Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "harem" refers to the living quarters reserved for the wives, concubines, and female relatives of a polygamous household, particularly in royal settings. The concept of a harem is most prominently associated with the courts of ancient Near Eastern monarchs, including those mentioned in the Old Testament.Biblical References and Context The idea of a harem is implicitly present in several biblical narratives, although the term itself is not directly used in the Berean Standard Bible. The concept is closely tied to the practices of polygamy and concubinage, which were common in ancient Israel and its neighboring cultures. 1. Solomon's Harem: King Solomon is perhaps the most notable biblical figure associated with a large harem. According to 1 Kings 11:3, "He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray." Solomon's extensive harem was a reflection of his wealth, power, and political alliances, as many of his marriages were likely diplomatic in nature. 2. David's Wives and Concubines: King David, Solomon's father, also had multiple wives and concubines. 2 Samuel 5:13 states, "After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him." David's harem, though smaller than Solomon's, was significant and played a role in the political and familial dynamics of his reign. 3. Esther and the Persian Harem: The Book of Esther provides a glimpse into the Persian royal harem. Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes part of King Xerxes' harem and eventually his queen. Esther 2:8 describes the process: "When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who was in charge of the harem." Cultural and Theological Implications The existence of harems in biblical times reflects the broader cultural practices of the ancient Near East, where polygamy and concubinage were accepted and often necessary for political and economic reasons. The accumulation of wives and concubines was a sign of wealth and status, particularly for kings and rulers. From a theological perspective, the Bible presents a complex view of polygamy and the harem system. While these practices are documented, they are not explicitly endorsed by biblical law. In fact, the narratives often highlight the problems and conflicts arising from such arrangements. For example, Solomon's many marriages are directly linked to his spiritual downfall, as his foreign wives led him to idolatry (1 Kings 11:4). Moral and Ethical Considerations The biblical accounts of harems raise important moral and ethical questions. The treatment of women within these systems often reflects the patriarchal structures of the time, where women were seen as property or political pawns. However, the Bible also includes accounts of women who navigate these systems with wisdom and courage, such as Esther, who uses her position to save her people. In summary, while the concept of a harem is not explicitly defined in the Bible, it is an integral part of the historical and cultural backdrop of the biblical narrative. The accounts of harems in the lives of figures like Solomon, David, and Esther provide insight into the complexities of ancient Near Eastern society and the challenges of living faithfully within it. Smith's Bible Dictionary Harem[HOUSE] Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The apartments or portion of the house allotted to females in Mohammedan families.2. (n.) The family of wives and concubines belonging to one man, in Mohammedan countries; a seraglio. Strong's Hebrew 802. ishshah -- woman, wife, female... adulteress* (2), any woman (1), childbearing* (1), each (3), each one (1), each woman (1), every (1), everyone (1), female (3), girls* (1), harem* (5), harlot's ... /hebrew/802.htm - 6k 1004. bayith -- a house Library Meanwhile, Angela Sovrani was Detained in Her Studio by the ... Chapter xx Song of Songs The Reign of David. The Family of a Saint Womanhood of the Byzantine Decadence History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5 History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2 The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Nations of the North-East Thesaurus Polygamy... Successes in further wars come and add other women to be distributed. Of course to the sheik or king there soon comes the seraglio and the harem. ... /p/polygamy.htm - 19k Bigtha (1 Occurrence) Harem (8 Occurrences) Xerxes (24 Occurrences) Immanuel (3 Occurrences) Rumah (2 Occurrences) Rab-saris (3 Occurrences) Rabsaris (3 Occurrences) Esther (48 Occurrences) Eunuch (20 Occurrences) Resources Who was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about sexual assault? | GotQuestions.org Harem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Harem (8 Occurrences)Esther 2:3 Esther 2:8 Esther 2:9 Esther 2:11 Esther 2:13 Esther 2:14 Esther 2:15 Ecclesiastes 2:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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