Biblical Context:
Abram, later known as Abraham, is a central figure in the Book of Genesis. His journey to Egypt is a significant event that occurs in Genesis 12:10-20. This episode follows God's call to Abram to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him, which is the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1-9).

Famine in Canaan:
The narrative begins with a severe famine in the land of Canaan, prompting Abram to seek refuge in Egypt. Genesis 12:10 states, "Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while, because the famine was severe."

Abram's Deception:
As Abram approaches Egypt, he becomes concerned about the beauty of his wife Sarai (later Sarah) and the potential danger it poses to him. Fearing that the Egyptians might kill him to take Sarai, Abram devises a plan. He instructs Sarai to say that she is his sister. Genesis 12:11-13 records Abram's words: "As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, 'Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, "This is his wife." Then they will kill me but will let you live. Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.'"

Sarai Taken into Pharaoh's Palace:
Upon their arrival in Egypt, the Egyptians indeed notice Sarai's beauty. She is taken into Pharaoh's palace, and Abram is treated well for her sake. Genesis 12:14-16 describes the situation: "When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. When Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and the woman was taken into his palace. He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels."

Divine Intervention:
However, the Lord intervenes by afflicting Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai. Genesis 12:17 states, "But the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai."

Pharaoh's Confrontation and Abram's Departure:
Pharaoh, realizing the cause of the plagues, confronts Abram. He questions why Abram did not reveal that Sarai was his wife and orders them to leave Egypt. Genesis 12:18-20 recounts this confrontation: "So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, 'What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, "She is my sister," so that I took her as my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!' Then Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they sent him away with his wife and all his possessions."

Theological and Moral Implications:
Abram's journey to Egypt and the subsequent events highlight themes of fear, deception, and divine protection. Despite Abram's lack of faith in God's protection, God intervenes to preserve Sarai and Abram's future. This episode foreshadows the recurring biblical theme of God's faithfulness and protection over His chosen people, even when they falter.