marital relationship.
In conclusion, Exodus 21:10 addresses the rights and responsibilities of a husband who takes another wife. It emphasizes the husband’s obligation to provide for the needs of his first wife and not to diminish her food, clothing, or duty of marriage. While the verse acknowledges the cultural context of polygamy, it promotes principles of fairness, equity, and respect within the marital relationship, which can be applied to Christian marriages today.
