Kicked out of Egypt

Genesis 12:10-13:1

By Abram’s day, the desertification of the Sahara was established, and much of the Middle east was becoming increasingly dry, and droughts became common. Competition for food began to force people to seek new areas where food was more readily available. Though Abram was following God’s direction, he was still subject to the same problems others suffered. As Matthew 5:45 declares, “…for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Being where God wants us does not make us immune to difficulties.

“And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.” (Genesis 12:10)

As the area became dryer and the population increased, the ability to irrigate crops became more important and the Egyptians developed extensive irrigation projects. The cooperation required led to the formation of the Old Kingdom to facilitate that cooperation. Because they had an abundance of food, other people were attracted to Egypt as well. The Egyptian government became stronger in an attempt to prevent others from taking over. At some point, worship of the kings was introduced and the beginnings of the later religion began to develop, reaching it’s peak during the Middle Kingdom. They didn’t consider Pharaoh a God yet when Abram went there.

“And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.” (Genesis 12:11-13)

Abram was seventy five when he left Haran, several years before, and Sarai was about ten years younger. As we’ve seen already, most people still lived a couple hundred or more years, although the life spans were decreasing. Abram’s concern indicates that, at least in Canaan, it was not uncommon for a man to be murdered if someone decided they wanted his wife for themselves. While Abram had enough servants to protect them in the less occupied area of Canaan, a powerful man in Egypt might have a force he couldn’t defend himself against.

Abram developed a scheme to reduce his danger. If she claimed to be his sister instead of his wife, they would not want to offend her, and would, hopefully, not kill Abraham to get her. Not wanting him killed, she agreed to do so.

“And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.” (Genesis 12:14-16)

Human nature has always been the same and a good looking woman attracts men’s interest. Sarai’s beauty was noticed and talked about and it wasn’t long before Pharaoh started hearing about her and began courting her, inviting her to enjoy the luxury of the palace. He began to give Abram gifts as well, trying to enlist his support in winning her to be his wife.

“And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.” (Genesis 12:17)

Sarai was already Abram’s wife. To leave Abram and marry Pharaoh would be adultery, as Jesus points out in Mark 10:11-12. “And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” God caused plagues on Pharaoh and his family because he was considering taking her, even though he hadn’t yet done so. Unlike many, Pharaoh paid attention to what was happening.

“And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way. And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.” (Genesis 12:18-20)

Pharaoh was upset that Abram’s failure to trust God had resulted in his lying to him and exposed him and his family to God’s judgment. He would never have even considered taking her if he had known she was married. He ordered him to leave Egypt toe prevent it happening again. While such and attitude was acceptable among the Canaanites, it was not acceptable to the Egyptians at the time.

“And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.” (Genesis 13:1)

Abram was forced to leave Egypt and returned to the southern part of Canaan, where God had commanded him to go.