What previous event in Genesis parallels Abraham's actions in Genesis 20:2? Setting the Scene Genesis 20:2—“And Abraham said of his wife Sarah, ‘She is my sister.’ So Abimelek king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.” The Earlier Parallel: Egypt Deception (Genesis 12:10-20) • In a famine, Abram went down to Egypt. • Genesis 12:13—“Please say you are my sister, so that it may go well with me for your sake and my life will be spared on your account.” • Pharaoh took Sarai into his palace; the LORD afflicted Pharaoh’s household, leading to Abram’s departure from Egypt. Points of Comparison • Same strategy—claiming Sarah/Sarai is Abram’s sister. • Same motive—fear for personal safety in a foreign land. • Same result—ruler takes Sarah; divine intervention protects her (Genesis 12:17; 20:3-7). • Same outcome—Abram leaves wealthier but rebuked by a pagan ruler (Genesis 12:16, 19-20; 20:14-16). What We Learn • Human tendency to repeat old sins despite prior lessons (cf. Proverbs 26:11). • God’s faithfulness overrides human failure, preserving the covenant line (Genesis 17:19; 20:18). • Even pagan kings recognize God’s standards, highlighting Abraham’s lapse (Genesis 20:9-10). Related Scriptures • Psalm 103:14—“For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” • 2 Timothy 2:13—“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” |
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