Abram had received a powerful promise from God. He would have a son, father a nation, and be a source of blessing to all the families of the Earth. Yet in the midst of this place of favor with God, Abram faced a famine and went to Egypt to find food. While he was headed to Egypt, he thought of a possible scenario that raised his concerns. Sarai was a “woman of beautiful countenance(v. 11).” The surrounding nations were, perhaps, a bit less civilized than most of our society today. Abram feared that he may be killed so that Pharoah or another powerful man could have her as his wife.
Abram asked her to tell a partial lie. I have often heard people, sometimes jokingly, about saying something that was not a complete lie, but also hid some of the truth. Any attempt to deceive, through active lying or through a calculated attempt to hide the truth, is never wise and is always immoral. Obviously, I am employing a bit of Oriental Hyperbole here, using the words never and always. However, no Christian should intentionally deceive.
Pharoah did notice Sarai, and took her into his house. She did say she was Abram’s sister–which she was his half-sister–but did not share that she was also his wife. Abram would have allowed his wife to be the sexual partner of another man in order to save his own life. How can this be!?
God sent plagues on Pharoah’s house. He finally figured out that Sarai was Abram’s wife, and questioned him as to his motives. He then sent them away. What can we learn from this? While Abram seemingly dodged a bullet in this case, he still set a dangerous precedent, which he will repeat later, and so will his son! Be sure that your sins will follow you. Sow evil and you will reap evil. Sow righteousness and righteousness will follow you all the days of your life!
Devoted To You 