How Did He Know?

Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land.  It came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, "See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me, but they will let you live.  "Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you."  It came about when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.  Pharaoh's officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.  Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and gave him sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female servants and female donkeys and camels.  But the LORD struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife.  Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, "What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?  "Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her and go."  Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they escorted him away, with his wife and all that belonged to him. (Genesis 12:10-20 NASB)

Having yesterday examined whether Abram was being shrewed and faithful or cowardly and un-trusting, I want to look at Pharaoh.  How did Pharaoh know from the "plagues" on his household, that the problem was that Sarai was Abram's wife, and not his sister as he claimed?

There is a lot of detail just left out of this story.  The account of Abram's second go-around in Genesis 20 has a lot more specifics.  Here we're not told if Pharaoh consummated his marriage with Sarai, we're not told what form the "plagues" took, and we're not told how he determined that Sarai was already married.  There's a lot left out, so I'm forced to look elsewhere for clues.

First, in Genesis 20 I am given more detail, and there it says in verse 4 that the king did not come near her.  I would find it strange if God allowed it in chapter 12 but not later on in chapter 20.  On the other hand, the account in chapter 20 is sandwiched between God giving specifics of Isaac's coming, and the actually birth of Isaac.  So, in order to set aside any concerns that Isaac might not be from Abraham, was I given specifics?  Even so, it seems unlikely that God would permit Pharaoh to "touch" Sarai, when He prevents this other king from doing so. 

Second, it seems from the account of Joseph and Moses that Egyptians are rather adept at, and hold in high regard, spiritual "magic". The priests of Pharaoh are able to replicate some of the plagues that God sends on the Egyptians. Dream interpretations are held in high regard, and that there are those who can interpret them is "understood". I wonder if God revealed through Pharaoh's "priests" or other such official the real situation Pharaoh and his household was in.

These two things are really just possibilities without firm support.  What I can surmise from this is that God thought it was important to ensure Sarai did not remain with Pharaoh.  That may seem an obvious statement, but consider that Abram could have moved on and married another.  God didn't really need Sarai to accomplish His plan, He just "wanted" to accomplish His plan through her.  But could there have been another reason God want sent plagues on Pharaoh and his household?

The accounts of God and His dealings with Egypt are not exactly the same as they are for other nations around Israel.  He seems to reveal Himself more and permit them to exist longer than other nations.  That is not to say He doesn't punish them and that there no passages that prophesy against them.  But there are also passages that prophesy against Israel as well.  For reasons I have not been able to find in Scripture, God seems to really like Egypt.  He uses them to "care" for His people in a sense that He does not with Assyria, Babylon, and Persia.  With those empires there is a dispersion of His people.  With Egypt they are kept together and assembled to become a formidable nation (which is probably why the Egyptians feared them).

On the other hand, Israel is warned not to "return" to Egypt, even to buy horses (which I always thought was an interesting specific).  It's as if God wants to work on Egypt, but also keep His people untainted by them.  This doesn't really work, and even in the Second-Temple period, there are a great number of Jews in Egypt.  They even build their own temple in Elephantine.  In spite of Jeremiah's prophesy against working with/going to Egypt, he is kidnapped by Jewish rebels who then escape to Egypt (one of the great ironies of his life).

I suspect that this account of Abram in Egypt might be one of the earliest accounts of God's work among them, to reveal Himself to them.  History does not teach that God was able to reach them as a nation, or never for very long, but Scripture can be seen to indicate He tries on several occasions.  For whatever reason, God loves Egypt.

Can I learn from this that my Master is also the Master of communication?  Regardless of how Pharaoh knew Sarai was Abram's wife, the knowledge originated with my Master.  Even if my Master worked through Egypt's "spiritual magic" to reveal it, he got the message loud and clear.  So, if my Master is so clear with a pagan who He never really reaches completely, why would I wonder so often what my Master says to me?  Can't I trust that what He wants me to know He will reveal?  Can't I rely on His timing?  He informed Pharaoh in a timely fashion, so why would I doubt He would work more vaguely with me (when it was important)?

I think my problem here is that I want to know what I want to know when I want to know it.  On the other hand, my Master reveals only what He wants me to know, and only as He wants me to know it.  The "progressive revelation" my Master uses with Abram/Abraham, He also uses with me.  That's how I got out here to Nevada in the first place.  It was a progressive revelation of where and how He would make it possible for us to be here.  And yet, I still struggle with wanting to be in control of the flow of information from my Master.  And that means that I still struggle with letting Him have mastery over me.  Once again, I must submit to the Master of communication and timing.  What I perceive now from my Master is that I'm a slow learner.  I get that loud and clear.

From Faith to Fear: Do I Really Trust God?

Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land.  It came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, "See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me, but they will let you live.  Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you."  It came about when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.  Pharaoh's officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.  Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and gave him sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female servants and female donkeys and camels.  But the LORD struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife.  Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, "What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?  "Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her and go."  Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they escorted him away, with his wife and all that belonged to him. (Genesis 12:10-20 NASB)

Having walked the length of the land promised to him, Abram finds it necessary to go to Egypt for food (hmm, this sounds familiar for some reason).  He has been told that his Master will curse anyone just dishonoring him, he has been told he will be a blessing on every family, he has been told that his Master will be with him to guide him all along the way.  These have been "carrots" for his faith.  It seems that these carrots are fine motivators to travel, but this motivation hasn't yet been "faith".

On their way into the land, Abram tells Sarai to pretend to be his sister.  Abram says this for a few reasons.  First, so that it may go well with him; and second, so that he might live.  It would seem that Abram doesn't want to be bothered or that it might not go well for him.  As he left Haran, the promise was that whoever "dishonored" him, God would curse.  What did he really have to fear, even from annoying people?  What I don't get is why God seems to work with this method.

So, they enter the land of Egypt.  It turns out that Abram is right, and the Egyptians are very taken with Sarai.  In fact, they are so taken, the princes of Egypt hear of her and tell the Pharaoh how amazing she is.  Pharaoh is so taken that he takes her as his wife.  It really is an astonishing turn of events.  I don't know if Abram expected such a dramatic reaction, but there is no protest recorded.  What can he say after he has said she's his sister?  And Pharaoh gives him stuff, the equivalent of a year's groceries, new cars, extra hands around the mobile-ranch.  How can he change his story now?  And yet his wife is in the house of another, and it's his fault.

It's possible that Abram was surprised at the turn of events, but I have to ask myself, "What did he expect, if not that someone would try to take her as their wife?"  Seriously, if she's beautiful and "unattached" what would have been the alternative outcome?  Had he refused to let her marry, he would be in danger of the same fate he was trying to prevent, his death.  All of a sudden, I'm not so enamoured with Abram's devotion to his wife, the devotion that kept him from getting a newer child-bearing wife in Haran.  This is actually sort of creepy.  But there might be an alternative interpretation.

I leave Abram, and I think of Sarai; what does she think of all this?  Her husband, her master and lord, essentially sells her as a wife to another.  This is a completely different culture, so I can't judge it by what my wife would think or feel if I tried this; after all, Abram survives his wife, I'm not sure I would.  Taking into account the way she treats him after this, I would say that she is clearly aware of what's developing, and is at least acquiescent.  That baffles me.  Is it her devotion to Abram that leads her to respond this way?  Is it somehow that she trusts his faith; that it will be alright and she doesn't have to worry about these developments?  You may ask at this point, "what faith?"

At this point, I have to hold on to a couple of things to reach this next conclusion.  The setting of these two things has to do with the culture; the culture is not what I live in now.  These guys were traders, and everyone "haggles" seeking the "best deal".  Nomads have always been known for this, it was a survival technique with them.  So, it is reasonable to assume that Abram was too.  The readers aren't told, it's assumed, everyone knows that.

So what are the two things?  First, I asked some "rhetorical questions" a few paragraphs before.  "What did Abram expect, if not that someone would try to take Sarai as their wife?"  So, knowing this, why would he willingly enter into this charade?  Well, I believe the second is that he also knew that whoever dishonored him, like taking his wife for their own, would be cursed by God.  What?  Think about it.  Sure it's a famine, and he needs food, but "selling" his wife?  Not likely, even if she was barren, it's doubtful he would sell her just to get relief from a famine.  Don't forget, God seems to go along with this plan.  I believe that it's possible that Abram sought the best deal for himself at the expense of the Egyptians, knowing he had God as his "muscle".

If this is true, it doesn't necessarily put Abram in a better light, but it does explain a few things.  For instance, why does he do it again (Genesis 20)?  I have always wondered how God could go along with something like this.  Where was a prophet like Nathan to call Abram to task for selling his wife?  But God doesn't, in fact in Genesis 20 God warns the poor king duped by this charade so he doesn't defile Sarah (at that point she's Sarah).  And again Abraham (at that point his name is changed too) is blessed by the king, and even allowed to stay in the country.  I think it's possible what is typically thought of as a failure of faith is actually a manipulation of his position before God.  And before we castigate Abram for this, if it's true, I recommend a thorough reading of Luke 16.  The parable that begins doesn't describe this situation, but rather an attitude of God toward what we might think of as "double-dealing".  I think it might be a cultural thing.  But really, I can't even be sure of that.

I'm left once again, not really understanding my Master.  Do I manipulate my position before my Master?  Should I?  Is my faith strong enough that I would risk all that is precious because I know my Master has my back?  I suppose that is the real question.  Is my faith that strong?  I hope that after nearly 40 years of walking with Jesus it would be, but I don't think it is even now.  I have more growing to do...still.

The "Carrot" and Obedience

Now the LORD said to Abram,
"Go forth from your country,
And from your relatives
And from your father's house,
To the land which I will show you;
And I will make you a great nation,
And I will bless you,
And make your name great;
And so you shall be a blessing;
And I will bless those who bless you,
And the one who curses you I will curse.
And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."
So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan; thus they came to the land of Canaan. 6 Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land. 7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him. 8 Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. 9 Abram journeyed on, continuing toward the Negev. (Genesis 12:1-9 NASB)

Abram is commanded to finish his father's trip.  It doesn't say that God commanded Terah, Abram's father, I've just always assumed that.  But God is clearly commanding Abram.  And it's a huge command; leave your country, your relatives, your father's house and go to a land I'll tell you about later.  And yet there are obvious elements following this command that function as "carrots" to push along obedience.

The second carrot I notice, but the first obvious one is that Abram will become a great nation.  His wife is barren so this is a really strange, but very attractive promise to Abram.  It includes the hope his Sarai will be healed of her barrenness.  That's a pretty good carrot to leave the family most likely making her life harder than she makes it herself.

The third carrot I notice (yet the second obvious one), is the blessing of God.  It's as if the rest of passage just expands on that theme or thought.  Or at least it would be if the rest of the explanation of benefits didn't include a command.  The "fifth carrot" really isn't an obvious carrot; but I'll get to that.  This carrot, the blessing of God, means that Abram has the favor of God.  The obedience will bring the reward of God's favor; huge lesson there.

The fourth carrot I notice is the exaltation of Abram's name.  Abram is one of three sons, the oldest, and one with the fewest children (precisely zero).  Even if he is famous around Haran, he would be known for his lack of children along with anything else positive.  That is not a comfortable stigma.  It smacks of one stricken by the gods, as well as a dim-witted one.   Under his circumstances he should "pick up" another wife with whom to have children; a practice not unheard of so far in Scripture (Genesis 4:19).  This would be a "reversal of fortune" that would publicly vindicate Abram's devotion to his God and his wife.

The fifth carrot is not necessarily obvious.  The translations of this "blessing" are almost universally "And you will be a blessing".  In order to translate it this way, the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures is used where the verb to be is in the future tense.  The Greek text here is probably the older text, and has a lot of support in the Dead Sea Scrolls (much to everyone's surprise).  But in the Hebrew text the verb to be is an imperative, a command; i.e. "be a blessing".  In other words, in the Hebrew text Abram is compelled to pass on the blessing he has received.

The sixth carrot I notice is protection, which is worded in a very interesting manner.  Although it is almost universally translated as, "And the one who curses you I will curse" it may be more accurate to translate it as, "And the one dishonoring you I will curse."  The word used for what others might do to Abram is the antonym of "honor" not "bless".  It may be semantics, but the Hebrew for honor is a word that means "to make heavy" and the word for "curse" here means "to make light".  It fits better as "dishonor" than curse.  Although the words may be similar in meaning, the difference is in severity.  Even if someone gets a bit upset or just messes with Abram, God will curse him.  Now that's honor!

The last carrot is a widespread blessing of every family through Abram.  That is huge.  Something will come about through Abram that affect every family ever.  I know this to be Jesus, but Abram would have no idea.  In fact, many of Abram's kids had, and still have, no idea (well, okay, they have ideas, but those ideas are not Jesus).

So what is the first carrot?  The first carrot is hidden in the direction Abram is to go.  His destination is "...a land I will show you."  What is implied in this statement is that his personal guide is the One having made the land, and all that is in it.  His guide is God Himself.  That is a carrot of intimate relationship and camaraderie with the Creator of the universe.  They will be hanging out together, and the directions to travel will come directly from God.  I focused so much on the "not knowing" that I missed the implied intimate "revelation".

But there may be more carrots.  These are the ones I found.  I know my Master doesn't always provide carrots, but He did here with Abram.  Perhaps the greatest carrot for me is the one I've already received.  I live in the blessing of Abram to all families.  Already having Jesus, His Spirit, and communion with the Father, I live within the greatest carrot of all time.  Is it time to up my level of obedience?  No, it's LONG over due!

Meandering Around Canaan

Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."  So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.  Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan; thus they came to the land of Canaan.  Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land.  The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him.  Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.  Abram journeyed on, continuing toward the Negev. (Genesis 12:1-9 NASB)

Abram completes the journey from Ur begun by his father years before (see Gen. 11:31-32).  He took with him the ones of his family who would go, all their stuff and headed out.  He left Haran, a place probably named for his little brother who died in Ur before they left, and he left behind his brother Nahor and his family.  His father had died, never completing the trip around the "Fertile Crescent."  So, in a real sense, he's not necessarily leaving "home" per se, but half his family.  It was still hard.

The promise begins as a promise that he will be a great nation; a nation that will bless all the families of the earth.  It begins there and begins to take shape as Abram travels the length of Canaan.  His descendants will possess Canaan; the land he walks through.  And as he passes through, he builds altars; stone object of worship.  These are things used to literally give something up to the One sending him through the land, away from his family; as if he hadn't given up enough, and he hadn't.

God speaks to him at Shechem, and he builds an altar.  He proceeds to Beth-El and God does not speak to him, but he builds another altar anyway.  He then proceeds to the Negeb, a more difficult, more arid place.  There he does not build an altar; at least not yet.  Could it be that the trouble he winds up in during the latter half of this chapter is due to him not building an altar in Negeb?

At what point do I need to stop giving stuff up to my Master?  When is it a good idea to not build another altar and send stuff up in smoke to the One giving it to me in the first place?  It's not that I would withhold the stuff, but the rather the attitude that doesn't see giving it up as necessary; it's just not important to build the altar at this point.  Is that as dangerous as it sounds?  Could the apathy that ignores the importance of offering as a part, the central part, of worship be devastating? 

It is easy for me to get caught up in "worship"; the elements of song and word.  But it is not always easy for me to see the part where I give up something as valuable, or at least as valuable as the other parts.  It was in worship at the Temple that the poor widow gave all she had (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4).  It was her Creator who made a point of stopping to watch what everyone else missed.  Isn't that the part of worship I want to leave off, or leave out?  It's the hard one where I do the expression instead of the worship leaders or preachers.  I like spectating, and I have a wonderful church in which to spectate worship.  But I must be the one making the altar, and giving something precious back to my Master.  Only then have I truly ascribed worth to my Master in faith.