Within the African psyche, the archetypical pattern for the family is that of one man with multiple wives. In contrast, because of the European’s nature, orientation, and proclivity, marriage has a different function, definition, and connotation that are based on natural law. The African’s concept of, one man with multiple wives is the inherent tendency to fulfill the commandment that God gave the original man, “be fruitful and multiply”( Genesis 1:28). The African considers life to be a gift from God, a return of an ancestor, and a blessing to the extended family. The encounter of European ethics and morality with those of continental African cultures was shocking and resulted in an extremely superficial and narrow interpretation of the African extended family. This short-sighted interpretation is owed to the Europeans soul-level, dearth of consciousness, and lack of communion with spirituality. The narrow vista of the European consciousness and heart, could not envision or grasp such a broad-based family construct that was seeming, free of attachments. This, of course, led to a complete mischaracterization of the African man. The narrow vista of the European was on a carnal, primal, base, sexual, or animalistic level. Therefore, the African man was characterized as misogynistic, while Africans in general, were immoral and pagan. For centuries, the Church has advanced monogamy and vehemently taught against the African’s concept of family. The notion of monogamy has failed miserably with a divorce rate of more than 50%.
Submerged in the heterogeneous population, the African Hebrew Israelites maintained that the extended family in the Torah is the model of the “ Holy-family”. Abraham and Moses were polygamous, so were King David and his wise son, King Solomon. These architects of righteousness and progenitors of holiness were all polygamous. The Tzdik, Yaakov (Jacob ) was polygamous, he fathered twelve sons and one daughter with four women. The nation of Israel is the fruit of Ha Shem, it is holiness born of polygyny. Opponents of the African extended family have suggested that polygyny is antithetical to the plan of God for modern society. However, this logic contradicts the words of Ha Shem, “ if another wife he shall take, in addition to her food and clothing or her conjugal rights he shall not decrease”. If a man takes another wife his responsibility to the first remains in full force ( Exodus 21:10). Ensuring that the husband maintains his responsibilities to the first wife is an acknowledgment by Ha Shem of his consent to multiple wives. The words of the Torah are truthful and eternal; they refute any argument against polygyny. The patriarchs and matriarchs epitomized spiritual enlightenment, and yet, the needs of their nature were also fulfilled.
Going forward, the dominant culture has opted for homosexuality, sexual non-specificity, and cohabitation with animals, which is in accordance with the natural laws that govern their behavior. Exempted by nature from homosexuality, and uncertain sexual identity, in the context of a holy polygamous family, we Israelites live by a spiritual code of conduct given by heaven which satisfies man’s spiritual life and affords the physical intimacy that is essential to the procreation of our species. The Hebrews have a commandment to be fruitful and multiply. This commandment is particularly cogent at this present critical juncture of redemption, as we discard the past and inappropriate values such as monogamy. It is time for African Hebrew Israelites to plan strategically for their extended holy families. This planning requires prayer, discernment, discretion, and consultation with the African Elders. The filth of the exile and Babylonian immorality must be first washed away by means of the weekly Mikveh, the ancient Hebrew purification immersion ritual for both men and women as well, subsequent to their menstrual cycles. The extended African family tradition, mores, and proclivities have been besmirched and denigrated by non-Africans. This has been especially true of the Church, that external agent of colonialism that has worked against the African family under the veneer holiness. It seeks to replace African values with those of Europe. Within the past fifty years, the dominant society has struggled with its identity. The concept of the family has been challenged, fragmented, and undergone a metamorphosis. There is no singular or monolithic definition for the word family anymore. It has become abundantly clear that the family structure within the Judeo-Christian scriptures which characterized the family as a man and wife has been aborted by its advocates, and is no longer applicable in the 21st century. In light of such a drastic and radical transformation, the Black American or Hebrew Israelites can Ill- afford to remain in the shadows of deception by the pretentious act of monogamy; it was imposed against your volition, like your biblical forefathers the patriarchs you are polygamous!
Therefore, in this redemptive cycle of self-determination, it is Ha Shem’s will for you to build a family that is consistent with your values, your nature, and the words of the Torah. Moreover, keep in mind, that the Torah is a book of holy letters that reflects the will of Ha Shem. It is Ha Shem that inspires a man to build his extended family in the image of the saints, forefathers, and prophets. Everything here on earth is an exercise that further opens the heart in preparation for the world to come and the extended African family does just that, by advancing the concept of unity within diversity. It is prophesied in Isaiah 4:1 that seven women shall take hold of one man saying, we will eat our own bread and wear our clothes, just let us be called by your name to take away our reproach. This prophecy is being fulfilled, in this our day. It is both a glorious, as well as a dark day for the Hebrew Israelites, for even though we have survived slavery; we are severely lacking and nearly broken. The Hebrew woman is to be congratulated for her great faith in Ha Shem. She has been the pillar, the rock, and the foundation on which we must continue to build. I was taught by a Hebrew Ima that by nature, a holy- man has many spiritual wives. She elaborated further by teaching that in this redemptive cycle, marriage is to be understood as a holy institution; a spiritual union created for the purpose of magnifying righteousness. The Hebrew woman is by nature holy, and virtuous. She will, like the four matriarchs before her; Leah, Zipah, Bilhah, and Rachael; discover the holy bonds of sacred femininity; on which the African extended family tradition is built. The Hebrew word for mother is “Ima”; mother knows the true nature of her son. The return to polygyny and the African holy family is a return to truth, self-determination, and a sacred lifestyle that yields holiness. The African extended family construct is the framework in which to build our future.
Dr. Yisrael offers an introductory Hebrew reading course, he is available for personal instruction into the self-reflection technology of consciousness. Interested parties should contact him at: Babayshua@gmail.com