Ask a Pastor Column

Q: Starting with Adam and Eve, did people marry their siblings in the Old Testament? If so, why?

A: This is a question that I have often been asked. First let me say the historical account of Genesis does not explain where Cain got his wife, or why individuals like Abraham married close relatives (Abraham married his half-sister, Sarah), or whether it was permissible for them to do so. In short, the Bible does not directly answer this question.

Because the authoritative word of God is silent on the subject we are free to come up with a best-guess by drawing from scientific research and sanctif...