Topical Encyclopedia The account of the Egyptians' hospitality to Abraham is primarily found in the book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 12:10-20. This narrative provides insight into the interactions between Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, and the Egyptians during a time of famine.Context and Background Abraham, originally named Abram, was called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1). In obedience, Abraham traveled to Canaan. However, a severe famine struck the land, prompting Abraham to seek refuge in Egypt (Genesis 12:10). This decision set the stage for his encounter with the Egyptians. The Encounter in Egypt Upon approaching Egypt, Abraham expressed concern for his safety due to the beauty of his wife, Sarai (later Sarah). Fearing that the Egyptians might kill him to take Sarai, he instructed her to say she was his sister (Genesis 12:11-13). This half-truth was rooted in the fact that Sarai was indeed his half-sister (Genesis 20:12). When Abraham and Sarai arrived in Egypt, the Egyptians observed Sarai's beauty and praised her to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Consequently, Sarai was taken into Pharaoh's palace (Genesis 12:14-15). In return for Sarai, Pharaoh treated Abraham well, bestowing upon him sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels (Genesis 12:16). This act of generosity highlights the Egyptians' initial hospitality towards Abraham. Divine Intervention and Departure However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai, Abraham's wife (Genesis 12:17). Realizing the cause of these afflictions, Pharaoh summoned Abraham and confronted him about his deception (Genesis 12:18-19). Despite the deceit, Pharaoh's response was notably restrained. He returned Sarai to Abraham and ordered his men to send them away with all their possessions (Genesis 12:20). Significance The Egyptians' hospitality to Abraham, though complicated by the deception, reflects a broader theme of divine protection and provision for Abraham. Despite the potential for conflict, God intervened to preserve His covenant with Abraham, ensuring his safety and prosperity even in a foreign land. This episode underscores the faithfulness of God to His promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through Abraham and his descendants. The narrative also serves as a testament to the complex interactions between the Israelites and the Egyptians, foreshadowing future events in the biblical narrative, including the eventual sojourn of the Israelites in Egypt and their subsequent exodus. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 12:10-20And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. Nave's Topical Index Library From Abraham to Egypt. The Nations of the South-East The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah. The Training of a Statesman. The Works of John Cassian. The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat. Chapter xxiv The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus. Eusebius: Constantine. General Index. Resources What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Rapha? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the purpose of the biblical sign gifts? | GotQuestions.org What is Passover? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Egyptians: Aid the Israelites Against the Chaldeans Egyptians: Alliances With, Forbidden to the Israelites Egyptians: An Enthusiastic Egyptian Instigated Rebellion Against Roman Government Egyptians: Conversion of, Foretold Egyptians: Descendants of the Mizraim Egyptians: Eligible to Membership in Israelite Congregation in the Third Generation Egyptians: Firstborn of Destroyed Egyptians: Hospitality of, to Abraham Egyptians: Intermarry With the Jews Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Pharaoh-Necho Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Shishak Egyptians: Oppress the Israelites Egyptians: Prophecies of Dispersion and Restoration of Egyptians: Pursue Israelites, and the Army of, Destroyed Egyptians: Refuse to Release the Israelites Egyptians: Refused to Eat With Hebrews Egyptians: Send the Israelites Away Egyptians: The Art of Embalming the Dead Practiced By Related Terms |
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