Polygyny and Sexual Ethics

Sexual Ethics. Sexual ethics in the ot is also affected by the patriarchal nature of that ancient society. Sexual license was granted much more to males than to females. Polygyny and concubinage were allowed, and going to prostitutes was apparently condoned for men (e.g., Gen. 38:12-26; Josh. 2), although prostitutes themselves were often stigmatized and prostitution became a prophetic metaphor for apostasy (Hos. 1-3; Ezek. 16; 23). Adultery, which in the ot refers to intercourse between a married or betrothed (engaged) woman and any man who is not her husband or her betrothed, is strictly prohibited and punishable by death (Deut. 22:20-27) or ordeal (Num. 5:11-31). However, by no means is the sexual ethics of the ot only negative and restrictive. Gen. 2:24-25 declares the intimate bond between a husband and wife to be completely appropriate and good. The Song of Solomon amounts to a virtual sexual reverie, with the male and the female as equal partners reveling in the delights of each other’s bodies.