Today’s daf TB Sanhedrin 21 defines the difference between a concubine and a wife. “The Gemara asks about this verse: What is the meaning of “wives” and what is the meaning of “concubines” in that verse? Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: Wives receive a marriage contract and betrothal; concubines are taken without a marriage contract and without betrothal.” (Sefaria.org translation)
We know that
the king is not allowed to have more than 18 wives. Maimonides and Raavad
disagree whether concubines count towards the number 18 wives or not.
Maimonides holds that concubines are included into the total number of 18
wives. A king may have no more than 18 wives and concubines in total. Raavad disagrees
and holds that concubines are not included into the total number of 18 wives. A
king can have no more than 18 wives, but as many concubines as he wishes.
We know from
our own history and the history of other kingdoms, much of palace intrigue
involves co-wives plotting against one another to become dominant and assure
her children the throne.
A wise king
would only have one wife and that’s it.
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