Abram’s Perilous Encounter in Egypt: On reaching the southern region of the land of promise, Abram faces two dangers that cast a heavy shadow over the promises God has made. A severe famine strikes Canaan, causing Abram to leave the land of promise for Egypt. Then, in Egypt Sarai is taken to Pharaoh’s harem. Only God’s intervention delivers Abram and Sarai from Pharaoh’s power so that they may return to Canaan together.

12:10–13 Up to this point Abram had journeyed from Haran through Canaan apparently without incident. Now, at the southern boundary of the land of promise, he discovered firsthand that this land has a major drawback. It is a land periodically subject to famine, since its rainfall is sporadic. During such a crisis many of the inhabitants had to migrate in order to keep themsel…