IMITATE THEIR FAITH/SARAH

"DOWN TOWARD EGYPT"

After the crossed the Euphrates, likely on Nisan 14, 1943 B.C.E., They made their way south to the land Jehovah had promised them.  (Exodus 12:40, 41) Picture Sarah turning to look this way and that, taken by the beauty, the variety, and the pleasant climate of the land. Near the big trees of Moreh, near Shechem, Jehovah appeared to Abraham again, this time saying:  "To your offspring I am going to give this land."  Ah, this expression, "offspring," would have rich meaning for Abraham!  It surely made him think back to the garden of Eden, where Jehovah had foretold that an offspring would one day destroy Satan.  Jehovah had already told Abraham that the nation that came from him would op;en the way for blessings to people of all the earth.  -Genesis 3:15; 12:2, 3, 6, 7.  

Still, the family was not immune to the troubles of this world.  A famine struck the land of Caanan, and Abraham decided to lead his family south toward Egypt.  However, he sensed a particular danger in that region.  So he spoke to Sarah:  "Please listen!  I know what a beautiful woman you are. So when the Egyptians see you , they will surely say, 'This is his wife.'   Then they will kill me but keep you alive. Please say that you are my sister, so that it may go well with me because of you, and my life will be spared."  (Genesis 12:10-13) Why did Abraham make such an unusual request?  

Abraham was neither a liar or a coward, as some cities have charged. Sarah was, in truth his half sister. And Abraham's caution was well-founded. Abraham and Sarah knew that nothing was more important that God's purpose  to produce a special offspring  and nation through Abraham, so Abraham's safety become of paramount importance. What is more, archaeological  evidence has shown that it was not unheard of for men of power in Egypt to abduct a man's wife and kill the husband.  So Abraham acted wisely, and Sarah humbly cooperated with his decision. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/SARAH -Conclusion of  "DOWN TOWARD EGYPT"

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