Chapter Four: Malachi 2:10-16 and the Toleration of Polygyny Elsewhere in the Old Testament

Abstract

This chapter considers the primary argument of C. C. Torrey against the traditional interpretation of Mal. 2: 10-16, which finds in this text a condemnation of literal interfaith marriage and divorce. The alternative interpretation which Torrey and Isaksson propose for Mal. 2: 10-16, and an interpretation which avoids the alleged difficulty by arguing for a figurative reference in the text are rejected. The chapter supports a reference to literal marriage and divorce by attempting to resolve this apparent contradiction between Mal. 2:10-16 and the assumed toleration of polygyny elsewhere in the Old Testament. Since this traditional view remains possible, it examines the widely assumed toleration of polygyny elsewhere in the Old Testament and particularly in the post-exilic period. The chapter concludes that although polygyny was never illegal, monogamy was seen as the marital ideal, particularly in the post-exilic period, and that actual marital practice was monogamous with few exceptions.Keywords: C. C. Torrey; Isaksson; literal interfaith divorce; literal interfaith marriage; Mal. 2: 10-16; Old Testament; polygyny; post-exilic period; traditional interpretation