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The Book of Genesis stands as a foundational text for many millions of Christians and Jews in the world, weaving narratives that shape their spiritual identity and life direction. At its heart are the stories of Abraham and Sarah, celebrated for their faith in God’s promises (Heb 11:8). Yet, within these accounts lie three troubling episodes where Abraham, and later his son Isaac, deceive foreign rulers they were afraid of by presenting their wives as sisters. Known as the “wife-sister episodes,” these events, recorded in Gen 12:10–20, Gen 20:1–18, and Gen 26:1–11, challenge modern readers with questions of cultural norms, ancient ethics, and God’s response to human flows and imperfection.
For the Israelites, fairly recently liberated from Egyptian slavery, these stories, authored by Moses, served as inspiration and instruction, linking their ancestors’ trials to their own as they continued their 40 year journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. By examining these episodes, we uncover profound lessons about nature of spiritual journey with all its complexity, offering us and anyone who will listen insights into human nature and divine grace that resonate across time.
The Three Wife-Sister Narratives
The wife-sister episodes unfold as three distinct stories, each marked by fear of and deception in a foreign land. In Gen 12:10–20, a famine drives Abram (later Abraham) and Sarai (later Sarah) to Egypt. Fearing that Sarai’s beauty will provoke Pharaoh’s men to kill him, Abram asks her to pose as his sister. Pharaoh, unaware of their marriage, takes Sarai into his harem, rewarding Abram with livestock and servants. God intervenes with plagues, revealing Sarai’s true married status, and an angered Pharaoh expels the couple.
In Gen 20:1–18, Abraham and Sarah, now in Gerar, a Philistine region between modern Gaza Strip and the Dead Sea, experience in some way a deja vu. King Abimelech takes Sarah, but this time Abraham’s God warns the king in a dream, preventing him from sleeping with her and invoking His wrath. Abimelech returns Sarah, compensates Abraham and Sarah with gifts, and graciously invites them to stay in his kingdom.
Finally, in Gen 26:1–11, Isaac, facing famine, moves to Gerar and claims Rebekah is his sister. Abimelech discovers the truth when he sees Isaac flirting with Rebekah, rebukes him, but ensures their safety. These episodes reveal a recurring pattern: the patriarchs, despite their great episodes of faith, resort to deception based on fear and often misjudging the situation entirely, risking their wives’ honor and certainly honor of their God. Yet, their God consistently understands, forgives, protects them and everyone in their caravans that depend on them. Their salvation is a theme that echoed the Israelites’ own deliverance from Egypt and wilderness wonderings through ongoing events involving divine intervention despite significant lack of faith and obedience on behalf of former slaves.
Moses’ Purpose for the Israelites
Torah of Moses included these stories to inspire and instruct the Israelites who had just escaped centuries of slavery in Egypt. As they wandered in the wilderness, grappling with their identity as God’s chosen people, these narratives connected their own struggles and many failures to those of their ancestors. The Abraham and Isaac events in many ways mirrored the Israelites’ sojourn in and out Egypt, where they too endured oppression of the local kings. But just as God protected Sarai/Sarah with plagues in Egypt and divine dream in Gerar, He unleashed plagues and miracles to free the Israelites from bondage, miraculously accompanying them through their wonderings despite their many flows (Exod 7–12).
The Israelites’ wilderness journey was marked by repeated faith-related and fear-based failures, including complaints about food and water (Exod 16:2–3), worship of a golden calf (Exod 32), rejection of the Promised Land after the spies’ fearful report (Num 13–14), and rebellion against Moses’ leadership through Korah’s uprising (Num 16). They succumbed to idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor (Num 25), grumbled over manna (Num 11, 21), and quarreled at Meribah, where even Moses disobeyed (Num 20).
By highlighting God’s faithfulness despite human flaws, Moses encouraged the Israelites to trust in God’s covenant promises, as their forefathers had, and to learn from their ancestors’ mistakes. Despite these failures, God remained faithful and safely led Israelites to the Promised Land, just as He had promised. In other words, these stories underscored that God’s plan to make them a great nation (Gen 12:2) would prevail, as it had for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, guiding them toward the Promised Land (Exod 19:4–6).
Cultural and Historical Context of Deception
The stories of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis unfold during the patriarchal era, roughly 2000–1800 BCE, in the Middle Bronze Age. This was a time when travel was fraught with danger, far removed from modern tourism. Robbery and violence were common risks for travelers (Gen 14:12–14). As semi-nomadic leaders, Abraham and Isaac led large caravans, similar to modern Bedouin or Gypsy traveling tabors (camps), seeking grazing lands or fleeing famine. These movements made them both threats and potential allies to local rulers, shaping their interactions in profound ways.
Harems and Sarah’s Role
In the ancient Near East, women were often seen as property, their status tied to their husband’s social standing. The Hebrew phrase in Genesis 20:3, describing Sarah as “owned by a husband” (וְהִיא בְּעוּלַת בַּעַל, vehi be‘ulat ba‘al), highlights this view, framing her as Abraham’s possession. To modern readers, this is unsettling, especially since Abimelech’s “great sin” (חָטָא גָדוֹל, chata gadol, Gen 20:9) was less about violating Sarah’s dignity and more about infringing on another man’s property. Genesis presents these stories without apology, challenging both ancient and modern audiences to wrestle with their moral complexities.
Harems in this era were more than collections of wives; they were centers of political power. Taking a woman, especially through marriage, could forge alliances or strengthen a ruler’s influence. In Genesis 12:16, Pharaoh’s gifts to Abraham—livestock and servants—suggest a diplomatic deal, possibly to secure the allegiance of a wealthy chieftain like Abraham. Local kings often formed such alliances with numerous leaders to bolster their authority. Similarly, Abimelech’s interest in Sarah (Gen 20:2) likely mixed personal attraction with a desire to align with Abraham’s prosperous and militarily capable caravan.
Sarah’s age—around 65 in Egypt and 90 in Gerar (Gen 17:17; Gen 23:1)—raises questions for modern readers. Two explanations provide clarity. First, Genesis suggests lifespans in that era were very long. Abraham lived to 175 (Gen 25:7), Sarah to 127, and genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11 report lifespans of centuries. This implies slower aging, allowing Sarah to remain attractive to rulers even at an advanced age. The age of the kings is unknown. They may have been elderly, seeking strategic marriages rather than youthful experiences. Second, harems served political purposes beyond physical attraction. Sarah’s status as Abraham’s “sister” and her link to his wealth (Gen 13:2) made her a valuable asset for alliances. Some scholars argue Abraham’s claim that Sarah was his sister reflected an ancient Hurrian custom of elevating a wife’s status, not deception. However, the kings’ reactions suggest Abraham’s intent was protective deception, not cultural honor.
Abraham’s Mobile Community
Abraham’s caravan was a mobile community, underscoring his importance. Genesis 12:5 mentions his “possessions” and “people they had acquired,” Genesis 13:2 notes his wealth, and Genesis 14:14 references 318 “militarily trained men born in his household.” Estimates suggest his group numbered 800–1,500 people, with 40–80 tents, 100–300 transport animals, and thousands of livestock, stretching over a kilometer through as they traveled.
A Reflection on Abraham’s Faith and Actions
Genesis 26 recounts Isaac’s encounter with Abimelech’s son, the new king of Gerar, but it also sheds light on Abraham’s obedience. God’s words to Isaac are striking:
“I will be with you and bless you, for to you and your descendants I will give all these lands… because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws” (Gen 26:3–5).
If passing off Sarah as his sister was a sin—often seen as lying and lacking faith—how could God praise Abraham so highly? Several points clarify this tension.
The Nature of Truth in the Ten Commandments
The Bible values truth (Prov 12:22), but the ninth commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Ex 20:16), specifically forbids lying in court to harm others. Abraham’s half-truth about Sarah being his sister (Gen 20:12) was for survival, not malice, so it likely doesn’t break this commandment.
The rabbinic idea of pikuach nefesh—saving a life takes priority over most commandments—came later but has roots in the Bible. For example, Rahab lied to Jericho’s officials to protect Israelite spies (Josh 2:4–6) and was praised for her faith (Heb 11:31). Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives, tricked Pharaoh to save Israelite baby boys (Exod 1:15–21) and were blessed in return. Tamar used deception to get justice from Judah (Gen 38:13–26), and her actions led to the Messiah’s lineage (Matt 1:3). Abraham’s lie about Sarah being his sister (Gen 12:12, 20:11) was driven by fear for his life and responsibility to protect those under his care, facing real dangers from foreign kings. These stories show that saving lives could justify deception in extreme circumstances.
Righteousness Despite Imperfection
Righteousness does not require sinlessness. David, called “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam 13:14, Acts 13:22), committed adultery and murder (2 Sam 11), yet God valued his devotion and repentance (Ps 51). Abraham’s faith—shown in leaving Ur (Gen 12:1–4), interceding for Sodom (Gen 18:22–33), and especially offering Isaac (Gen 22:1–18)—earned him the title of God’s friend (Isa 41:8, Jas 2:23). Similarly, Anna and Simeon, described as righteous for their devotion (Luke 2:25, 2:37), were not sinless but faithful. God’s praise of Abraham in Genesis 26:5 reflects his lifelong fidelity, not a dismissal of his flaws. This pattern shows God values faith and obedience over perfection.
Conclusion
Genesis, foundational for Christians and Jews, celebrates Abraham and Sarah’s faith while revealing their flaws. Fearing for their lives and the lives of those under their care, Abraham and Isaac deceived rulers, risking their wives’ honor. Yet God protected them, using plagues, dreams, or rebuke, showcasing His grace. For Israelites freed from Egypt, these stories, penned by Moses, mirrored their own struggles and God’s faithfulness. Set in a patriarchal culture where women were property and harems held political weight, these narratives highlight God’s covenant enduring through human imperfection, teaching timeless lessons of faith, divine protection, and the complexity of spiritual journeys.
“Fear God, not man.” “Keep trusting the Lord.” All with His help and favor! So thankful His faithfulness is over all our sins! Thank you, Dr. Eli, as always. Thank you also for mentioning “men’s honor” verses “prideful men,” which helps me understand why some men do some things in life. And thank you also for noticing that out of the wrong kind of fear, “women’s honor,” or the more vulnerable, was seriously compromised. Are we establishing beauty according to Abraham’s eyes (Genesis 12:11)? This is certainly not to say that Sarah wasn’t indeed a beautiful woman!
Ah, okay. Here is the testimony of others for Sarai’s beauty:
“When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was a very beautiful woman.”
Genesis 12:14
Praise be to G-d who creates and gives us His beauty!
Shalom🇮🇱🙏
First of all, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me a part and reader of this spiritual historical material of the extraordinary Jewish people. Thanks to you, esteemed Dr. Eli, in this skillfully cited and written material, I understood and learned a lot about the historical journey of the covenant people and the biblical truths in it. Thank you, thank you, thank you, I hope that the war will end as soon as possible and that this people will live in prosperity and divine protection. With gratitude and respect, Albert Xhelili
Dear Alberti, thank you for your kind words! Blessings and much peace to us all!
Overall, a great narrative and explanation of the wife-sister stories and how they connect to Israel’s journey and God’s protection.
For some readers, this might be a bit long? The lessons at the end could be stronger by showing what we should learn today about fear, honesty, and trust in God.
Could you add a short (sentence or two) summary at the end of each major part? Might help readers by driving specific points home and remember main ideas more easily?
Thanks, Brian! This is initial. I am working through this now and finetuning it.
I beg to disagree with Brian White. Dr Elu, I’m finding your structure and format quite good, with enough depth and elaboration so I’d just say keep them coming.
Thank you my friend! But what you don’t know is that Brian was actually responding to this article when it was still half-baked and what you are seeing now is after a lot of improvement :-). BUT HUGE THANK YOU!
Thanks for giving new insight into these stories! I never heard the connections between these and the fate of Israël in Egypt, as you present in this writing. Of course, I was brought up with the ’10 commandments’, one of which tells us ‘not to bear false witness’, i.e: ‘Thou shalt not LIE’. This made me think of the debate in the churches (in the Netherlands) during WW2, on the issue whether one could lie to the government servants about ‘hiding Jews’ that were persecuted by the German occupiers.
Actually there is no commandment Though Shalt not lie in fact there is only a commandment Thou shalt not bare false witness. Even though we’ve been taught that it is one and the same thing. It is not quite. The biblical commandment is set in court languages (when a false accusation is attested by fake witness).
Well, I loved this, thank you so much Dr. Eli, . God bless you.
Thank you, Charlotte!
continue: (After all, Apostel Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that ‘you shall obey the government’ (even a hostile one (?))”My grandfather was leading a group of people that helped to escape and hide a great number of people. My grandfather had still a family with young children, and he sometimes got the reproach (from his fellows) that he ‘only talked’ and passed the risk to them.
If (during a seartch raid) you were caught with hosting Jews, you could expect to be executed on the spot. After the liberation it turned out that he had kept 13 jews in his farm house during about 2 years. Also during the war his house was raided and searched thoroughly, and maintained, on gunpoint, the claim that he knew nothing about ‘Jews’; the German soldiers did not find anybody! Thank you again!
Amen!
I would appreciate reading an account of your grandfather’s acumen and heroism. He is one with Corrie ten Boom.
Arend, have you thought about putting it out there?
I usually flinch when commentaries accuse Abram (and Isaac) of lying. Thanks for avoiding that.
Whatever the original language, we have it related in Hebrew. “Achot” (אחות) can legitimately be read as “kinswoman”, an entirely accurate description of both women. Given the ANE cultural/political realities, describing them as “achot” was not moral cowardice but practical genius. It was the truth; Pharaoh/Abimelech needed no more. This was touchy int’l diplomacy. What they chose to tell was no lie. It did, however, safeguard the lives of these patriarchs who were also providers for large clans of dependent people.
very good point
Abraham and Isaac used their wives out of fear and God inter-
vened accordingly because he had a greater purpose for Sarah and Rebecca.
The Israelites wandered in the desert 🏝️ for such a long time due to a lack of faith in God after all of the miracles he performed before the Israelites their faith had not settled in their hearts 💓
There had always been people who knew how mighty and powerful the God of Israel is during biblical times and to this very day. How blessed the Israelites are to have such a Awesome and Powerful God🙏
We now share this God!
Possible strengthen the thesis statement early to clarify the article’s central argument (e.g., God’s faithfulness amid moral ambiguity)?
Integrate more scholarly dialogue, citing biblical scholars or theologians to support interpretations?
Possible clarify moral ambiguity by contrasting divine intervention with human failure in more theological depth?
Enhance the structural flow by tightening transitions between sections (e.g., between cultural context and theological reflection).
Address Sarah’s agency more explicitly to balance the narrative.
Avoid modern apologetics for troubling texts—embrace the tension to provoke deeper reflection rather than resolve it too neatly.
Thanks, Caleb.
In the cultural context, what was the status of a sister? For instance, today in many families, a sister could be used by others like a wife in order to achieve a particular outcome.
Did Abraham really lie? He clearly states to Abimelech in Gen 20:12 that Sarah is his half sister. They had the same father but different mothers. So technically, he wasn’t completely lying was he?
“Sister” is only one of many meanings that can be ascribed to “achoti”. More generally, it means “my kinswoman” (a sister, cousin, aunt, half-sister, etc.) This accurately describes Abra[ha]m’s relationship to Sarai/Sarah as well as Lot’s to Rebecca.
Is it important to consider that at the time of Abraham the law of Moses had not been given so right or wrong would not be judged according to a written law but rather human conscience.
true
Would our Creator would be unjust, holding the entire world’s population accountable for being wicked and evil without having given some instructions re. wickedness and evil? (Genesis 6:5).
The Canaanites were “vomited out of the land” because they had been violating (pre-Moses) the very instructions that Moses had just received. (Leviticus 18:26-30)
In between, we also have: “Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you […] because Abraham obeyed me and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” (Genesis 26:3-5)
Does that not indicate that there was something more concrete involved?
very good point
On the issue of deception:
The commandment about deception ” thou shall not bear false witness” has slightly different meaning to” thou shall not lie” and it came after Abraham. So strictly speaking he did not violate it.
Yes he did lie and it’s wrong but he did not violate the law . However his faith was counted as righteousness and God forgave him and made covenant with him.
I will write more and will post my thoughts on this in a newer version within days.
On the issue of the half sister becoming a wife:
This is seldom addressed in the church as its seen as incestuous. The topic is avoided
But in that culture in that time period , there was nothing wrong with that union.
We are all seen as brothers and sisters of Christ and adopted children of God ( Eph 1) and we will be bride of Christ as well. So we see this pattern repeated in God’s plan for us. Is this pattern wrong if God Himself uses it? He is holy and cannot sin .
There was no problem marrying half sister. We are discussing whether or not there was a problem hiding the fact that she was also his wife. 🙂
Let those who have no sin cast the first stone.
I doubt anyone is sinless and could therefore not judge Abraham who was favored by God.
This may come as a surprise, but the story is either not true at all, or is true and was being passed on orally for several centuries. Earliest copies of John’s gospel DO NOT contain this story, Sharon.
I really hope it is true but, in any case, it is a terrific showcase of Yeshua turning the debate tables and using the Torah to back his adversaries into a corner. The men tried to convene a trial of questionable legality, he contrived/influenced them to all go away, and with no eyewitnesses to testify against this woman, there could be no Torah-legal trial. This went well beyond wisdom-jousting. This was knocking them right over their horses’ tails and daring them to try again.
This is a good discussion but it raises more questions.
If Amraphel of Gen 14:1 is Hammurabi, would Abraham and Sarah been aware that the penalty for adultery was drowning or death by other means? If so, would Sarah be a not so innocent victim? Was there something in it for her as well? She doesn’t come across as a pushover. After the almost sacrifice of Isaac, could she have told Abraham “enough of your crazy ideas”? Could they have separated? Gen 23:1 – 2
If they did we never hear about it, while this verse may indeed be interpreted this way. I don’t think that’s the case, because there many other explanations, such Abraham was traveling (Hebron and Beersheva are not exactly on separate continents).
Excellent thoughts Dr Eli. Thanks
I would very much like to see this article address the issue (or degree) of deception at the foundational level in the text. In all three situations, the husband (Abraham/Isaac) refers to his wife as אֲחֹ֣תִי (achoti). I think our modern husbands-as-liars view is heavily colored by the narrow rendering of this word, achoti, as “sister” when it is much richer than that. It easily encompasses “kinswoman”. Solomon even uses it in yet a different context (we presume) in Songs 4:9. Sarah and Rebecca were without question their husbands’ kinswomen husbands, should we not at least consider this a possibility?
Neville, the reason I don’t seriously consider sister meaning anything else but half-sister is because Abraham states that she is daughter of his father, but not of his mother. What am I missing?
[My reply exceeds the word count; See continuations…]
I’m not saying that i can’t be wrong on this. But I do think that the linguistic/translation issue is so obvious that it deserves to be addressed regardless of the conclusion.
I actually think the case of Isaac puts the narrow-half-sister-meaning angle to rest, but I’ll start back at the beginning.
My thinking is:
In ch12, in neither conversation with Pharaoh does Abram give that explanation. even when Pharaoh angrily confronts him over the “achoti” description.
Isaac, likewise, in ch26, gives no further explanation when Abimelech confronts him.
In ch20, when Abraham *does* give the half-sister explanation as you point out, I think it a very convenient truth that he was also relying on when the first arrived – she is not a [full/regular] sister as Pharaoh obviously inferred but absolutely a “sister” in the Hebrew sense.
Had Isaac offered further explanation when Abimelech confronted him, he surely would have replied: “Indeed, she is my achot – the daughter of my cousin.” Was there another option? She certainly wasn’t his “sister” in any way if we limit the meaning at least one common parent.
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Isaac’s only options were “Yes, I lied.” or “You misunderstood, sir. I’ll explain.”
In all cases, it was convenient to let the other party (Pharaoh/Abimelech) take the truth as spoken and imagine it otherwise due to either jumping to a conclusion or a limited understanding of the terminology.
Lying, I believe, carries a completely different connotation than deception. If I hold a robber at bay using my finger in my pocket, I didn’t lie to him that I had a gun. I did, however, take advantage of his jumping to a conclusion.
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I do believe that both husbands, likely expecting that the kings would jump to a conclusion, allowed it to be so as it was advantageous to their position and safety. In that sense, I don’t disagree with saying that deception was involved. But as they did both actually tell the truth (again, I am assuming they either spoke Hebrew or Aramaic, and note that the Aramaic equivalent is “akhut” and carries the same wide scope of meaning), I believe we do them a disservice to say that they lied.
Thank you, Neville. Perhaps. But it is a matter of definitions. Let’s keep thinking together.
> ” it is a matter of definitions”
Agreed. Without definitions, language is just grunts and squeals. 🙂
> “Let’s keep thinking together.”
Absolutely.
Abraham and Jacob are seen as patriarchs of Hebreus…but were just men in an age where the violence was not so different of that one of today…their lie is a due defence…as awakened I can say the story repeat itself….also in a different human progress…I could tell you a lot but understand it’s difficult for you to believe…can say that Jacob was an awakened…so is even more difficult for you to understand and believe…but it is so…remember that I support Israel.
Greetings
Giampaolo Perini from Trieste.
Not sure I followed. Perhaps, before posting next time run it through google translate for clarity! Blessings!
Correction: I referred to אֲחֹ֣תִי (achoti) as “sister”. In fact, it would be “my sister” (where the “sister” part is in dispute according to my contention).
yes, of course.
Dr. Eli: I am so grateful and privileged to receive this information. It is an extreme blessing to gain more biblical knowledge from you and the other instructors at IBC. John Wesley said, “My heart is strangely warmed.” So it is with me. May the good Lord continue to bring it to the hungry souls. Yes, I am donating!
What a privilege!
By the way, I have purchased most of your books!
Dear Dr. Payne, thank you so much for all your blessings that you bestow from your heart! May the Lord bless you and prosper you!
This is awesome teaching and revealing. Some Americans have difficulty accepting cultural values verses scriptural doctrine. However Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8. HaShem,(GOD/ Yahweh) changes not! A man having two wife’s proved to be very righteous and beneficial. This should be allowed in the USA. Polyamorous Marriages have been proven to maintain marital integrity…..
Perhaps, was never part of polygamous marriage :-). I can only tell you that it is definitely not ideal. There many are things that are not ideal, but they do work and some times work better that something that is ideal :-). As Jesus would say, In the beginning it was not so. But as I mentioned polygamy is not forbidden in Scriptures, certainly not in the Old Testament and not in the New either, when it comes to non-leaders in the church. They ELDERS/LEADERS MUST BE the husbands of but one wife.
Glory to God! 🙌
Amen!
Nice update. Of course it “was less about violating Sarah’s dignity and more about infringing on another man’s property.”
And yet, “Moses encouraged…to learn from their ancestors’ mistakes.” “…saving a life takes priority over most commandments…”
“Righteousness does not require sinlessness.”
“These stories show that saving lives could justify deception in extreme circumstances.”
…in extreme circumstances. Thank you for being honest that half truths is lying too. God bless you for it.
Lord, grant us the full truth and nothing extra — consistently — with all of your help and favor, please?
Amen!
suggest a diplomatic deal — Different episode…Is this what Shechem is attempting in Genesis 34?
In Genesis 34, Shechem’s actions are less about a diplomatic deal and more about personal desire and appeasement after a grave wrong. After raping Dinah, he seeks to marry her, and his father, Hamor, proposes a broader alliance with Jacob’s family, including intermarriage and land-sharing (Genesis 34:8-10). While this could resemble diplomacy, Shechem’s initial act of violence and the focus on his affection (34:3) suggest motives rooted in personal obsession rather than strategic negotiation. The proposal aims to mitigate consequences rather than forge a genuine diplomatic pact.
Amazingly well-written, beautifully described, doubts and confusions cleared, article here by Dr. Eli, pleasure to read. very informative also for other religions, for example, hinduism. and, i might add that the notion of “lie” or non-truth is very much context-dependent, whereas god is considered to be in absolute truth. and, that’s why the commandment mentioned in the discussions is also in the way it is, where all non-truths are not considered as inappropriate or sinful etc, because the context is also equally important.
AI helps with editing. So I am grateful! Blessings!
Abraham replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’
I read an article/teaching that said lying today is different than lying back then, it had more to do with moral correctness than todays this is the truth and that is not, for example your wife says “do you like my haircut?” Is it even a possibility to say no it’s ugly- the “moral” truth is to say it looks good even if you think it is awful.
Beautiful commentary, lots of depth have been added to my understanding of this text. I have also found another profound insight you make Dr Eli of God’s commitment to His Promises. In the wombs of both these women were children of promise and a lineage that extends up to the Messiah Himself. I have seen in your commentary how God keeps and protects His Promise despite our human weaknesses navigating around them all to keep us true to the worship and obedience that eventually bears the fruit.
Beautiful, thank you Dr Eli.
Thank you! It means a lot, Thomas!
wow, awesome. Thank you so much, Dr. Eli.
Blessings!
Genesis 26:7 is interesting to include here, too, because Isaac does the same thing with Rebekah as Abraham does with Sarah. Is it like father like son? Still partly political? Still a romantic issue? Any combination thereof? All? It would be an interesting little study to compare and contrast both Genesis 20 and 26, the outcomes and possible reasons for why the Lord includes these stories, how they both end the way they do, and what we are to glean from them, etc.
Thank you so much DR. Eli
Thank you, Pat!
Wonderful story. Recently I read a true story of a Jewish couple who lived a long time in Iran . They dressed and spoke as Iranians . but they were Spies . At the right time , the husband revealed the whereabouts of a weapons site that would be used to attack Israel if it wasn’t eliminated . Thankfully it was . Did they deceive and lie ? Yes . But I believe they were in the will of God .. and because of their deception many lives were saved . I pray more people have such courage .
Yes and yes 🙂
Very interesting article.
Thanks for your comment, Becky!
Well said Dr. Eli 🙌, thank you. The Bible says the Lord Jesus has always been the sacrifice for our sins[…, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world(REV.13:8. NIV)]
yes, indeed!
Dr. Eli: This idea of God moving through time with us is wonderfully inspiring. That kind of faithfulness is the deepest of mysteries, especially since humanity never seems to get it right. I pray for God’s peace and healing to finally settle over all these ancient conflicts and war. Shalom
Amen and thank you!
Great lesson of all time, does it mean that Father Abraham is a Minor Prophet in Genesis 20:7
Elaborate more on this
Term minor prophet refers to something else. Suffice to say that Abraham is a prophet.
Hallelujah. Our Lord is so great!. Thank you.
You are welcome, Connie!
Thanks Dr. Eli, Good reading written by a Jewish man and scholar. Good subject – God’s enduring covenant is spite of human flaws. Good to see and take comfort, and how this applies even in my life.
Paul we are in this together.
I read a teaching years ago that said that “lying” now is based on truth or not truth, but back then it was more about moral correctness, maybe a bad example would be your wife gets her haircut and she asks if you like it- don’t tell her the truth tell her what is morally correct.
Its not a bad example 🙂
God is love. Love covers all our failures no matter big or small there are.
indeed
Thank you will be praying for the Jewish relief agency in The USA which might be persecuted if a certain man becomes the new mayor. Also praying for your ministry as well.
May wisdom in NYC prevail.
God did not condone false witness (leaving out part of the story) and had to intervene. God said to Abimelech, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart.” All three – Pharoah, Abimelech and Abimelech’s son – were very upset that they were judged to be immoral, capable of killing, and that the lies told, almost caused them to sin. Abimelech even rebuked Sarah. Couldn’t the most significant lesson be a warning to not assume lack of honour and integrity in those you assume don’t know God?
there could be many lessons in one story.
Wow! What an extensive and explicit teaching ! The explanation was exemplary and the biblical verses were all corresponding to the teaching. It helps us bible teachers in our journey to sharing what needs to be taught.
Thank you, Jude for your kind words!
Thank you, Dr. Eli. It is always a blessing to gain deep insight into God’s word.
Dear Rev. Dr. Payne, it is always an encouragement to hear from you.
Wow! God be praised. I pray God’s continued blessing over your life Dr. Lizorkin. May He continue to pour His word into your ministry, grant you discernment and wisdom as you seek to win souls for His kingdom through these amazing stories and insights. Shalom my brother.
Thank you, Hugh and other praying folks!
Thank you!
Blessings, Flossie!
Thanks for your time and study in The word I deeply appreciate these thoughts
Thank you, Larry!
We are teaching through Genesis in our home fellowship. Timely article in that we are walking through Abram’s chapters. Thank you sir.
Fantastic! Enjoy!
Sarah was also Abraham’s niece. I was under the impression that niece and sister are the same word.
Sarah, Abraham’s wife, is called his half-sister in Genesis 20:12, sharing the same father, Terah, but different mothers. Some extra-biblical texts, like the Book of Jubilees, suggest Sarah was Abraham’s niece, daughter of his brother Haran. However, the canonical Bible doesn’t support this. In Hebrew, “sister” (achot) and “niece” (lacking a direct term, often bat for daughter of a sibling) are distinct, refuting the idea they’re the same word. Ancient kin terms and marriage customs explain these complex relationships, but linguistic and textual evidence clarifies “sister” and “niece” are separate concepts.
Thank you Dr. Eli for such nuggets (biblical and cultural) that help expand my knowledge and understanding of God and His word.
I always read your articles with excitement for more spiritual feeding.
The Lord bless you and your ministry more!
Shalom!!!
Dear Vilma, thank you for your prayers!
I thank Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg for the opportunity to learn about his profound, complex and clear historical research, from such distant times, but still relevant today, regarding a spiritual force, thank God, where the defense of the good of the Jewish or Catholic community, for its integrity and cultural survival are more important than individual interests, even when accompanied by much suffering. The wife was, hierarchically, first a sister in a spiritual community, and only later, a wife. God certainly understood and understands!
Luisa, thank you for your comment and participation.
Genesis presents these cringing stories without apology!! Bravo 👏 Dr Eli!
Embarrassing but they took place. Question of infidelity where a son is born a little while later crops up. If anyone was trying to deceive or presenting a false belief system, they would have hidden these suspicious encounters or interactions as they would be detrimental.
Yeshua was born in similar circumstances. Can we see the typology in God’s preparations towards fulfilling His prophecy in Yeshua?
Bible’s honesty is among its best proofs.
Bear false witness against your neighbor.
Doesn’t specify a court situation.
Imp to note “against”
There is allowance made for when people need to lie to “SAVE” a person.
When in a life saving crises Abraham uses this excuse to save himself and his wife out of fear which is an emotional response. Albeit at the cost of his wife’s virtue!😒
Wow!
🙂