(2) she may be reconciled to her husband. However, there is a danger in separation, because if the woman subsequently commits adultery, then according to Dt. 24:4 she would forfeit her opportunity of reconciliation to her husband due to defilement. Thus, she would have to remain alone at least as long as her husband is alive.

There is a difference between polygamy and adultery; and there is also a difference between the marriage of a widow, and polygamy.

The NT clearly distinguishes monogamy or celibacy from the former trend of polygamy in the O.T. The Scriptures I Cor. 7:26, 27 constitute a change in the family life, comparatively speaking, because in the O.T. the men took as many wives as they desired; but according to verses 26 and 27, to the contrary, the limit for a male virgin is one at most--"Are you loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife ...," whereas in the O.T. the men were not required to cease marrying due to being loosed from a wife. During the time the gospels and epistles were written, there may have been some converted polygamists still living, and how the apostles dealt with that situation is not clear to me concerning a specific scriptural account; however, it is distinguished through Paul's instruction to male virgins that they are allowed to be married, but in the case they should be loosed--they should not seek a second marriage. The man of the NT is instructed as having a mollifiable heart seeking re-unification of a broken marriage, if it is possible. But, if not, then remaining unmarried is the only allowable alternative.

On the other hand, Paul encourages celibacy (I Cor. 7:1) more so than marriage, which is a different trend than the O.T. cases except for the eunuchs.

Furthermore, there is also a commendation for the aged widow who has not remarried in I Tim. 5:9. Also note I Cor. 7:8.

So, after Christ there was a change from polygamy to either monogamy or celibacy, which is the Christian way. There are several verses pointing toward closeness and concern more so with God than with marriage and concerns of the world, and widowhood is approved more so than another marriage (which would be lawful of the widow so desired, but celibacy is more honorable).

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