Biblical Context:
The account of Pharaoh confronting Abram is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 12:10-20. This narrative occurs shortly after God calls Abram to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He would show him, promising to make Abram a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Abram's journey of faith leads him to Canaan, but a severe famine forces him to seek refuge in Egypt.

The Incident:
As Abram approaches Egypt, he becomes concerned about the beauty of his wife, Sarai. Fearing that the Egyptians might kill him to take Sarai, he instructs her to say that she is his sister. This decision reflects a moment of human frailty and lack of trust in God's protection. Genesis 12:11-13 records Abram's words to Sarai: "When 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 Reaction:
Sarai's beauty indeed captures the attention of the Egyptians, and she is taken into Pharaoh's palace. As a result, Abram is treated well, receiving sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels (Genesis 12:14-16). However, this deception leads to divine intervention. The LORD afflicts Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife (Genesis 12:17).

Pharaoh, realizing the cause of his afflictions, confronts Abram. In Genesis 12:18-19 , Pharaoh says, "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 rebuke highlights the moral and ethical implications of Abram's actions, as well as the protective hand of God over His covenant people.

Abram's Departure:
Pharaoh orders Abram to leave Egypt, and he does so with his wife and all his possessions. Genesis 12:20 states, "Then Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they sent him away with his wife and all his possessions." This departure marks a significant moment in Abram's journey, as he returns to the land of Canaan, where God's promises would continue to unfold.

Theological Implications:
This episode underscores several key themes in the biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the faithfulness of God in protecting His chosen ones, even when they falter. Despite Abram's deception, God intervenes to preserve the integrity of His covenant promise. Secondly, it serves as a reminder of the moral complexities faced by God's people and the importance of trust in divine providence. Lastly, the narrative foreshadows the future deliverance of Abram's descendants from Egypt, establishing a pattern of God's redemptive work throughout history.