Men with infertile wives were allowed to have sex with servants their wives provided “to bear children,” (Law 146, Hammurabi Code, 1700s BC). That’s how Abraham (2100s BC) got his first son, Ishmael, born of Hagar—the Egyptian servant of Abraham’s 76-year-old wife Sarah. Who’s Who and Where’s Where in the Bible 2.0, p. 19.
About Stephen M. Miller
STEPHEN M. MILLER is an award winning bestselling Christian author of easy-reading books about the Bible and Christianity and author of the Casual English Bible® paraphrase. His books have sold over two million copies and include The Complete Guide to the Bible and Who’s and Where’s Where in the Bible.
It seems to me the laws of society underwent refinement as human existence on this planet lengthened. I think we still see that happening today.
I agree the laws are constantly changing. Not always for the better. They sometimes bounce around between dumb, dumber, and pretty good.