Why Did Pharaoh Send Abram Away?
The story of Abram (later Abraham) in Egypt is one of the more intriguing episodes in the early biblical narrative. It is recorded in Genesis 12:10–20, and it illustrates themes of fear, deception, divine protection, and the consequences of human sin. The question of why Pharaoh sent Abram away involves examining both Abram’s actions and God’s intervention.
1. Context: Abram’s Sojourn in Egypt
At this point in the narrative, Abram had been called by God to leave his homeland of Ur of the Chaldeans and journey to a land God would show him—Canaan. God had promised Abram that he would become a great nation and that through him, all families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1–3).
However, a severe famine struck the land of Canaan. Facing scarcity of food, Abram went down to Egypt to find sustenance. This decision sets the stage for the encounter with Pharaoh.
2. Abram’s Fear and Deception
Abram feared for his life because Sarai, his wife, was very beautiful. He worried that the Egyptians might kill him to take her as a wife. To protect himself, Abram instructed Sarai to say that she was his sister rather than his wife.
This was technically true, as Sarai was his half-sister (Genesis 20:12), but the omission of their marital relationship constituted deception. Abram’s strategy was driven by fear, showing a lack of trust in God’s protection at that moment.
3. Pharaoh’s Response to Sarai
When Sarai entered Pharaoh’s palace, Pharaoh took her into his household. He also treated Abram well, giving him livestock, servants, and gifts because of Sarai (Genesis 12:16).
However, the situation was morally and spiritually complicated. By taking Sarai, Pharaoh unwittingly placed himself in a position that violated God’s covenantal order and would have put him in danger of divine judgment.
4. God’s Intervention
God intervened directly in the situation. The Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his household with serious plagues because of Sarai (Genesis 12:17). This shows that God’s protection over Abram and Sarai was active, even in a foreign land, and that God’s plans could not be thwarted by human schemes.
The nature of the plagues is not specified, but their effect was significant enough that Pharaoh recognized something was wrong. This divine intervention made it clear that taking Sarai was not merely a political or personal matter—it was a spiritual violation.
5. Pharaoh Sends Abram Away
Realizing that he had been deceived and that God’s hand was against him, Pharaoh confronted Abram:
“What is this you have done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?” (Genesis 12:18–19, paraphrased)
Pharaoh then ordered Abram to leave Egypt, along with Sarai and all his possessions. This was necessary both to remove the source of the plague from Egypt and to rectify the deception.
6. Lessons and Implications
The episode of Pharaoh sending Abram away teaches several key lessons:
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God’s protection: Despite Abram’s fear and deception, God preserved both Abram and Sarai. His plans cannot be thwarted by human mistakes.
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Consequences of deception: Abram’s lie brought consequences not only to Pharaoh but also created tension and fear, illustrating that even a “half-truth” can have significant repercussions.
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Divine justice: Pharaoh’s affliction demonstrates God’s sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. Even powerful rulers are accountable to God’s will.
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Faith versus fear: Abram’s actions reveal human weakness under pressure, but the narrative highlights that reliance on God, rather than fear, is ultimately the right path.
7. Conclusion
Pharaoh sent Abram away because God intervened with plagues to protect Sarai and uphold His covenant promises. Pharaoh recognized the deception and the divine affliction, and the situation could not continue without further harm. This episode underscores that God’s plans are sovereign and protective, even when humans falter, and it serves as a cautionary tale about fear, deception, and trust in God.