Topical Bible: Temptation: Abraham Leads Pharaoh

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The account of Abraham leading Pharaoh into temptation is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 12:10-20. This narrative occurs shortly after God calls Abram (later named Abraham) to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him, promising to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3).

Context and Background

The account unfolds during a time of famine in the land of Canaan, prompting Abram to travel to Egypt to sojourn there. The decision to go to Egypt is significant, as Egypt often symbolizes a place of refuge but also a place of potential moral and spiritual danger. Abram's journey to Egypt sets the stage for a test of faith and integrity.

The Deception

As Abram approaches Egypt, he becomes concerned about the beauty of his wife Sarai (later named Sarah). Fearing that the Egyptians might kill him to take Sarai, Abram instructs her to say that she is his sister. This half-truth—since Sarai is indeed his half-sister (Genesis 20:12)—is intended to protect Abram but ultimately leads to a moral compromise.

Genesis 12:11-13 records Abram's words to Sarai: "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.'"

Pharaoh's Involvement

Upon entering Egypt, Sarai's beauty is indeed noticed by the Egyptians, and she is taken into Pharaoh's house. Pharaoh, believing Sarai to be Abram's sister, treats Abram well for her sake, giving him sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels (Genesis 12:14-16). This act of taking Sarai into his house, while not yet consummated, places Pharaoh in a position of unwitting sin due to Abram's deception.

Divine Intervention and Revelation

The Lord intervenes by afflicting Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. This divine action reveals the truth to Pharaoh, who confronts Abram. Genesis 12:17-19 states: "But the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, 'What have you done to me? Why did you not 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!'"

Moral and Theological Implications

Abram's actions in Egypt highlight the complexities of faith and fear. His decision to deceive Pharaoh reflects a lapse in trust in God's protection and promises. Despite this, God's faithfulness remains evident as He protects Sarai and Abram, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

The narrative also underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and intervention. God's plagues on Pharaoh's household serve as a protective measure for Sarai and a corrective for Abram's lack of faith. This incident foreshadows future events in the biblical narrative, where God would again use plagues to deliver His people from Egypt.

Lessons and Reflections

The account of Abram leading Pharaoh into temptation serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit and the importance of trusting in God's provision and protection. It reminds believers of the need for integrity and faithfulness, even in challenging circumstances. The account also illustrates God's grace and mercy, as He remains committed to His covenant promises despite human failings.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 12:18,19
And Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this that you have done to me? why did you not tell me that she was your wife?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

And Bring us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil
... writing, of all that He did with Abraham and all ... in the clause Bring us not into
temptation and in ... statement in the Proverbs, but God rightly leads men into ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xix and bring us.htm

A Paradox
... While he that rather braves temptation, because he feels so ... In the fancied strength
of Abraham, by which he ... the forces of a resolute spirit, and leads him to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a paradox.htm

Hebrews xii. 6-Apr
... writing to the Corinthians, "There hath no temptation taken you ... that the wide and
broad way leads to destruction ... Or should I speak of Abraham, his wanderings one ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxix hebrews xii 6-apr.htm

All Joy in all Trials
... descending upon a ladder, the top of which leads to the ... we may say this much: the
trial or temptation of each ... When God did tempt Abraham he was bidden to take ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/all joy in all trials.htm

Motives to Holy Mourning
... As when Abraham was going to strike the blow, the angel ... This is the road that leads
to the new Jerusalem. ... it will not so easily take the fire of temptation. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/8 motives to holy mourning.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... of the covenant which Jehovah had made with Abraham, and with ... it, for I felt she
was farther removed from temptation. ... Thus opposition to the truth leads to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Adoption
... Many godly parents have wicked sons; Abraham had an Ishmael ... to treason - so the good
Spirit leads God's children ... promised to be a sun; in temptation, to tread ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Body of, [167]81; the seed of Abraham, [168]124 ... Grace of God, leads to confession,
[465]117; in Christ ... 489]12; hating wrongfully a dangerous temptation, [490]110 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Chapter xlii
... cancels the effects of incipient sin and leads the brothers ... Egypt in time of famine
as Abraham had (Genesis 12 ... Job said in his most grievous temptation does not ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlii.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Abraham, humility of, [2]175, [3]439; heartiness of, [4 ... play, [465]42; his craft
in the Temptation, [466]181 ... 307, 527; hinders devotion, [553]308; leads to sin ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm