Theological question about Abram and Sarah.

[MariAnn96]

I've decided to study the OT a bit more and as I was reading Genesis I could not understand one thing and I know this might be a weird question to many. But. Why did God punish Pharaoh for Abraham's lie about Sarah being his sister, not his wife if Pharaoh did not know he wasn't told the truth? Basically, it looks like Pharaoh was punished for something he was not responsible for, I mean he ended up being surprised and even asked why didn't Abraham tell him she was his wife.
What am I missing here? Of course, there has to be an explanation

 

[musicalpilgrim]

I've decided to study the OT a bit more and as I was reading Genesis I could not understand one thing and I know this might be a weird question to many. But. Why did God punish Pharaoh for Abraham's lie about Sarah being his sister, not his wife if Pharaoh did not know he wasn't told the truth? Basically, it looks like Pharaoh was punished for something he was not responsible for, I mean he ended up being surprised and even asked why didn't Abraham tell him she was his wife.
What am I missing here? Of course, there has to be an explanation

Hi and welcome to the forum in Jesus name, it's a great place to be for fellowship with other Christians. Unfortunately I can't answer your question, but I am sure there will be plenty who can, May be on a discussion forum.

 

[GospelS]

I've decided to study the OT a bit more and as I was reading Genesis I could not understand one thing and I know this might be a weird question to many. But. Why did God punish Pharaoh for Abraham's lie about Sarah being his sister, not his wife if Pharaoh did not know he wasn't told the truth? Basically, it looks like Pharaoh was punished for something he was not responsible for, I mean he ended up being surprised and even asked why didn't Abraham tell him she was his wife.
What am I missing here? Of course, there has to be an explanation

Many explanations can be discussed. Abraham was afraid of revealing the full details. May be God saw Abraham’s actions to be very silly like a child. A father does not always quickly punish his little son for his childish act.

 

[paul1149]

From the pharaoh's perspective, it seems completely innocent (for the times). She was an unmarried woman, he was told, so he took her into his house. Probably this was not the first time he had done this, and it seemed to be a good deal for everyone - he gets the woman, the family gets valuables.

But God was saying, "not this woman". Abram was under God's protection despite his failings and mistakes. God used the trails of life to build his faith, until the day it would be perfected when he was willing to offer Isaac. So He covered Abram's weakness here, by sending signs to the pharaoh that he was crossing a line he shouldn't. We're not told, but it's possible that the pharaoh had checks in his spirit from the outset regarding taking Sarai, which at first he overruled but then was forced to heed, because we get a small glimpse into his character when we see he did the right thing once he got the message.

 

[Amittai]

I like Paul's explanation.

In addition, Abram had to learn to play his part in looking after someone else's conscience. Lucky for him he was dealing with someone that was halfway listening to God!

 

[summerville]

I've decided to study the OT a bit more and as I was reading Genesis I could not understand one thing and I know this might be a weird question to many. But. Why did God punish Pharaoh for Abraham's lie about Sarah being his sister, not his wife if Pharaoh did not know he wasn't told the truth? Basically, it looks like Pharaoh was punished for something he was not responsible for, I mean he ended up being surprised and even asked why didn't Abraham tell him she was his wife.
What am I missing here? Of course, there has to be an explanation

There were three similiar episodes concerning Abraham and Sara.. I am reminded of the murder of Uriah when David wanted Baathsheba.

 

[quietbloke]

Interesting thoughts!

 

[summerville]

From the pharaoh's perspective, it seems completely innocent (for the times). She was an unmarried woman, he was told, so he took her into his house. Probably this was not the first time he had done this, and it seemed to be a good deal for everyone - he gets the woman, the family gets valuables.

But God was saying, "not this woman". Abram was under God's protection despite his failings and mistakes. God used the trails of life to build his faith, until the day it would be perfected when he was willing to offer Isaac. So He covered Abram's weakness here, by sending signs to the pharaoh that he was crossing a line he shouldn't. We're not told, but it's possible that the pharaoh had checks in his spirit from the outset regarding taking Sarai, which at first he overruled but then was forced to heed, because we get a small glimpse into his character when we see he did the right thing once he got the message.

Abraham was a warlord and bedu chieftain.. He had some 300 armed, dedicated fighters.

 

[Amittai]

There were three similiar episodes concerning Abraham and Sara.. I am reminded of the murder of Uriah when David wanted Baathsheba.

Thank you Summerville for highlighting the core