Why was David not judged for having seven wives?

Answer 1

Polygamy was not prohibited in ancient Jewish practice, but monogamy has always been favored over it and considered a far better system. The Rabbis of the Talmud were also in favor of monogamy over polygamy, thus leading the way to modern Judaism's utter lack of polygamy.

Answer 2

Polygamy is shown in the Old Testament as a custom among the Israelites, at least for those who could afford more than one wife. Another example is at Judges 8:30, which says that Gideon also had many wives. Deuteronomy 21:15-17 sets out rules for inheritance, ensuring that in a polygamous relationship, sons are treated fairly.

Answer 3

Why should he be judged? Having wives, plural, was explicitly permitted for the king (Deuteronomy ch.17), as long as he did not have too many. Needless to say, that other nations practiced polygamy also. Solomon, who had hundreds of wives, was judged.

See also:

More about King David

King Solomon's errors