Genesis 12:10-20
Genesis 12:10-20
Chapter 12 opens with the call of Abram and the introduction of what is known as the Abrahamic Covenant. In this covenant, God promises his blessing on Abram and his future family. It is clear that God is going to bless him, but what is also clear is that God does not bless on the merit of Abram, but out of His grace and mercy.
In a confusing timeline of events, Abram lies to Pharaoh and says that Sarai is his sister instead of his wife. The ESV Study Bible describes this passage like this:
A severe famine in Canaan forces Abram to seek refuge in Egypt. Because of the Nile River, the land of Egypt was better placed to provide food for man and beast during a time of drought. The events described in this section raise many questions that go unanswered, creating a sense of ambiguity as to how the behavior of everyone involved should be judged. As is common in biblical stories, the narrator gives no direct evaluation of the participants’ actions, leaving the reader to figure out the ethical questions. In this passage, the first readers (Israel following Moses) would have seen how God kept his promise to Abram, in spite of all threats, and in spite of the morally dubious actions even of Abram himself.
The simplest explanation of what Abram did is that he was operating out of a fear of man that resulted in a lack of trust in God. The unironic result of this is that God is the one who spared him and got him out of the mess that Abram himself created. Does that sound familiar? Isn’t that the story of every one of us?
There is also foreshadowing to be aware of in this passage:
What’s the point? We see that: God blesses, man (in this case Abram) sins and goes against God’s design, God in his grace forgives and redeems situations. This is a pattern that you will see in Genesis, the rest of the BIble, and in your life. Why? Because the Bible is a book about God—how God redeems and gives hope to the completely undeserving, which is everyone.
Question for Reflection/Discussion: What in your life is most likely to steal your trust in God? (The future? Relationships? Money? Relaxation?)
By: Graham Withers
Chapter 12 opens with the call of Abram and the introduction of what is known as the Abrahamic Covenant. In this covenant, God promises his blessing on Abram and his future family. It is clear that God is going to bless him, but what is also clear is that God does not bless on the merit of Abram, but out of His grace and mercy.
In a confusing timeline of events, Abram lies to Pharaoh and says that Sarai is his sister instead of his wife. The ESV Study Bible describes this passage like this:
A severe famine in Canaan forces Abram to seek refuge in Egypt. Because of the Nile River, the land of Egypt was better placed to provide food for man and beast during a time of drought. The events described in this section raise many questions that go unanswered, creating a sense of ambiguity as to how the behavior of everyone involved should be judged. As is common in biblical stories, the narrator gives no direct evaluation of the participants’ actions, leaving the reader to figure out the ethical questions. In this passage, the first readers (Israel following Moses) would have seen how God kept his promise to Abram, in spite of all threats, and in spite of the morally dubious actions even of Abram himself.
The simplest explanation of what Abram did is that he was operating out of a fear of man that resulted in a lack of trust in God. The unironic result of this is that God is the one who spared him and got him out of the mess that Abram himself created. Does that sound familiar? Isn’t that the story of every one of us?
There is also foreshadowing to be aware of in this passage:
- The judgment that came upon Pharaoh because of Sarai looks ahead to the judgment that would come upon future generations because of the affliction of the people of Israel under the hand of Pharaoh with Moses.
- The pattern of husbands lying about their wives being their sisters continues with Isaac (see Gen. 26).
What’s the point? We see that: God blesses, man (in this case Abram) sins and goes against God’s design, God in his grace forgives and redeems situations. This is a pattern that you will see in Genesis, the rest of the BIble, and in your life. Why? Because the Bible is a book about God—how God redeems and gives hope to the completely undeserving, which is everyone.
Question for Reflection/Discussion: What in your life is most likely to steal your trust in God? (The future? Relationships? Money? Relaxation?)
By: Graham Withers
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