Genesis 12:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let us not merely be astonished, dear ones, but rather let us find wonder and delight, offering praise to our Lord's extraordinary power which belongs to all of us. Notice how the descendants of this patriarch followed a similar path, driven by famine to Egypt, only to come back after enduring long hardship and poverty, enriched beyond measure. Such is the wisdom of our Lord: He first permits trials to escalate to their peak, then He calms the tempest, brings forth tranquility, and transforms everything, desiring to reveal the magnitude of His strength.

It is noteworthy that even the uncultured are capable of recognizing natural law, as even animals demonstrate loyalty to their mates and uphold the sanctity of exclusive union. Thus, the law of nature surpasses human legislation. It is not surprising that the king of Egypt, unafraid of mortals, trembled before God and sought atonement for his transgression, despite being outside any legal framework. Upon discovering that Sarah was already married, Pharaoh returned her to Abraham and even provided him with companions to ensure that none of his people would harm Abraham's property or his wife’s reputation. This account serves as an inspiring reminder of the pursuit of virtue, for those who align with God remain unscathed. Therefore, we should prioritize God above all else; our loyalty to our homeland, our affection for family, or the allure of a spouse should never lead us away from obeying divine direction. God generously bestows these blessings upon us and is fully capable of safeguarding what He has granted. The example of Abraham’s faithfulness is particularly commendable; he arrived in Egypt with a beautiful wife. While the righteous man was concerned for the sanctity of marriage, his greater aspiration was for complete obedience, ensuring it did not seem as if he valued preserving his marital bond over divine commandments. For God's sake, he surrendered everything—and in return, God fulfilled him abundantly. Ultimately, God bestowed upon him the honor that he recognized to be precious to his wife. As Abraham sought to adhere to divine will, risking the respect of his wife, God ensured the integrity of their marriage remained intact.