Genesis 12:13
Abraham and Sarah

Say that you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life be spared on your account.

Artwork by Marc Chagall:
Sarah and the Angel



The Context:
Abraham and Sarah were forced to go to Egypt because of famine. Abraham, concerned that he would be killed if Pharaoh wanted Sarah for his own, asked Sarah to pretend she was his sister. Abraham was rewarded for his deception with gifts and riches. After plague struck the Pharaoh's court, he released Sarah to Abraham.
The Problem:
Abraham told Sarah to lie and be with another man.

"See we think the Patriarchs are plaster saints, they're not, they represent real people."
-- Father Alexander A. Di Lella O.F.M.

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