Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 12:18-20
‘And Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this that you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? Why did you say ‘she is my sister’. Now therefore here is your wife. Take her and leave.” And Pharaoh gave men charge concerning him, and they brought him on the way, and his wife, and all that he had.’ The words aptly bring out the superior status of Pharaoh. There is no discussion. Indeed the message would probably be conveyed through servants, although it is possible... read more
Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 12:17
‘And Yahweh plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues, because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.’ Presumably Pharaoh must have visited the particular palace where Sarai was in the harem and some dreadful illness clearly ensued there. Enquiries would then be made as to new arrivals to explain the problem, and diviners would be consulted. God may have spoken to them as he later spoke to the soothsayer Balaam. Certainly in some way they learned the truth about Sarai. It is even possible that Abram or... read more