Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the topic of incest is addressed in various contexts, one of which involves the patriarch Abraham. The account of Abraham's marriage to Sarah, who is identified as his half-sister, is a notable instance that has been the subject of much discussion and interpretation within biblical scholarship.Biblical Account The relationship between Abraham and Sarah is first introduced in Genesis 11:29-31, where Sarah is mentioned as the wife of Abram (later named Abraham). The specific familial connection is clarified in Genesis 20:12, where Abraham explains to Abimelech, king of Gerar, "Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not of my mother—and she became my wife" . This verse indicates that Sarah was Abraham's half-sister, sharing the same father, Terah, but having a different mother. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, marriages between close relatives, including half-siblings, were not uncommon and were often practiced to preserve family lineage and property. The cultural norms of the time permitted such unions, which were later explicitly prohibited in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 18:9 states, "You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere" . This prohibition reflects a shift in the legal and moral standards given to the Israelites. Theological Implications The marriage of Abraham and Sarah, despite its classification as incest by later standards, is presented in the Bible without explicit condemnation. Abraham is regarded as a man of faith, and his covenantal relationship with God is central to the biblical narrative. The focus on Abraham's faith and obedience, as seen in passages like Genesis 15:6, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" , underscores the theological emphasis on faith over legalistic adherence in the patriarchal narratives. Interpretative Considerations From a conservative Christian perspective, the account of Abraham and Sarah is often understood within the framework of progressive revelation. This view suggests that God's moral and legal instructions were revealed progressively over time, culminating in the comprehensive laws given to Moses. The absence of explicit condemnation of Abraham's marriage to Sarah in the Genesis account is seen as reflective of the cultural and historical context rather than an endorsement of incestuous relationships. Conclusion The narrative of Abraham and Sarah provides insight into the complexities of biblical family dynamics and the evolving understanding of moral and legal standards in Scripture. While later biblical law clearly prohibits incest, the account of Abraham and Sarah is situated within a broader theological narrative that emphasizes faith and covenantal relationship with God. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 20:12,13And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. Nave's Topical Index Library Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility The Seventh Commandment Book 1 Footnotes: Against Heresies Theophilus. Index of Subjects. Chapter xxxvii Chapter xliii Chapter xix The Nations of the South-East Resources Why should I not have an abortion? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about a pre-Adamic race? | GotQuestions.org Who was Cain's wife? Was Cain's wife his sister? | GotQuestions.org Incest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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