Topical Bible: Rulers: Righteous: Pharaoh, in his Treatment of Abraham

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In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is depicted in a unique light during his interaction with Abraham, then known as Abram. This account is found in Genesis 12:10-20. The episode provides insight into the character and actions of Pharaoh, highlighting a moment of righteousness in his treatment of Abraham and his household.

Context and Background

The account unfolds during a time of famine in the land of Canaan, prompting Abram to journey to Egypt for sustenance. Aware of Sarai's beauty, Abram fears that the Egyptians might kill him to take her as a wife. Consequently, he instructs Sarai to claim she is his sister, a half-truth that leads to unforeseen complications.

Pharaoh's Actions

Upon Sarai's arrival in Egypt, her beauty captures the attention of Pharaoh's officials, and she is taken into Pharaoh's palace. In exchange, Abram receives favor and wealth, including livestock and servants. However, this arrangement is soon disrupted by divine intervention.

The Lord afflicts Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. Despite being unaware of the true nature of Abram and Sarai's relationship, Pharaoh's response to the divine affliction is noteworthy. Upon discovering the truth, Pharaoh acts with integrity and righteousness.

Pharaoh's Righteousness

1. Acknowledgment of Wrongdoing: Pharaoh's immediate reaction upon learning the truth is to confront Abram. He questions Abram's deception, saying, "What have you done to me? Why did you not tell me she was your wife?" (Genesis 12:18). This acknowledgment of the situation demonstrates Pharaoh's willingness to address the wrong, even though he was deceived.

2. Restoration and Protection: Pharaoh restores Sarai to Abram and ensures their safe departure from Egypt. He commands his men concerning Abram, allowing him to leave with all his possessions. "Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!" (Genesis 12:19). This act of restoration and protection underscores Pharaoh's commitment to rectifying the situation.

3. Respect for Divine Will: Pharaoh's actions reflect a respect for the divine will and an understanding of the seriousness of the plagues that afflicted his household. By releasing Sarai and allowing Abram to leave unharmed, Pharaoh aligns himself with the divine directive, demonstrating a measure of righteousness in his governance.

Implications for Understanding Righteous Rulers

Pharaoh's treatment of Abraham, despite the initial deception, highlights a ruler's capacity for righteousness through acknowledgment of wrongdoing, restoration, and respect for divine intervention. This episode serves as a reminder of the potential for moral integrity and justice, even among those who do not share in the covenantal promises given to Abraham. Pharaoh's actions, though prompted by divine affliction, reveal a responsiveness to truth and justice that is commendable in the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 12:15-20
The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Index of Subjects.
... 67]4, [68]14, [69]57; how rulers of the ... be embraced, 527; how always present with
His Church, 531 ... Christians, must be more righteous than Jews, [359]258; more ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Hebrews xi. 20-22
... Grace that was poured out on that righteous man, this ... refused to be called the son
of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing ... own land, or if they had been rulers there. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvi hebrews xi 20-22.htm

Separating the Precious from the Vile
... made bricks, and the subjects of Pharaoh inhabited the ... should be a distinction between
the righteous and the ... of the earth stood up, and the rulers took counsel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/separating the precious from the.htm

Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews.
... Abraham, and must come to every righteous person, [2393 ... in his babyhood, wrought
in Pharaoh's daughter, [3013 ... land to act independently of their rulers, [3133]365 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the epistle to.htm

Subject Index
... the advent of, foreknown and desired by righteous men, [343 ... shown to be God, from
His interviews with Moses, [464 ... their treatment at the hand of the Jews, [551 ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... that supremacy which its last three rulers had failed ... the nobles of Ephraim "sold
the righteous for silver ... fellow-ministers, and the sanctity of his office did ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Come in, thou daughter of Abraham. ... by the obedience of one, shall many be made
righteous'[98] (Rom ... Yes; for though they are essential to His natures and office ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm