“Which Thing Was Abominable Before Me”

At issue here is the antecedent to the phrase “which thing.” Those eager to condemn the practice of plural marriage in the early years of this dispensation have used this text to argue that Jacob is denouncing the practice of plural marriage. Such is neither textually nor doctrinally correct. At various times God has called upon his people to enter that marriage discipline given to Abraham, the practice known as plural marriage. There is no indication whatsoever in the biblical account that God was in any way displeased or even concerned that Abraham took Hagar, Sarah’s handmaid, to wife (Genesis 16). We learn, in fact, in modern revelation that God himself commanded it (see D&C 132).

“Many Wives and Concubines”

Modern revelation places the entire question into a proper doctrinal and historical perspective: “Abraham received concubines, and they bore him children, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness, because they were given unto him [by God], and he abode in my law as Isaac also and Jacob did none other things than that which they were commanded and because they did none other things than that which they were commanded, they have entered into their exaltation, according to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are gods.

David also received many wives and concubines, and also Solomon and Moses my servant, as, also many others of my servants, from the beginning of creation until this time; and in nothing did they sin save in those things which they received not of me. David’s wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power; and in none of these things did he sin against me save in the case of Uriah and his wife [Bathsheba]; and, therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation, and received his portion; and he shall not inherit them [his wives] out of the world, for I gave them unto another, saith the Lord.” (D&C 132:37-39; italics added.)

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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