Topical Bible: Temptation: Yielding to Sarah, to Lie

◄ Temptation: Yielding to Sarah, to Lie ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the theme of temptation is recurrent, often illustrating the moral and spiritual struggles faced by individuals. One such instance is the temptation to yield to deceit, as seen in the account of Abraham and Sarah. This account is found in the Book of Genesis and highlights the complexities of human decision-making when faced with fear and uncertainty.

Context and Background

The account unfolds during a period of famine in the land of Canaan, prompting Abram (later named Abraham) to journey to Egypt with his wife Sarai (later named Sarah). Aware of Sarai's beauty and fearing for his own life, Abram anticipates that the Egyptians might kill him to take Sarai as Pharaoh's wife. In Genesis 12:11-13 , Abram instructs Sarai, "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."

The Temptation and Yielding

Abram's request for Sarai to lie about her identity is a clear instance of yielding to temptation. The temptation here is multifaceted: it involves fear for personal safety, a lack of trust in God's protection, and a willingness to compromise truth for self-preservation. This decision reflects a momentary lapse in faith, as Abram chooses deception over reliance on God's promises.

Consequences and Divine Intervention

The consequences of this deception are significant. Sarai is taken into Pharaoh's palace, and Abram benefits materially as a result of the lie, receiving sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels (Genesis 12:16). However, the Lord intervenes by afflicting Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues, revealing the truth of Sarai's identity. Pharaoh confronts Abram, saying, "What have you done to me? Why did you not tell me she was your wife?" (Genesis 12:18). Abram and Sarai are then sent away from Egypt, but not without the repercussions of their actions.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of yielding to temptation, particularly the temptation to lie. It underscores the importance of faith and trust in God's providence, even in dire circumstances. The narrative also highlights the potential for divine intervention and mercy, as God protects Sarai and ultimately preserves the covenant promise made to Abram.

The account of Abram and Sarai's deception in Egypt is a reminder of the human propensity to falter under pressure and the need for steadfast faith. It illustrates the complexities of moral choices and the enduring consequences of yielding to temptation, while also pointing to the possibility of redemption and divine grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 12:13
Say, I pray you, you are my sister: that it may be well with me for your sake; and my soul shall live because of you.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 18:13-15
And the LORD said to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 20:13
And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, This is your kindness which you shall show to me; at every place where we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed
... a question on the discourse, instead of yielding to its ... that stand upright in the
hour of temptation, and will not ... called one day at the tent of Sarah, and his ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/mr evil-questioning tried and executed.htm

Dialogue iii. --The Impassible.
... called a type of the old covenant; Sarah is likened ... He was not immortal; and what
perils lie in the ... In His temptation, His crucifixion and His dying, the Word ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue iii the impassible.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... art now upon the waves of affliction and temptation, when thou ... it; but asserting
it, they let it lie, for faith ... which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm