Topical Bible: Servant: Bond: Taken in Concubinage

◄ Servant: Bond: Taken in Concubinage ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of a servant taken in concubinage refers to a woman who, while not a wife, is taken into a household to serve and bear children. This practice is seen in various narratives throughout the Old Testament, reflecting the social and legal customs of ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Biblical Instances and Context

1. Hagar and Abraham: One of the most notable examples of a servant taken in concubinage is Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife. In Genesis 16:1-4 , Sarah, unable to bear children, gives Hagar to Abraham as a concubine to produce an heir. This arrangement, while culturally acceptable at the time, led to significant familial strife and divine intervention. The narrative highlights the complexities and tensions inherent in such relationships.

2. Bilhah and Zilpah: In Genesis 30:1-13 , Rachel and Leah, the wives of Jacob, each give their maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah, to Jacob as concubines to bear children on their behalf. This was a competitive response to infertility and sibling rivalry, further illustrating the social dynamics and personal struggles within patriarchal households.

3. Legal Provisions: The Mosaic Law provided certain protections and regulations concerning concubinage. Exodus 21:7-11 outlines the rights of a female servant taken as a concubine, emphasizing her entitlement to food, clothing, and marital rights. If these were not provided, she was to be set free. This legal framework sought to ensure a measure of justice and dignity for women in such vulnerable positions.

Cultural and Theological Considerations

The practice of taking a servant as a concubine must be understood within its historical and cultural context. In ancient times, concubinage was a socially accepted means of securing offspring and ensuring the continuation of a family line, especially in cases of infertility. However, it often resulted in complex family dynamics and personal conflicts, as seen in the biblical narratives.

From a theological perspective, the Bible presents these accounts with a candid acknowledgment of human frailty and the consequences of actions that deviate from God's ideal for marriage. The narratives often reveal the pain and discord that arise from such arrangements, serving as a cautionary tale about the departure from the divine blueprint of monogamous marriage.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The accounts of servants taken in concubinage raise important moral and ethical questions about the treatment of women and the nature of family relationships. While the Bible records these practices, it does not necessarily endorse them. Instead, it provides a realistic portrayal of human society and the need for divine guidance and redemption.

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the sanctity of marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 5:31-33). This reflects a return to the original design for marriage as established in Genesis, underscoring the dignity and equality of all individuals before God.

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Genesis 16:1,2,6
Now Sarai Abram's wife bore him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
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Genesis 30:3,9
And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in to her; and she shall bear on my knees, that I may also have children by her.
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