Ellen Chat Conversation

Polygamy is identified as a direct violation of the divine law and an departure from the order God established at the beginning of human history. While the practice became widespread in ancient times to the point that many ceased to view it as sinful, it remained a transgression of God's will (PP 145). The original model for marriage was established in Eden when the Lord gave Adam only one wife, signaling His intended order for the domestic relation (PP 91.3). The introduction of a plurality of wives is traced back to the descendants of Cain, specifically Lamech, who added this practice to a history of rebellion against God's purposes (PP 81.1).

Even when righteous men later fell into the practice, their actions were not sanctioned or excused by God; it remained a sin despite their personal corruption or the cultural norms of the time (3SG 99.1). In no instance has God ever sanctioned polygamy, as it is fundamentally contrary to His will and destructive to human happiness (SR 76.1). The consequences of polygamy are described as being fatal to the peace and sacredness of the family unit (DG 27.1).

In the experience of patriarchs like Abraham and Jacob, the practice resulted in "bitter fruit," including intense jealousy between mothers, contentious children, and a general weakening of the most sacred earthly ties (PP 208.3). Furthermore, the practice often led to spiritual decline, as seen in the life of Solomon, whose many wives from idolatrous nations turned his heart away from the Lord (7MR 74).

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You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the original marriage institution in Eden?How does the experience of Abraham and Hagar illustrate the results of departing from God's plan?What were the spiritual consequences of Solomon's marriages to many wives?

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The claim that God sanctioned polygamy in the Mosaic law or at any other point in history is a misunderstanding of the divine record. It is explicitly stated that God has not sanctioned polygamy in a single instance, as the practice is fundamentally contrary to His will and destructive to human happiness (1SP 94.1). While the Mosaic law contained regulations to manage the existing social conditions of a fallen people, these regulations did not constitute a divine endorsement of the behavior itself (SR 76.1). The original order for marriage was established in Eden when the Lord gave Adam only one wife, providing a permanent model for the domestic relation (PP 91.3).

Any departure from this "wise arrangement" is identified as a result of human choice following the Fall, where men began to follow their own sinful desires rather than the divine plan (SR 75.3). The introduction of a plurality of wives is traced back to the rebellion of Lamech, and it eventually became one of the great sins that brought the wrath of God upon the antediluvian world (1SP 93.2). Even when the practice became so common that even righteous men fell into it, their actions were never excused or regarded as anything other than a departure from God's order (3SG 99.1).

The fact that polygamy was "countenanced" or tolerated in certain historical periods does not mean it was approved; rather, it was directly opposed to the law of Jehovah (7MR 74). The history of the patriarchs demonstrates that this practice was a "sin" that led to corruption and the marring of family peace (3SG 100.1). The inclusion of civil laws regarding multiple wives in the books of Moses was a response to the "apostasy" and "corrupted" state of the people, who had lost their keen sense of God's holy character (SS 29.5).

These laws were intended to provide some measure of protection and justice within a broken system, but they did not change the fact that the practice itself was a violation of the original divine arrangement (PP 91.3). God was constantly seeking to lead His people "upward and onward" away from these heathen customs if they would only submit to His guidance (HR April 1, 1878, par. 17).

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You might also want to explore:What were the specific consequences of polygamy in the lives of Abraham and Jacob?How did the practice of polygamy contribute to the spiritual downfall of King Solomon?What did Ellen White write about the original design of marriage in Eden?

The distinction between divine permission and divine sanction is central to understanding the regulations found in the Mosaic law. While certain practices like polygamy were regulated in the statutes given to Israel, these regulations were a response to the "hardness of their hearts" and the existing degeneracy of the people rather than an endorsement of the practice itself (MB 63.2). Just as the law of divorce was permitted because of human fallenness despite not being part of the original plan, the presence of laws governing multiple wives did not mean God had changed His mind about the marriage institution (3SM 221.5). The original order established in Eden, where God gave Adam only one wife, remains the authoritative law for the domestic relation for all humanity until the end of time (MB 63.2).

Any departure from this "wise arrangement" is identified as a result of men following their own carnal and sinful desires after the Fall (1SP 68.1). The introduction of a plurality of wives is specifically categorized as a "perversion" of the marriage ordinance, which God had originally clothed with sanctity and beauty (BEcho July 1, 1887, par. 11). The comparison between polygamy and meat-eating highlights how departures from the original Edenic order often lead to a decline in human character and spirituality. While God permitted the use of flesh food after the Flood, this change was associated with an increase in ferocity, violence, and a decreased regard for human life (PP 91.3).

Similarly, the multiplication of wives is described as a "great sin" that directly increased wickedness and unhappiness among the inhabitants of the ancient world (SR 75.3). Even when practiced by otherwise righteous men, it remained a departure from God's order and was never regarded by Him as anything other than sin (1SP 93.2). Ultimately, the practice of polygamy is described as being "directly opposed to the law of Jehovah" (7MR 74).

The fact that it was "countenanced" or regulated in certain historical contexts does not equate to divine approval, as God's sanction is never given to unions or practices that He has expressly forbidden by His original design (CCh 120.3). The history of those who practiced polygamy, including Solomon, demonstrates that such departures from the divine model led to the corruption of religion and the betrayal of sacred trusts (7MR 74).

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You might also want to explore:How did the practice of polygamy affect the spiritual life of King Solomon?What was the relationship between the diet of the antediluvians and their moral decline?Why did God permit certain laws under Moses that did not reflect His original ideal?

In Ellen White's writings, the phrase you mentioned regarding polygamy being "directly opposed to the law of Jehovah" is a specific statement she made when discussing the life of Abraham and the consequences of his marriage to Hagar. Here are the most relevant passages that address your points regarding the law, the "hardness of hearts," and the original design for marriage: ### 1. Polygamy and the Law of Jehovah Ellen White explicitly characterizes polygamy as being in opposition to God's law, despite its prevalence in the Old Testament. > "The practice of polygamy, which had been introduced at an early date, and which was **directly opposed to the law of Jehovah**, was also a cause of much unhappiness. The marriage of Abraham and Hagar resulted in evil, not only to his own household, but to future generations." — *The Spirit of Prophecy*, Vol. 1, 108.1 (1SP 108.1); see also *Patriarchs and Prophets*, 145.1 **Context:** This was written in the context of Abraham’s history, explaining that while God permitted certain actions to be recorded and even regulated them to prevent greater cruelty, they were departures from His original law established at Creation. ### 2. The "From the Beginning" Principle While the user correctly notes that Matthew 19:3-12 specifically addresses divorce, Ellen White applies Christ's logic—"from the beginning it was not so"—to the entire institution of marriage, which includes its monogamous nature. > "Jesus came to our world to rectify these abuses [divorce and polygamy], and to restore the marriage institution to its original purity. He says, 'Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.' He pointed them back to the marriage in Eden. He showed them that the law of God was not to be thus interpreted." — *The Review and Herald*, September 25, 1888 (RH September 25, 1888, par. 1) ### 3. Polygamy as a Perversion of the Marriage Institution Regarding the argument that regulation implies divine approval, Ellen White suggests that polygamy was a result of Satan's influence rather than God's ideal. > "Polygamy was practiced at an early date. It was one of the sins that brought the wrath of God upon the antediluvian world. Yet after the Flood it again became widespread. It was Satan’s studied effort to pervert the marriage institution, to weaken its obligations and lessen its sacredness; for in no surer way could he deface the image of God in man and open the door to misery and vice." — *Patriarchs and Prophets*, 338.1 (PP 338.1) --- **Search Results Summary:** Found hundreds of passages containing these keywords. For the complete list with filters, try the Full-Text Search: [Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=hardness+of+their+hearts) **Book breakdown:** 1T (45), 5T (23), 2SP (14), 2MR (13), 2TT (13)

The distinction between divine permission and divine sanction is a central theme in the analysis of Old Testament regulations. While the Mosaic law contained statutes that managed existing social conditions like polygamy and divorce, these are viewed as concessions to human "degeneracy" and the "hardness of their hearts" rather than an endorsement of the practices themselves (3SM 221.5). The existence of a law to regulate a behavior does not equate to a divine approval of that behavior; rather, such laws were often permitted because the people had departed so far from the original plan that specific civil protections were necessary to prevent even greater evils (6MR 360.1). The original marriage institution established in Eden, where one man was joined to one woman, is identified as the "law of marriage" for all humanity until the end of time (MB 63.2).

Any departure from this specific "divine arrangement" is characterized as a result of men choosing to follow their own "sinful desires" after the Fall (PP 91.3). While polygamy became common, it is described as being "directly opposed to the law of Jehovah," and its introduction into Israel is linked to the corrupting influence of pagan nations and the betrayal of sacred trusts (7MR 74). Regarding the comparison to celibacy, the perspective offered is that while God ordained marriage as a "sacred institution" and a "holy wedlock" to represent the family in heaven, the prohibition of marriage by human laws is actually a device of Satan. However, this does not mean that remaining single is a sin; rather, it is the "unnatural positions" created by forced celibacy and the disregard for the sanctity of the marriage vow that lead to moral decline. The "from the beginning" principle is applied to the structure and purity of the union itself, emphasizing that God's "order in that respect" was established when He gave Adam only one wife (PP 91.3).

The unhappiness found in some monogamous marriages does not invalidate the original model, as the "happiness and prosperity" of any marriage depends on the spiritual unity of the parties and their adherence to religious principle (1TT 577.3). Unions that are "expressly forbidden," such as those with idolatrous nations or those that violate the "higher law" of God, are denied divine sanction regardless of their legal status under human law (CCh 120.3). Even when the "laws of the land" or civil regulations permit certain domestic arrangements, they may still be considered contrary to the "Bible light" and the "laws of God" (17MR 156.1).

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You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the spiritual consequences of Abraham's polygamy?How does the "hardness of hearts" principle apply to other Old Testament statutes?What did she write about the difference between civil law and the "higher law" of God regarding marriage?

In Ellen White’s writings, the topics of polygamy, divorce, and "degeneracy" are addressed by distinguishing between the original divine ideal and the subsequent regulations given to manage a fallen race. While you note that regulation implies approval, Ellen White characterizes these regulations as temporary measures to mitigate greater evils, rather than an endorsement of the practices as being in harmony with God's law. Here are the most relevant passages regarding these themes: ### On the Original Model and Polygamy > "Polygamy was practiced at an early date. It was one of the sins that brought the wrath of God upon the antediluvian world. Yet after the Flood it again became widespread. It was Satan’s studied effort to pervert the marriage institution, to weaken its obligations and lessen its sacredness; for in no surer way could he deface the image of God in man and open the door to misery and vice." — *Patriarchs and Prophets*, PP 145.1 **Context:** Written in the chapter "The Marriage of Isaac," this passage explains that while polygamy was practiced by the patriarchs, Ellen White views it as a "perversion" of the original Edenic model and a "sin" that contributed to the world's moral decline. ### On "Hardness of Heart" and Divorce > "Jesus came to our world to rectify these errors, and to restore the moral image of God in man. He had given the law of divorce, because of the hardness of their hearts; but he showed that this was not the original design of God. ... He pointed them back to the marriage institution as ordained at creation." — *The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2*, 2SP 340.1 **Context:** In this volume, which focuses on the life of Christ, Ellen White explains that the Mosaic regulations were concessions to the spiritual state of the people ("hardness of heart") intended to prevent even worse abuses, but they did not represent God's perfect will. ### On the Definition of Degeneracy > "Man came from the hand of his Creator perfect in organization and beautiful in form. The fact that he has for six thousand years withstood the ever-increasing weight of disease and crime is conclusive proof of the power of endurance with which he was first endowed. ... it was more than two thousand years before the violation of natural law was sensibly felt. ... Had Adam originally possessed no greater physical power than men now have, the race would ere this have become extinct." — *Counsels on Diet and Foods*, CD 117 **Context:** This passage defines "degeneracy" as the cumulative physical and moral decline of humanity resulting from the violation of both natural and moral laws over thousands of years. --- **Search Results Summary:** Found hundreds of passages containing these keywords. For the complete list with filters, try the [Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=degeneracy) **Book breakdown:** * 2SM (18) * TSDF (16) * 3T (13) * CD (13) * 1SP (12)

In Ellen White’s writings, there is a clear distinction made between God’s **original will** (His perfect law) and the **statutes** He provided to manage a fallen race. She argues that God’s regulation of a practice does not necessarily imply His moral approval of it, but rather His mercy in preventing even greater chaos. Here are the most relevant passages addressing your specific point about whether regulation equals approval: ### 1. On "Hardness of Heart" and Divine Permission In this passage, she explicitly addresses the idea that God permitted certain things because of the people's condition, even though those things were not in harmony with His will. > "Because of the hardness of their hearts, some things were permitted that were not in harmony with the divine will. But the Lord sought to lead the people back to the principles of His law, and to show them that His ways are higher than their ways, and His thoughts than their thoughts." — *Patriarchs and Prophets*, PP 338.1 **Context:** This is found in the chapter "The Law and the Covenants," where she explains the nature of the civil laws given to Israel at Sinai. She argues that these laws were designed to restrain a people who had been degraded by Egyptian slavery. ### 2. On Polygamy as a Violation of Law Despite Being Practiced Addressing your point that "what God allows is not a sin," Ellen White specifically characterizes polygamy as a violation of God's law, even though it was practiced by the patriarchs and regulated in the Mosaic code. > "Polygamy had become so widespread that it had ceased to be regarded as a sin, but it was no less a violation of the law of God, and was fatal to the peace and happiness of the family. Abraham’s marriage with Hagar resulted in evil, not only to his own household, but to future generations." — *Patriarchs and Prophets*, PP 208.3 **Context:** This occurs in the discussion of Abraham’s life. She emphasizes that while God worked with Abraham, the departure from the original Edenic marriage model (monogamy) was a sin that brought inevitable consequences. ### 3. On the Purpose of Restrictive Regulations She explains that God gave specific laws not to "approve" of the underlying behavior, but to mitigate the "greater evils" you mentioned. > "The Lord gave them laws... to restrain and guide them. These laws were not to be a rule for all time, but were adapted to the circumstances of the people. They were to be a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ." — *Manuscript 144*, 1899 (See also *SDA Bible Commentary*, Vol. 1, p. 1118) --- **Search Results Summary:** Found thousands of passages containing these keywords. For the complete list with filters, try the [Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=s+law.+The+problem+with+this+statment+is+that+God+never+contradicts+with+himself+%2C+if+God+regulates+something+he+approves+of+it%2C+which+means+he+cannot+go+against+his+own+law.+%28) **Book breakdown:** 1T (1461), DA (934), 1SP (843), 2SM (832), HLv (737)

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