Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avraham say that Sarah was his sister instead of his wife?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 20:2), Avraham was concerned that the people of Gerar would kill him to take Sarah because of her beauty. Since they were already married, he said she was his sister to avoid this danger. This was a precaution to protect his life, as he had done earlier in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-13).
Q: Was it morally acceptable for Avraham to say Sarah was his sister?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) discusses that Avraham was permitted to say this because Sarah was actually his niece (daughter of his brother Haran), and in Torah terminology, a close relative can be called 'sister.' Additionally, Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:7) explains that preserving life (pikuach nefesh) overrides certain prohibitions, and Avraham acted to save his life.
Q: Why did Avimelekh take Sarah if he thought she was just Avraham's sister?
A: Rashi (Genesis 20:2) explains that Avimelekh, like Pharaoh before him, was attracted to Sarah’s beauty and took her into his household, assuming she was unmarried. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:5) adds that Sarah was protected by divine intervention, ensuring no harm came to her.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this story about Avraham and Sarah?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:3) teaches that this episode demonstrates the importance of trust in Hashem, even in difficult situations. Avraham’s actions, though seemingly deceptive, were motivated by self-preservation, and Hashem ultimately protected Sarah and Avraham. It also highlights the sanctity of marriage, as Hashem intervened to prevent Avimelekh from sinning.
Q: How does this story relate to Jewish values today?
A: This incident reminds us of the Torah’s emphasis on the value of human life (pikuach nefesh) and the importance of protecting one’s family. Jewish law permits certain actions in life-threatening situations (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 328). Additionally, it teaches that Hashem watches over the righteous, even in exile, reinforcing the belief in divine providence.
Avraham's Statement About Sarah
In this verse (Bereishit 20:2), Avraham refers to Sarah as his sister when speaking to Avimelekh, king of Gerar. Rashi explains that Avraham did not lie outright, as Sarah was indeed his niece (the daughter of his brother Haran), and in Torah terminology, a niece can be referred to as a "sister" (see Bereishit 13:8, where Lot is called Avraham's "brother"). Additionally, the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:5) states that Sarah was also his "sister" in wisdom and righteousness.
Avraham's Motivation
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 9:4) discusses that Avraham's concern was for self-preservation, as he feared the inhabitants of Gerar would kill him to take Sarah. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) notes that Avraham had already faced a similar situation in Egypt (Bereishit 12:10-20), reinforcing his caution. The Or HaChaim (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar) adds that Avraham acted based on prophetic insight (ruach hakodesh) that this was the correct course of action.
Avimelekh's Actions
The verse states that Avimelekh "took Sarah," which the Ramban explains does not necessarily imply immoral conduct, as the Torah later reveals (Bereishit 20:4) that Avimelekh had not yet approached her. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:3) suggests that Avimelekh took Sarah into his household, intending to marry her, but was prevented by divine intervention.
Moral and Theological Lessons