Bible Study

Bible Study January 14, 2025

Genesis 12:10 – 13

10 “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. 11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance, 12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.”

Genesis 20:1 – 5

“From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 Now Abimelech had not approached her. So he said, “Lord, will you kill an innocent people? 5 Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.”

There are two instances in the book of Genesis that tell us of Abraham lying about Sarah his wife when he said she was his sister. You can read the full account in Genesis 12:10 -12 and Genesis 20:1 – 18.

We discussed these verses last evening in our Bible study. Is it alright to lie?

I shared a question that arose in a Christian Theology class when in college when this question was asked. “If you are hungry is it okay to steal bread?” What if your family is hungry is it acceptable to steal bread?” They brought about various opinions.

Before answering the question “is it okay to lie” do not miss this verse seven. “Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.” God was speaking to a non-believing king Abimelech.

Abraham was a prophet in the eyes of God yet he lied. Now you may say she is indeed his sister (which is truth) but she is indeed his wife (which is also truth).

How do you answer the question in your heart? Think about it I will add additional thoughts tomorrow.

God  Blees you in your thoughts.