Abram in Egypt

A severe famine occurred in the land, which caused Abram to travel down to Egypt to stay there for a time (Genesis 12:10). As they approached the border of Egypt, Abram spoke to his wife Sarai. He noted that she was a woman of beautiful appearance and expressed fear that the Egyptians would kill him to take her if they knew she was his wife. He instructed her to say she was his sister so that he would be treated well and his life would be spared (Genesis 12:11-13). The text does not say how Sarai responded to this request.

Upon entering Egypt, the Egyptians observed that Sarai was very beautiful. Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh, resulting in the woman being taken into Pharaoh’s house (Genesis 12:14-15). Because of her, Pharaoh treated Abram well. Abram acquired sheep, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels (Genesis 12:16). The text does not say how long Sarai remained in the palace or the specific nature of her interactions with Pharaoh during this period.

However, the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with serious diseases because of Abram’s wife Sarai (Genesis 12:17). Pharaoh summoned Abram and questioned why he had not disclosed that Sarai was his wife. He asked why Abram had claimed she was his sister, leading Pharaoh to take her to be his wife (Genesis 12:18-19). Pharaoh then returned Sarai to Abram and commanded his men to send them away. Abram departed with his wife and all that he possessed (Genesis 12:20). The text does not say whether Abram offered any verbal defense or apology to Pharaoh.