Prostitutes and Polygamists: A Look at Love, Old Testament Style

by David T. Lamb, Mark Smeby (Reader)

Jacob and Solomon were polygamists. Tamar and Rahab were prostitutes. What are polygamists and prostitutes doing on the pages of Holy Scripture? And God told the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute. What about Cain―did he really marry his sister? Abraham did, and he was also a polygamist. Lot offered his daughters up for rape, David committed adultery (or rape?) and the Bible calls both men righteous. Love, Old Testament style, was bizarre. As readers of the Old Testament encounter these weird, confusing, and horrific “love” stories they ask, “What’s up with sex in the Old Testament?” The church often ignores the R-rated bits of the Bible, so it’s hard for people to find answers to their disturbing questions about sex in Scripture, which can lead people to give up on God and God’s word. However, these stories were included in the Bible for a reason, to reveal an even more shocking “love” story. When humans behave badly, God behaves graciously. God not only forgives people with sexual baggage, but also redeems their lives and includes them in his mission. God’s word records their story to benefit us. Just as sex was not often ideal in the Old Testament, it’s often not ideal today. Instead of ignoring these stories, Prostitutes and Polygamists engages, discusses, and learns from them.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Biblical Studies, Religion, Audiobook, Sexuality

Audio CD

First published August 31, 2015

About the author

Lamb is associate professor of Old Testament at Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. He has worked in campus ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. His first book was "Righteous Jehu and His Evil Heirs" (Oxford).

Reviews

[Laura Vavz · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received this books as an advanced copy for an honest review.*

This book cover and title drew me to this book immediately. When I started reading the first page I was hooked. This book is brilliant and hilarious at the same time. I love studying religious text but this book has me looking at the old testament in a whole new light. David T. Lamb writes this book in an approachable, funny way that would engage even the most reluctant readers. It's amazing how these biblical stories are so full of scandalous sexual escapades whereas the church seems to shy away from these stories.

I do not affiliate with any religion but I found this book fantastic for those who'd like to study the bible for its history and moral teachings. If these subjects were broached on a more regular basis perhaps society wouldn't seem so out of control. Life in the old testament times may have been just as sex filled and crazy as today but it shows how we can learn from our past to build a better future. A truly well written book!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

David T. Lamb is Allan A. MacRae Professor of Old Testament and the Dean of the Faculty at Biblical Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Lamb received an MDiv from Fuller Theological and both an MPhil and DPhil from the University of Oxford. He is the author of Righteous Jehu and His Evil Heirs: The Deuteronomist’s Negative Perspective on Dynastic Succession (Oxford University Press, 2007), God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist? (IVP, 2011), recently published The Historical Writings: Introducing Israel’s Historical Literature (with Mark Leuchter; Fortress Press, 2016), and Prostitutes and Polygamists: A Look at Love, Old Testament Style (Zondervan, 2015).

Prostitutes and Polygamists is a provocative and refreshing read that explores the overlooked depths of sexuality of the Old Testament. Lamb begins with an introductory chapter that turns the readers towards the wild nature of “love, Old Testament style.” Following a chapter on the God-ordained union of man and woman—husbands and wives—Lamb investigates nearly every major sexual issue found in the Old Testament, including polygamists, prostitutes, rapists and adulterers, incester, and homosexuals and sodomites. Each chapter is surprisingly detailed for the size of the volume, and Lamb’s witty approach and frequent illustrations lighten the tone of the volume despite the weight of the content. Lamb is also keen to allow the biblical text to guide the reader towards the intended conclusions in the lives of biblical figures explored in each of the chapters.

There is much to appreciate about Prostitutes and Polygamists. First and foremost, Lamb is an engaging communicator and a brilliant Old Testament scholar. There have been at least a few academic attempts to accomplish what Lamb has done here, and none them come close to the combination of wit and humor of Prostitutes and Polygamists. Second, Lamb tackles real and relevant issues without hesitation. The content itself necessitates this approach. However, Lamb does much to balance that necessity with honesty and insight that is rarely seen from the vantage point of the pew. Third, the textual dependence encountered throughout the volume allows the reader to freshly engage the biblical text alongside Lamb’s insight.

The shortcomings are mostly the result of interpretive and category difference. For example, while the incident between Noah and Ham is not commented on at length, it is mentioned in a footnote related to homosexuality (p. 162) despite Lamb’s disbelief that a homosexual action took place. What seems clear is some form of incestral relationship between Ham and either his mother or father—likely the former Leviticus 18—but there is no interaction with Genesis 9 in the Incester chapter. These types of disagreements are somewhat inevitable given the content of the book, but readers should be aware that such shortcomings exist.

Prostitutes and Polygamists: A Look at Love, Old Testament Style by David T. Lamb is a fresh and sensible. Lamb is well-informed, sensitive, witty, and downright hilarious at times. Readers will be sure to appreciate Lamb’s approach and insight into the often-controversial content of the book. This is a book that deserves to be read widely and should be on the shelf of every Pastor, especially those living among the sexual revolution that is sweeping across North America. If you are looking for a book that is both informative and engaging on a topic rarely discussed in church, then Prostitutes and Polygamists: A Look at Love, Old Testament Style by David T. Lamb is an excellent choice. It comes highly recommended!

[Emmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the cover and the title, that's what drew me to start with. But after starting to read the book, I was fascinated. It makes you look at the Old Testament in a very new and different light. It shows that even when we humans are adamant at messing up God is gracious and makes good out of the bad.

It approaches the uncomfortable truths about sex in the Old Testament in a open, honest and humurous way. Even the most reluctant reader is pulled in. Prostitutes and Poygamists lets the reader see a greater plan, even with all the uncomfortable and downright awful things that happened. It shows us again that God does not necessarily use perfect people, but those that are far from perfect. Each of the Biblical giants had chequered pasts.

Fascinating and very informative. I would recommend it to all who want to learn more about the Bible.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this as an ethically polyamorous person.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I checked it out with no idea what perspective it was written from and was a little hesitant when it turned out to be written by a pastor. But, while he does say that the "one man, one woman, forever in marriage" is the ideal, he's also very fair when looking at different relationship setups in the Bible. He points out that some of these relationships were the result of economic realities (for example that in some of these societies the feeling was that a rich man SHOULD take care of multiple people, he can when others can't). At one point he even said that it might be preferable for men to continue to house and support wives when they move on to new partners rather than divorcing them.

I wasn't wild about his views of all modern sex workers as tragic Fantine-like characters, and his hardy-har humor got old quick. Overall, though, good book.

[Morgan Gariepy · Rating 2 out of 5]

My judgement may be skewed by the fact I just finished Asking For It: The Alarming Rise of Rape Culture and What We Can Do About It, by Kate Harding. I was upset by the handling of some content within the Bible. He seems far too willing to forgive and trivialize rape, and also shows a misunderstanding of it.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at love Old Testament style. Covers all sorts of issues from marriage and singleness to the many instances of polygamy, prostitution, rape, adultery, incest and more in the scriptures. Very insightful studies on individuals like Tamar, Abraham, King Herod and the real story behind the city of Sodom.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting fun book. I tried to start reading the Old Testament awhile ago and could not believe the amount of sexual assault going on. Sex is a taboo subject in the church and glad he addressed that. Would love to see his sermon in person.

[David Pulliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading, got quite a few good laughs out of it and serious reflection on sexuality and the Bible.

[Josie Amon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book that helped me understand a lot about what is really going on in several marriage/sex stories in the Bible. However, I knocked off a star because the last chapter was not as well written. Lamb briefly writes about homosexuality without really saying anything helpful at all.

[Charlotte Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Very funny and informative

[Ylva · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Prostitutes and Polygamists, David T. Lamb takes a look at the sexual behavior in the Old Testament and tries to explain how that behavior fits in with Christian ethics. I really appreciate that he doesn't shy away from discussing such delicate issues. And I liked how he explained the laws and stories concerning sexuality, rape and marriage in the Old Testament. He also compared it to what is written in the New Testament and if they contradict each other. This book really helped me to make sense of some of the weird stories in the Old Testament. His arguments were reasonable and I could easily follow his train of thought.

But it was a bit superficial at times. He also includes anecdotes from conferences and his personal life, which makes the book more fun to read, but I would prefer a few more facts and a deeper analysis instead.

I would recommend this book to everyone who, like me, wants an answer to the question if the descriptions of polygamy, prostitution etc. don't contradict the rules for sexuality laid out in the New Testament.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Charles Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is intentionally trying to alarm us with the title (and topic), however he's not wrong when he suggests: If the Church whispers about sex, while the Culture screams about it, who do you think will be heard loudest (or most lastingly)? Hence the shocking (awakening) title and topic. This book was particularly beneficial to me as I explored key passages in Judges, and as I prepared for a class on Ruth. The author's style seemed likeable, I'd gladly explore his other (equally controversial) works.

[Julie McComas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's be honest here, the real reason I read this book is because of the title - Prostitutes and Polygamists: A Look at Love, Old Testament Style - and the cover. Doesn't that peak your interest? Since we are being honest, have you ever wondered why the church rarely ever talks about the scandalous sexual issues? Sex is just something that people don't talk about. Apparently, we are supposed to talk about it and learn about it, or it wouldn't be in the bible. God thought it was important enough to be written in His word, so we shouldn't just gloss over it or ignore these stories.

David T. Lamb has obviously researched these issues, and has given us a well-rounded, yet humorous, look into the lives of the biblical prostitutes and polygamists. I loved how he spotlights God's forgiveness!

I believe I have learned something new, and enjoyed myself in the meantime. I don't usually spend a lot of time in the Old Testament, and I felt forced to hunker down and check the scriptures/stories for myself. If nothing else, this is a great source to get you back in the Word. This book also reminded me that if God can use them, certainly He can use me too! There is hope for us all!

[Dustin Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever seen the "Biblical Marriage meme" (Google it) seeking to topple the idea there is an ideal version of marriage authorized by God, this may be a helpful read. This is a useful starting point for making sense of the sexual misbehavior in the Old Testament and the weird laws that accompany it. It's not uncommon for folks, including the creators of the aforementioned meme to confuse "what is" with "what ought to be" in the Old Testament. In other words, just because the OT includes polygamists, rapists, adulterers, etc. doesn't mean God endorses any of those things. The good news found in the OT is: "God graciously invites people with sexual issues to be part of his mission to accomplish his purposes in the world."

If you don't want to read Christopher Wright's dense book on Old Testament law, this is a much more accessible and popular level summary of how the Old Testament addresses sexual issues and reveals how progressive these laws are compared to other ANE cultures regarding how they protect and take care of victims and the "least of these."

[M.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

During a recent overview course on the Old Testament in church, I began to realize that most of the depictions of male / female relationships were overwhelmingly negative. Lamb's book is a good way to make some sense of why that might be and what one can learn from it.

His humor can help carry the reader along through some difficult chapters, even if it is at times a bit corny. In a world like the one we live in, which seems increasingly broken with each passing year, his examination of the way the Bible deals frankly with the sexual brokenness of yesteryear is much-needed. It provided the thoughtful perspective on these topics that I was looking for and, moreover, made me yearn for the day when all such wounds will be healed in the world to come.

[Eddie Mercado · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good introductory look at the sexual scandals found in Scripture (primarily the OT). What are we to do with laws against polygamy when most of our OT heroes were themselves polygamists? Lamb handles his question fairly and well. With a good discussion on description/prescription, I would recommend this to anyone who wonders how Christians are to respond when confronted on issues concerning biblical sexual ethics. I certainly didn't agree with everything, and his humor was hit or miss (maybe I'm getting boring), but there is a lot to appreciate here. Spoiler: the OT stories and laws discussed here ultimately point to Christ!!

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In general, a good treatment of the sexually problematic passages in the Old Testament. Lamb makes the point well that problems we see today concerning marriage and sexuality are nothing new under the sun. He also give clear guidance on dealing with these issues as they appear in our own lives and ministries. My main complaint is in his treatment of Sodom. While it does serve to balance out some of the myopic focus on Sodom's sexual sin, to my mind it comes close to dismissing it. I was disappointed that there was no reference either in the text, the footnotes, or the Bibliography to the extensive work of Robert Gagnon. For Gagnon's treatment of Sodom, see here: https://vimeo.com/69724600

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davis T. Lamb has written an enlightening book about stories from the Bible. I liked his writing style and enjoyed the controversial and difficult stories he's taken on to explain. This would be a great reference book in a collection or as a addendum to reading the Bible. Some stories will make the reader laugh out loud, others will leave them speechless. Great book!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title and concept of this book captured my attention greatly. I had mixed feelings about the content, however. It certainly made me consider much and question much more.
Rating: 2/5 (Translation: It was ok.)

[Trishia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. The author takes several difficult and serious sexual topics found in the Old Testament and, in an amazingly informative manner mixed with witty humor, unwraps them in a Biblical manner.