Did any biblical prophets practice polygamy? Who?

Question

...and why?

Why did Mormons practice polygamy in the early days of their church?

Answer 1

Several, starting with Abraham, then Jacob, the patriarchs. Samuel's father had two wives. David had dozens. They had them for various reasons: Abraham thought his first wife was sterile, Jacob was tricked into marying the wrong girl and saw polygamy as better than divorce, and David just loved women.

Answer 2

Yes and there were many the most famous was King Solomon who had 700 wives and 300 concubines (girlfriends) and it is said that they turned his heart away from God.
Why God allowed this ...I guess we will have to ask him ( if it is still important to us) But in the New Testament in Matthew 19:1-10 Talking about marriage and divorce we see that it is to be Man (male) and woman (female) and when they marry they become as ONE flesh. No more 2 but one flesh, What therefore God has joined together let no man put asunder. It is brought up then that Moses allowed putting away but Jesus replies that from the beginning it was not so. (giving fornication as the only grounds for divorce today)



Christian in PA

Answer 3

Mormons were on the verge of being annihilated by their fellow man. We had an exttermination order on us so we retreated to the baren deserts of utah where we could live in peace. Since we still were devoted citizens to the USA, we sent most of our men to fight in World Wars and so forth. There were no men, so to take care of the children and women they were ordered to practice polygamy. But when the time came they were given instruction to stop the practice because it was no longer needed.

Answer 4

Not really prophets but:
Abraham
Issac
David (even before Bathsebia - not sure of spelling)
Solomon

Most of the prophets' personnal lives were not dicussed, so assuming one way or another is likely to be wrong.

Answer 5

David, Solomon.

Answer 6

King David, he had to have a wife for political reasons, but his true love was Johnathon