In the biblical narrative, the patriarch Abraham is often celebrated for his faith and obedience to God. However, there are moments in his life where his actions reveal human frailty and fear, particularly in the episodes where he refers to his wife, Sarah, as his sister. These instances are found in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 20:1-18.

Genesis 12:10-20: Abraham in Egypt

During a severe famine, Abraham journeyed to Egypt with his wife, Sarah. Fearing for his life because of Sarah's beauty, Abraham instructed her to say she was his sister. He believed that if the Egyptians thought she was his wife, they would kill him to take her. As a result, Sarah was taken into Pharaoh's house, and Abraham was treated well for her sake, receiving sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels.

The Lord, however, afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarah. When Pharaoh discovered the truth, he confronted Abraham, saying, "What have you done to me? Why did you not tell me she was your wife?" (Genesis 12:18). Pharaoh then returned Sarah to Abraham and expelled them from Egypt.

Genesis 20:1-18: Abraham in Gerar

Years later, Abraham repeated this deception in Gerar, the territory of King Abimelech. Again, fearing for his life, Abraham told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister. Abimelech took Sarah, but God intervened, warning him in a dream that she was a married woman. Abimelech confronted Abraham, who explained his fear, saying, "I thought, surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife" (Genesis 20:11).

Abimelech returned Sarah to Abraham, along with gifts of sheep, cattle, and servants, and offered him land to settle. God then healed Abimelech and his household, who had been struck with infertility because of Sarah.

Analysis

Abraham's actions in these narratives reveal a momentary lapse in trust in God's protection and promises. Despite God's covenant and assurances, Abraham's fear for his personal safety led him to compromise the truth. This behavior can be seen as an act of cowardice, prioritizing self-preservation over integrity and faith.

These episodes serve as a reminder of the complexity of biblical figures, who, despite their significant roles in God's plan, were not without flaws. Abraham's fear-driven decisions contrast with his otherwise exemplary faith, illustrating the ongoing struggle between human weakness and divine trust.Genesis 12:11-19
And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that you are a fair woman to look on:
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 20:2-12
And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xxvi
... that it is magnanimity and not cowardice on Isaac's ... By it another aspect of Abraham's
relation to the Lord ... extolled, for this is involved in "calling upon the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Abraham, rich but not covetous: entertaining angels, [470]349; tent ... Cowardice unbecoming
men, [855]446 ... of Antioch, [1112]354, n.; leaves his sister almost dying ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... in the campaign of his VIIIth year were fortified in this manner. ... which could be
forced only at the expense of fresh losses, unless the cowardice or treason of ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

part i
... for him, and that it is impossible to let them enter into his heart, which ... righteousness"
[48] ; let them always remember the greatness of their calling and do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

What is the Moral argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.org

Cowardice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus