Genesis 20:13 - When God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is your kindness which you shall show to me. Everywhere that we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”
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What does "Genesis 20:13" mean?
This verse (Genesis 20:13) is spoken by Abraham to his wife Sarah. Let's break down what it means:
"When God caused me to wander from my father’s house..." This refers to Abraham's journey, at God's command, from his homeland (Ur of the Chaldeans, and later Haran) to the land God promised him. Abraham's movement was not a casual trip, but a divinely ordained displacement. He interprets his travels as being "caused" by God, emphasizing a sense of obedience and purpose.
"...I said to her, 'This is your kindness which you shall show to me...'" This introduces the core of the verse: Abraham's request of Sarah. He is asking her to do something for him, and he frames it as an act of "kindness." This implies that it is both a favor and a potential sacrifice on her part.
"...Everywhere that we go, say of me, "He is my brother."'" This reveals the specific favor Abraham is asking. He wants Sarah to present herself as his sister, not his wife. This is a deliberate deception.
Meaning and Context:
The verse highlights a recurring theme in Abraham's story: his concern for his own safety, often at the expense of truthfully representing his relationship with Sarah. He is afraid that men will be attracted to Sarah and kill him to take her as their wife. By portraying her as his sister, he hopes to dissuade potential suitors and protect himself.
This incident is not unique. Abraham pulls the same deception in Genesis 12 (in Egypt) and later in Genesis 26 (Isaac and Rebekah do something similar in Gerar). It reveals a significant flaw in Abraham's character. Despite being chosen by God and being promised blessings, he resorts to deceitful tactics out of fear.
Interpretations and Significance:
Moral Ambiguity: The verse raises questions about Abraham's morality. Is it acceptable to lie to protect oneself, even in dangerous situations? The Bible doesn't explicitly condemn Abraham here, but the repetition of this deception suggests it is not portrayed as an ideal action.
Fear vs. Faith: Abraham's actions can be seen as a lack of faith. Instead of trusting in God's protection, he relies on his own cunning.
Sarah's Role: The verse also highlights Sarah's position. She is asked to participate in a potentially dangerous deception. It raises questions about her autonomy and her own fears and concerns.
Sovereignty of God: Even within Abraham's flaws and failures, God's plan ultimately prevails. Despite the deception, God intervenes to protect Sarah and prevent the Abimelech (in Genesis 20) from sinning unwittingly.
In summary, Genesis 20:13 reveals a morally complex situation where Abraham, driven by fear, asks Sarah to lie about their relationship. It underscores his vulnerability and lack of complete trust in God's protection, and it serves as a reminder that even figures chosen by God are capable of flawed behavior.
Genesis 20:13 - When God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is your kindness which you shall show to me. Everywhere that we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”
What does "Genesis 20:13" mean?
This verse (Genesis 20:13) is spoken by Abraham to his wife Sarah. Let's break down what it means:
"When God caused me to wander from my father’s house..." This refers to Abraham's journey, at God's command, from his homeland (Ur of the Chaldeans, and later Haran) to the land God promised him. Abraham's movement was not a casual trip, but a divinely ordained displacement. He interprets his travels as being "caused" by God, emphasizing a sense of obedience and purpose.
"...I said to her, 'This is your kindness which you shall show to me...'" This introduces the core of the verse: Abraham's request of Sarah. He is asking her to do something for him, and he frames it as an act of "kindness." This implies that it is both a favor and a potential sacrifice on her part.
"...Everywhere that we go, say of me, "He is my brother."'" This reveals the specific favor Abraham is asking. He wants Sarah to present herself as his sister, not his wife. This is a deliberate deception.
Meaning and Context:
The verse highlights a recurring theme in Abraham's story: his concern for his own safety, often at the expense of truthfully representing his relationship with Sarah. He is afraid that men will be attracted to Sarah and kill him to take her as their wife. By portraying her as his sister, he hopes to dissuade potential suitors and protect himself.
This incident is not unique. Abraham pulls the same deception in Genesis 12 (in Egypt) and later in Genesis 26 (Isaac and Rebekah do something similar in Gerar). It reveals a significant flaw in Abraham's character. Despite being chosen by God and being promised blessings, he resorts to deceitful tactics out of fear.
Interpretations and Significance:
Moral Ambiguity: The verse raises questions about Abraham's morality. Is it acceptable to lie to protect oneself, even in dangerous situations? The Bible doesn't explicitly condemn Abraham here, but the repetition of this deception suggests it is not portrayed as an ideal action.
Fear vs. Faith: Abraham's actions can be seen as a lack of faith. Instead of trusting in God's protection, he relies on his own cunning.
Sarah's Role: The verse also highlights Sarah's position. She is asked to participate in a potentially dangerous deception. It raises questions about her autonomy and her own fears and concerns.
Sovereignty of God: Even within Abraham's flaws and failures, God's plan ultimately prevails. Despite the deception, God intervenes to protect Sarah and prevent the Abimelech (in Genesis 20) from sinning unwittingly.
In summary, Genesis 20:13 reveals a morally complex situation where Abraham, driven by fear, asks Sarah to lie about their relationship. It underscores his vulnerability and lack of complete trust in God's protection, and it serves as a reminder that even figures chosen by God are capable of flawed behavior.