The ideal and normative form of marriage for the Messianic Community and the human race is debeq or simple monogamy as is exemplified by the story of Adam and Eve (Gen.2:18-24), which itself serves as a picture of the relationship between Yahweh and His people, Israel (Jer.3; Ezek.7; Hos.1-3) and between Christ and His allegorical Bride (Eph.5:22-23). Yet nissuin merubim, plural/multiple marriage or polygyny is a reality in large portions of the world where it known to have been practiced at the very least since the days of Lamech (Gen.4:19) and likely earlier, and cannot be ignored or dismissed since its practice is not forbidden in the Bible. The early messianic community (church) continued to permit the practice until the Byzantine Code of Justinian outlawed it in the sixth century AD and Jews continue to live it in Moslem countries, where it is normal. Most orthodox Churches (Catholic, Eastern Orthodox & Protestant) have had to face this challenge when evangelising in polygyny-accepting nations with the response of each denomination being different. Some churches require that such families embracing the Gospel immediately abandon their plural relationships whereas others tolerate it provided families are not expanded further. The leaders of NCAY have likewise had to face this question in the mission field. The witness of the Bible is that nisuin merubim is permissive but brings trouble to those who are unsanctified and often results in sin (Jdg.8:29-9:57; 2 Sam.11; 13; 1 Ki.11:1-8). Kings are warned against the abuse of the principle (Dt.17:17) and the dangers of family jealosy are stressed (1 Sam.1:6; cp. Lev.18:18). Set against the dangers of the unsanctified abuse of this way of life is the revelation that it will be approved in Israel in the Christian Millennial age of peace and righteousness, when Yah'shua (Jesus) reigns globally as King (Is.4). Since the time of the instruction that follows, debeq (cleaving together in simple pairs) or monogamy has been the general rule and law of the local assemblies for all those wishing to marry. But at the same time those coming into NCAY already practicing plural marriage will not have their marriage(s) dissolved so long as all those involved are willing to continue in that estate and live a pure and blameless Christian life (Eph.5:33 -- see the NCAY Constitution for further stipulations & OB 194).

1. Inasmuch as ye have enquired concerning the practice of plurality {polygyny} in the Assemblies of Yahweh in days past I, Yahweh, shall speak unto you concerning this matter that ye repeat not the abominations and whoredoms of the House of Israel of old.

2. I have spoken plainly unto you of the laws of marriage that ye descend not into lust and depravity like the Israelites of old.

3. Therefore obey my commandments in all things and give no place to the tempter who would overturn that which is pure, chaste, and holy.

4. The local congregations of the Assemblies of Yahweh (NCAY) shall not enter into the law of plurality [generally] unless I command it, saith Master, and then only to raise up a [godly] seed unto Me.

5. And this I have commanded either in times of war or poverty, or when the Assemblies of Yahweh have sufficiently purged themselves of ungodliness and unholiness and are able to abide this law in righteousness.

6. Verily, verily, saith Master: there are many who have sought to excuse their carnality and lust by inventing their own commandments in My Name or by claiming they were multiplying and replenishing the earth.

7. And for such there awaiteth much sorrow, yea, both for their souls when they are cast down into hell, and for the women whose tender hearts they have broken.

8. Ye shall never enter the doctrine of plurality in the local congregations of the New Covenant Assemblies of Yahweh as a general practice and law in this æon (age), saith the Master.

9. If ye did ye would become like the Israelites of old, following after the dictates of the unredeemed flesh instead of the dictates of a pure heart and a conscience undefiled by the lusts of the world.

10. And if ye do practice this as a general principle or law in the local assemblies [by overturning this instruction] ye shall fall, and it shall be as though ye never were.

11. Hearken unto this commandment and ye shall prosper.

12. This is the Law and I revoke it not, saith the Master.

11. When the daughters of Zion desire a plurality and the sons of Zion do not, then ye shall be ready to cross the veil into the Firstborn, and it shall be permissable (Is.4).

12. And if the daughters of Zion desire it not, and the sons of Zion desire it, it is because ye are both unsanctified by the true Law, and it shall be forbidden.

13. Herein lieth a mystery, saith the Master, and he who understandeth it shall understand greater mysteries pertaining to the highest heavens (Eph.5:32).

14. Trouble Me no more on this doctrine for I shall speak no more of it unto the local congregations of the Assemblies of Yahweh; and neither shall ye[1]. Amen.

Footnotes

[1] This revelation does not imply that other Christians or non-Christians (such as Moslems) may not live the law of plurality in a general sense, neither is it a criticism of the principle, which is entirely biblical and was never revoked by Christ or the apostles. Plural marriage is in no sense a 'sin' and may, if lived in a godly way, bring as much joy, if not more, than conventional monogamy. Indeed the same pitfalls that beset monogamy confront plural marriage, and vice versa. The point in question is that plural marriage, if lived wrongly (i.e. in an unsanctified state), leads to spiritual bondage and great unhappiness. As this would retard the mission of NCAY, the Master has here prohibited its practice generally in the local congregations. The restriction is therefore local and temporary until the fullness of the times of refreshing (Ac.3:19) and restitution (Ac.3:21) occur at Christ's Second Coming and the Millennial Kingdom is established.