Genesis 12:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Notice that he is once again driven from the wilderness, not by human intervention but by hardship and scarcity. “And there was a famine in that land.” Let those who speak hastily and without discernment heed this; they often assert that a famine arose due to someone's presence, or that it vanished when another person arrived. Observe that even in the company of a righteous man, there was a great famine, yet he remained unshaken, did not yield to human frailty, nor did he link the famine to his existence. However, when he recognized that nature was exhausted—meaning, it failed to yield its usual harvests—and the famine grew more severe, it is written, “Abraham went down to Egypt to dwell there, because the famine was severe in that land.” Witness how the realm of the righteous expanded.

In this instance, as well as in many others, the Hebrew script replaces 'desert' with 'south.' This is a significant observation to keep in mind.

In the time when the righteous Abraham resided as a foreigner in the land of Canaan, a famine struck that region, prompting him to journey to Egypt where abundance could be found. Saint Ambrosius notes that Abraham's trip to Egypt was not solely due to the famine but was also in obedience to God's directive, intended to proclaim the name of the Almighty and instill fear in the hearts of the unbelievers. Since God’s beloved wife Sarah, who was exceedingly beautiful, was not to be acknowledged publicly as his wife but referred to as his sister — a title she merited by virtue of their familial ties — Abraham acted out of concern that the Egyptians might kill him to take her for themselves.

Abram descended into Egypt, seeking shelter from the famine that was affecting Palestine. He chose Egypt, a land positioned at a lower elevation and nourished by a river, making it less prone to drought compared to surrounding regions. Additionally, it’s possible that he preferred Egypt over the eastern lands to avoid the temptation of returning to his homeland. Abram’s journey to Egypt represents another phase of his spiritual trials. After experiencing prosperity in the fruitful land of the Chaldees and in Haran, where he had increased his wealth, he found himself driven from the promised land due to famine. At this time, the divine promises must have seemed obscured, making it extremely challenging to maintain unwavering faith.

The straightforward interpretation is evident; however, the deeper significance lies here. Those who are wise in the ways of God transcend earthly concerns since they do not belong to this world. During that period, a famine arose, affecting those preoccupied with worldly matters, who often find themselves spiritually barren, lacking the word of the Lord. Yet, for those truly deserving of His word, it will eventually be restored to them. Consequently, Abram ventures into Egypt to sojourn—not to settle permanently—showing compassion to those enduring hunger while refraining from permanent residency, similar to the situation of Daniel’s friends who were in Babylon not because of their own sins but to assist those exiled for theirs.