Understanding Jacob’s Teachings about Plural Marriage from a Law of Moses Context

Title

Understanding Jacob’s Teachings about Plural Marriage from a Law of Moses Context

Publication Type

Journal Article

Year of Publication

2017

Authors

Baird, Brian J. (Primary)

Journal

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Pagination

227-237

Volume

25

Abstract

This paper reviews the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob’s proscription against plural marriage, arguing that the verses in Jacob 2:24–30 should be interpreted in a Law of Moses context regarding levirate marriage, by which a man was responsible for marrying his dead brother’s wife if that brother died before having an heir. I also review how these verses have been used in arguments for and against plural marriage, and how levirate marriage practices worked in Mosaic tradition.

Subject Keywords

Marriage
Law of Moses
Polygamy
Jacob (Son of Lehi)
Plural Marriage
Levirate Marriage

Bibliographic Citation

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