On the face of it, this is an extraordinarily mercenary attitude for Abram to adopt – to say nothing of its racist (anti-Egyptian) and misogynistic (anti-Sarai) implications. Abram cares only about his own well-being and self-aggrandisement – and he will do anything to materially enrich his situation – even prostituting his wife to be used by the Pharaoh for profit! The Jewish authors seem to be siding with Abram and accusing the Pharaoh of acting inappropriately. An interesting question is “why” is this Jewish criminality (which occurs in other parts of the Bible) treated with such a casual and inattentive manner? Following the law and customs of other countries is a duty to all people and a mark of human civilisation – just as non-Jews are expected to show respect for Jewish traditions, attitudes and conventions.
