The Narrative is a Source of Truth

We are taught that ancient principles—such as plural marriage—were restored to the earth through latter-day prophets because this principle was practice by ancient patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. (D&C 132:1,34-38). Of course, why Section 132 says Isaac and Moses had multiple wives is not clear because, according to the Bible, they were monogamous. But for the recorded stories of polygamous patriarchs, perhaps we should evaluate how this lifestyle turned out for these families.

Referring to the scriptures, the introductory material in the Come Follow Me manual says,

Sometimes gospel truths (often called doctrine or principles) are stated directly, and sometimes they are implied through an example or story. Ask yourself, “What eternal truths are taught in these verses?”

In a similar vein, Jewish scholar Dennis Prager stresses the importance of considering what is implied through the Torah's stories. In The Rationale Bible: Exodus, he explains that slavery based on kidnapping was banned in the Torah, but other forms, such as slavery based on indentured servitude, was tolerated even though it was not an ideal lifestyle. He also says,

“While the Torah allowed polygamy, its ideal is monogamy, which is why every instance of polygamy described in the Torah is described in a negative way. And the Torah narrative is as important a source of values as is Torah law.”

Is God showing us through these negative Old Testament polygamy stories that this is not the lifestyle He wants for His children? Is He showing Sarah’s impatience when she doubted God’s timing and used her slave as a surrogate? Is He showing Laban’s dishonesty when he tricked Jacob into marrying Leah and made him work seven years to earn Rachel? And what about the negative stories of the early Saints struggling to obey what they believed was a commandment?

If Torah narrative is as important a source of values as is Torah law, perhaps we can conclude that flawed men and women sometimes choose this lifestyle, but this was never a value inspired by God. It seems God patiently tolerated some ancient cultural norms, including polygamy and slavery; however, His toleration does not mean approval and certainly does not make these practices part of His eternal plan.