Topical Bible: Abraham: Sojourns in Egypt

◄ Abraham: Sojourns in Egypt ►

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Background and Context:
Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His journey to Egypt is a significant episode in his life, illustrating themes of faith, divine promise, and human frailty. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 12:10-20.

Famine in Canaan:
The narrative begins with a severe famine in the land of Canaan, where Abraham had settled following God's call to leave his homeland. Genesis 12:10 states, "Now there was a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while, because the famine was severe." This decision to move to Egypt highlights the challenges faced by Abraham and his reliance on God's guidance during times of hardship.

Fear and Deception:
Upon approaching Egypt, Abraham expresses concern for his safety due to the beauty of his wife, Sarai. Fearing that the Egyptians might kill him to take Sarai, he instructs her to say she is his sister. Genesis 12:11-13 records, "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:
As Abraham predicted, the Egyptians notice Sarai's beauty, and she is taken into Pharaoh's palace. Genesis 12:14-15 narrates, "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 she was taken into his palace." This development leads to Abraham receiving favorable treatment and acquiring wealth, including livestock and servants.

Divine Intervention and Plagues:
However, the Lord intervenes by afflicting Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai. Genesis 12:17 states, "But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai." This divine action underscores God's protection over Abraham and Sarai, despite Abraham's deception.

Pharaoh's Rebuke and Departure:
Pharaoh, upon discovering the truth about Sarai, confronts Abraham and questions his actions. Genesis 12:18-19 records Pharaoh's rebuke: "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!'" Pharaoh's response reflects a sense of justice and the importance of truth.

Return to Canaan:
Pharaoh orders Abraham to leave Egypt, and he departs with his wife and all his possessions. Genesis 12:20 concludes the episode: "Then Pharaoh gave orders concerning Abram, and his men sent him away, along with his wife and all his possessions." This departure marks the end of Abraham's sojourn in Egypt and his return to the land of Canaan, where he continues his journey of faith and fulfillment of God's promises.

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Genesis 12:10-20
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.
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Genesis 26:1
And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines to Gerar.
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Library

Of the Blessing which Jacob Promised in Judah his Son.
... people in whom the city of God sojourns in the ... flesh of Christ in the seed of Abraham,
setting aside ... hear, then, how Israel, when dying in Egypt, in blessing ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 41 of the blessing which.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... by unity, [829]517; this unity shown in the gift of tongues, [830]376, and figured
in the one seed of Abraham, [831]539 ... Egypt, glory of Church in, [985]526. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm