Sarai's Faithfulness

We’re always hearing about Father Abraham and the Abrahamic covenant. When people discuss Biblical genealogy, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are mentioned. That’s all well and good, and I have no problem with it at all. It was a patriarchal society “back in the day.” In fact, in most cultures of the world, that’s still the case, even in the good old U.S. of A. That’s fine with me.

At the same time, I can’t help but wonder about the life of “Mother Sarai.” 90 years old when her only child Isaac was born, she was quite a gal by anyone’s standards. We know a little about her from the scriptures, and I often find myself marveling at what a woman of strength she was. How would you react if your husband came home and said, “We’re moving.” That’s it. No discussion. Just, “We’re moving because God told me to leave this country and go to one that He’s going to show me.” I wonder if she was afraid. Did she see it as an adventure? Was she reluctant to leave family and friends, or was she looking forward to a change of scene? Regardless of her feelings, Sarai (later called Sarah) went with Abram (who later became Abraham).

Fast forward a little bit, and we see the two of them in Egypt without resources or connections. Knowing that Sarai’s beauty is an asset, Abraham tells her to tell the Egyptians that she is his sister. In actuality, she was his half-sister, but her primary role throughout the scriptures is that of Abraham’s wife, not his sister. Still, Abraham wants her to do this so that they can survive in the land. Does she squawk or complain or refuse her husband’s request? No, again Sarai does as he asks and is soon a part of Pharaoh’s harem of beautiful women.

In one chapter, Genesis 12, here are two examples of the actions of a faithful wife who, without hesitation, does as her husband asks, not knowing what her future will hold. As it turns out, they have a bit of a challenge reaching the land of Canaan and end up in Egypt. Their survival at stake, Sarai uses her beauty, feminine wiles, and a smidgen (?) of deception to become a part of the pharaoh’s household.

I can’t help but wonder what Sarai thought about as she moved about the palace. Did she “rue the day” she ever left Haran? Did she miss Abram and doubt whether she’d ever see him again? Did she know that Pharaoh had given her husband sheep, oxen, servants, and camels in exchange for her? If she knew, did she resent it, or did she somehow know that Abraham would free her?

What about you? Have you ever followed your husband to another part of the country away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings because of a job offer or educational opportunities? Have you ever lived in less-than-perfect surroundings while the two of you “got on your feet?” Were there children involved? Did that add to your uncertainty about the future? Did you doubt your husband’s “promptings,” or did you trust his judgment emphatically?