The Wife of Pharaoh is a figure mentioned in the biblical narrative of Genesis, specifically in the account of Abram's sojourn in Egypt. This episode is found in Genesis 12:10-20, where Abram, later known as Abraham, travels to Egypt due to a severe famine in the land of Canaan. Concerned for his safety because of his wife Sarai's beauty, Abram instructs her to say she is his sister, fearing that the Egyptians would kill him to take her as a wife.

Biblical Account:

In Genesis 12:14-15 , the narrative states: "When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh, and the woman was taken into the palace of Pharaoh." The text indicates that Sarai was taken into Pharaoh's house, suggesting that she was intended to become part of his harem, a common practice for kings in the ancient Near East to form alliances and display wealth and power.

Divine Intervention:

The account continues with divine intervention to protect Sarai and Abram. Genesis 12:17 records, "But the LORD struck Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai." This divine action reveals God's protection over His covenant people and His disapproval of the situation, despite Abram's deception.

Pharaoh's Response:

Pharaoh's response to the plagues is one of immediate action. In Genesis 12:18-19 , Pharaoh confronts Abram: "So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, 'What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her as my wife? Now, here is your wife. Take her and go!'" Pharaoh's reaction demonstrates a recognition of the divine displeasure and a desire to rectify the situation by returning Sarai to Abram.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The narrative reflects the cultural and historical context of the time, where kings often took multiple wives and concubines. The practice of taking foreign women into a royal harem was not uncommon, and the account underscores the vulnerability of women in such situations. It also highlights the patriarchal structure of ancient societies, where women's identities and fates were often tied to the decisions and actions of their male relatives.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of the Wife of Pharaoh serves as an early demonstration of God's faithfulness to His promises and His protective care over Abram and Sarai. Despite Abram's lack of faith in resorting to deception, God intervenes to preserve the integrity of the covenant lineage. This episode foreshadows the recurring theme of God's sovereignty and intervention in the lives of the patriarchs, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

Lessons and Reflections:

The account of the Wife of Pharaoh invites reflection on themes of faith, fear, and divine providence. It challenges believers to trust in God's protection and provision, even in dire circumstances. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the moral complexities faced by biblical figures and the overarching grace of God that works through human frailty to accomplish His divine purposes.the Wife Of Pharaoh

The wife of one Pharaoh, the king who received Hadad the Edomite, is mentioned in Scripture. She is called "queen," and her name, Tahpenes, is given. [TAHPENES; PHARAOH, 6]

O what Amazement Befel the Evil One, of a Sudden, My Brethren ...
... Was it a pledge He went down to give her, as a betrother: giving assurance that
when of full age, He will also take her to wife?"27. Pharaoh cannot set his ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn lx o what amazement.htm

Of the Divine Preservation of Sarah's Chastity in Egypt, when ...
... place. For Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who had taken her to him as his wife,
restored her to her husband on being severely plagued. And ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 19 of the divine preservation.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... The fierce brothers, the unconcerned slave-dealers, Potiphar, his wife, the prisoners,
Pharaoh, are so many links in a chain; but they are also men, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

Joseph's Eagerness to Help Others
... When Joseph's master heard what his wife said to him, he was very angry; and he ... Egypt
and his baker offended their master the king of Egypt, and Pharaoh was so ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs eagerness to help others.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... CHAPTER 2. Concerning The Wife Of Solomon; Concerning His Wisdom And Riches; And ...
brought his enemies to punishment, he married the daughter of Pharaoh king of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

A Prisoner who Became a Mighty Ruler
... to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, but without your consent no man shall lift up his hand
or his foot in all the land of Egypt." Pharaoh gave him as a wife Asenath, the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a prisoner who became a.htm

Joseph, a Servant, a Prisoner, and a Saint.
... The king of Egypt, where Joseph was taken by the Ishmaelites, was called Pharaoh,
and he ... and the Lord made all that he did to prosper; but the wife of Potiphar ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter vii joseph a servant.htm

The Ark among the Flags
... more about him or her, but Keil thinks that Mered probably 'lived before the exodus';
but it can scarcely be that the 'daughter of Pharaoh,' his wife, is our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the ark among the flags.htm

Pride of Prosperity
... Furthermore, Pharaoh rendered signal service to Israel by taking Gezer, slaying
"the ... and giving it "for a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife." 1 Kings 9 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

Goodness in a Dungeon
... kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring ... or,
as is perhaps more probable, he did not quite believe his wife's story, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/goodness in a dungeon.htm

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