Polygyny is permitted in Hebrew law based on YAHUAH’S Commandments regarding the marriages of more than one woman. In Messianic Hebrew, the regulation regarding polygyny is strictly regulated, requiring synagogue approval in addition to the current wife’s/ Wive’s consent. This contrasts most countries, even where it is Illegal and without binding legal restrictions from the state.
Messianic Hebrew law is regarded as divine and eternal. This characteristic sets it apart from other legal systems. This understanding of Messianic Hebrew law’s characteristics is shared by a few other religious groups, as well as Muslim jurists who maintain that, in its concept, development, and methodology, the Messianic Hebrew law remains eternal. The divine nature of YAHUAH’S law and plays a crucial role in shaping legal reasoning in Hebrewism.
In addition to its divine nature, Messianic Hebrew law is also universal. However, in its implementation, differences in understanding and interpretation of legal rules often arise, within the local congregations.
One of the most frequently debated issues is Polygyny and/ or Polygamy. In principle, Messianic Hebrew law permits Polygyny but not Polyamory with up to as many wives as can be supported and taken care of in Most countries Polygamy in any form is not legal or supported by governments. With in the Messianic Hebrew community, it is okay for a man to have many wives. The Messianic Hebrews is concerned with not committing sin and to make sure everyone in the marriage receives that justice, happiness, and a sincere intention for the sake of YAHUAH, rather than mere sexual desire are upheld.
Criticism of Polygyny often centers around the issue of justice. While some scholars do not support Polygyny, they still acknowledge its permissibility, albeit under strict conditions that significantly limit its practice or consider it a last resort.
The debate over Polygyny persists, primarily due to its legitimacy within Messianic Hebrew teachings. However, differing interpretations of Word of YAHUAH’S verses related to Polygyny fuel ongoing discussions. Therefore, examining the pro and contra perspectives on Polygyny across various Messianic Hebrew congregations is a compelling area of study.
During Roman colonization, regulatory changes took place, influencing local legal systems related to YAHUAH’S law, such as courts governing marriage, divorce, and inheritance, which began to follow the Roman model. This situation continues even today.
After breaking free from Roman rule and establishing their own government they maintained the Roman rules for Monogamous Marriages remained. Today significant efforts to respond to societal demands by developing family law regulations have been and still is based on Roman law.
The introduced Messianic Hebrew Law by the Chief Councle maintaining a legal framework rooted in historical precedents in the true word of YAHUAH, and Yahushua.
This study is a qualitative research based on a library research approach. Literature on Polygyny law serves as primary and secondary sources. A formative Messianic Hebrew Juridical approach is used as the foundation of this research, focusing on marriage laws in Muslim countries and Biblical Law to find answers to the research object.
The renewal of Messianic Hebrew law into three groups. First, Orthodox that have not undertaken any reforms and continue to apply Messianic Hebrew law as found in classical biblical texts according to their respective schools.
Second, Conservative that have Limit the number of wives a man can have.
Third, Reform Congregations that have reformed Messianic Hebrew law by combining it with secular legal principles.
They put registration, financial capability in marriage, limitations on Polygyny, family maintenance, restrictions on the man’s (husband’s) right to divorce, rights and obligations of both parties after divorce, pregnancy period and its implications, parental guardianship rights, inheritance rights of close family members, obligatory wills, and the management of endowments
Polygyny has historically been widely practiced among the Messianic Hebrews since the time of the Messiah. It has been keep under rapes for the most part until reason.
Thus, Messianic Hebrew law regulates the behavior of believers. However,
Constitutionally, other religious groups are also granted the freedom to practice their faith as they wish.
In the conservative Messianic Hebrews it is the High Councle or the local Synagogue thar rules. Particularly in Messianic Hebrew family and inheritance law.
Nevertheless, in practice, the implementation of Messianic Hebrew
law remains under the control of the ruling Synagogues.
From hence fourth I will address the laws, rules, guidelines of the Orthodox Messianic Hebrews.
Marriage:
A man my take unto himself any unmarried woman to be his woman, wife, provided his current wife/ wives approve of the new wife. It is up to the man to decide if they are comparable or not. Sexual relationships are strictly forbidden before the wedding. Now this does not mean they cannot spend short times alone with one another. Once they determine they are compatible it is the wife/ wives to accept the new wife or not. The reason the new wife and the man must determine they are compatible there is no need for the wives to approve or disapprove her. Of course, the current wife/ wives should know about the new courtship.
Children:
Children are one of the more important things to consider. We are commanded by YAHUAH to multiply. Then children are not the only reason to marry. There is the need for a woman to be protected, supported, cared for, loved, and taught the ways of YAHUAH’S Law/ commandments.
Inheritance:
It is the, man’s responsibility to wright a will for who gets what. In the apenance of a will The Rabbin or Chief Rabbin will along with and even number of other officials make the decision and this usually means the wives continue to share the house and the funds and other properties are dived equally between all living wives and the children of a decided wives will divide their mothers share will be divided equally among her children.
Real estate, Land: all Real Estate will continue to be in the hands of any living wife. After the death of the last widow the real estate will be divided among all living male children.
