A '''concubine''' is a wife of secondary rank. Concubines were common in ancient middle eastern culture, especially among the affluent or powerful. From the Biblical patriarchs through the early kings, concubines were a part of the culture, culminating with [[Solomon]]'s 300 concubines. The [[Old Testament]] accepted concubinage and included laws to protect the rights of concubines. <ref>[http://www.studylight.org/dic/sbd/view.cgi?number=T1055 Smith's Bible Dictionary: Concubine]</ref> | A '''concubine''' is a wife of secondary rank. Concubines were common in ancient middle eastern culture, especially among the affluent or powerful. From the Biblical patriarchs through the early kings, concubines were a part of the culture, culminating with [[Solomon]]'s 300 concubines. The [[Old Testament]] accepted concubinage and included laws to protect the rights of concubines. <ref>[http://www.studylight.org/dic/sbd/view.cgi?number=T1055 Smith's Bible Dictionary: Concubine]</ref> |