Abram’s Fall in Egypt

Abram’s Fall in Egypt (Gen 12:9-10)

V9, Abram continued toward Negev. This is a drier area (lesser rainfall, thus needed wells to be dug), less desirable for raising crops but better for his vocation as a herdsman, perhaps engaging also in merchant activity. 

In verse 10, there was a famine there and Abram went down to Egypt. Famine was not an unusual phenomenon in Canaan. Two other major food shortages also occurred during Isaac's time (26:1) and Joseph's time (41:56). In Israel, the only river that flowed all year round was the Jordan river. Yet, it is completely below sea level which means that irrigation from it was difficult. Thus the growth of crops was heavily reliant on rain. When there was no rain, it means a famine. Egypt was the best location with water supply. 

Did Abram fail here by heading to Egypt?

Still holding on to God's promise, he did not return to Ur, though matter were extremely difficult. Heb 11:15 says, "indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one."

Abram's faith was patient and endured great hardships because they believed God had something better. They had no desire to go back to Ur, but did long for Heaven.

The Lying Half Truth (12:11-16)

In verses 11 to 13, Abram tells Sarai to acknowledge him as his brother. This is because during then, it was a time where man with physical superiority if they fancied a beautiful woman, could just snatch her and kill her husband. At 65, Sarah was still young and attractive, being only half her age (she died at 127). The patriarchs lived long. Abram lived till 175. 

To protect himself, he asked Sarai to identify herself as his sister. This is a lying half true as they shared the same father, but different mothers thus making her his half-sister and not truly his sister.

However, a half truth is still a lie as the Egyptians still took Sarah away to Pharoah. Abram did not tell the more important other half of the truth that she was his wife.

  

Do we tell half truths and neglect the other more important half?

I serve God. But only when its convenient for me.

I offer. But only when I have excess money.

God is love. But God is also a God who judges.

Jesus saves. But His salvation will bear forth repentance and holy living for Him.

Abram's Attempted Self Protection and Failure to Protect his wife (12:17)

The separation of Abram and Sarai was critical enough for the Lord to personally intervene (17). Abram used this ruse to protect himself. (13, "that I may live") apparently without too much thought being given to Sarai. But God's reaction focused upon the protection of Sarai.

Through God's protection, Pharaoh escorted him away with his wife and all that belonged to him. The exit would probably have the servants talking about it amongst themselves with some loss to Abram's integrity and reputation in their eyes which perhaps led to quarrels between Abram and Lot's servants.