Abram Goes to Egypt

Story of Faith and Fear

 Bible Study Lessons -- Genesis 12:10-20

Every action we take has consequences. The old saying goes; "Oh, what a dreadful web we weave, when we practice to deceive."

In this Old Testament reading the story rings true. When Abram deceived the Pharaoh about the status of his wife Sarai, Egypt paid the consequences in this Bible study lesson from Genesis. Read the story of faith and fear.

12:10 Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land.

 

11 It came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, "See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman;

 

12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me, but they will let you live.

 

13 "Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you."

 

14 It came about when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.

 

15 Pharaoh's officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.

 

16 Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and gave him sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female servants and female donkeys and camels.

 

17 But the LORD struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife.

 

18 Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, "What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?

 

19 "Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her and go."

 

20 Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they escorted him away, with his wife and all that belonged to him.

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This is the Word of the Lord .... It's meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live our lives.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

Abram ( Abraham ) and the Consequence of Sarai

Tests of Faith

There was one main reason Abram went to Egypt - Food! The famine was going strong but there was enough to eat in Egypt. The famine was a test of Abram's faith and this was yet another obstacle in his path of following God.

Keeping Our Faith During Tough Times

We encounter these same difficulties when we choose to follow God. When this happens, let's think of the hardship as a test to see if we are really worthy to be a disciple. Of course we can't earn our way into heaven but we do need faith during the difficult times. If we keep the faith, God will guide us through.

The Grip of Fear and Uncertainty

Now, back to Sarai. She was a strikingly beautiful woman and Abram knew that the Pharaoh would want her for his harem. So, Abram made the choice of getting Sarai to lie for him to keep him from being killed for the spoils of his wife and his fortune. This was an act of fear but, what would we do in this situation?

Circumstance, Motivations and Actions

The lesson from this Old Testament reading is not so much about deception but about the loss of faith. How quickly it can fade - given the right circumstances.

As great as Abram's faith was in taking his first journey into Egypt, it transferred quickly to fear when the odds were against him. Acting out of desperation instead of faith - Abram lied, and coaxed Sarai to lie also. This is not a condemnation of Abram but does show his human characteristics.

When Fear Strikes

Many times, we too act out of fear instead of faith. It's a normal human response to danger. The next time you feel that the world is coming down on you and your last hope has just slipped away, talk to God - have just a little bit of faith (mustard seed faith), and God will work it out - in His time and in His way. He has no fear and will lend you He furnishes power through the Holy Spirit if you only trust Him.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Genesis 9:1-17 - The Rainbow Connection