WEBVTT - Abram's Lie 0:00:00.070 --> 0:00:03.550 This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human. 0:00:04.510 --> 0:00:06.680 Previously on The Chosen People. 0:00:08.180 --> 0:00:10.120 Don't you sometimes wonder what it would be like to 0:00:10.180 --> 0:00:13.600 have a nation all of your own? To make a 0:00:13.660 --> 0:00:17.520 name for yourself rather than relying on the name of another? 0:00:18.500 --> 0:00:23.650 Lots questions stung. Abram had a dysfunctional relationship with greatness 0:00:23.710 --> 0:00:26.860 and legacy. Having no child of his own or any 0:00:26.940 --> 0:00:29.700 hope for one on the horizon, he knew whatever he 0:00:29.760 --> 0:00:34.040 gained would be dispersed among his servants and relatives. Nothing 0:00:34.100 --> 0:00:39.210 would live on beyond him. Abram didn't aim for greatness. Instead, 0:00:39.570 --> 0:00:42.690 he remained reliable, steady, and predictable. 0:00:43.630 --> 0:00:44.290 Abram. 0:00:44.830 --> 0:00:45.370 Who's there? 0:00:46.150 --> 0:00:49.180 Abram could feel the presence of the voice, but couldn't 0:00:49.240 --> 0:00:50.320 capture its source. 0:00:50.760 --> 0:00:55.880 Abram, you are to go out from your land Leave 0:00:55.920 --> 0:01:00.350 your father's house and your relatives behind and go to 0:01:00.390 --> 0:01:02.450 the land I will show you. 0:01:02.890 --> 0:01:07.330 Images of a future Abram could barely understand flickered in 0:01:07.490 --> 0:01:10.470 and out of focus in his mind's eye faster than 0:01:10.510 --> 0:01:14.660 he could discern. But the intent was clear. He was 0:01:14.670 --> 0:01:17.720 to have a legacy like the one Lot pined for. 0:01:18.240 --> 0:01:24.100 You have to trust me, Sarai. I have weighed the cost, but... 0:01:24.890 --> 0:01:30.870 More importantly, I know in my heart we must follow 0:01:30.910 --> 0:01:32.429 the words of this god. 0:01:34.190 --> 0:01:37.280 Abram, look at me. Are we to upend our entire 0:01:37.310 --> 0:01:39.740 way of life on the words of a random god? 0:01:41.080 --> 0:01:44.280 Abram didn't know why this god chose him. He wasn't 0:01:44.340 --> 0:01:48.560 a substantial or charismatic man. He wasn't even the greatest 0:01:48.600 --> 0:01:52.700 in his household. How would he accomplish all it had foretold? 0:01:53.620 --> 0:01:57.540 Even still, With this god's voice reverberating in his mind, 0:01:58.080 --> 0:02:01.600 he felt a confidence flicker in his heart. He could 0:02:01.620 --> 0:02:11.500 become great. Abram and Lot were exhausted after overseeing the 0:02:11.590 --> 0:02:17.709 gruelling sojourn south through the notoriously treacherous desert called the Negev. 0:02:18.590 --> 0:02:22.790 A devastating famine had swept through the land. It compelled 0:02:22.870 --> 0:02:25.940 their band of expatriates to carry their wealth on the 0:02:26.000 --> 0:02:29.070 backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of 0:02:29.150 --> 0:02:32.750 camels until they were eventually forced to enter the lions' 0:02:32.810 --> 0:02:37.230 and vipers' territory on the long, barren desert road to Egypt. 0:02:37.790 --> 0:02:42.500 The Egyptians and Canaanites reaped the benefits of long-established, prosperous 0:02:42.560 --> 0:02:46.339 trade routes, so seeking help and refuge in Egypt was 0:02:46.380 --> 0:02:50.660 the only option for Abram and Lot's people. Relieved but 0:02:50.760 --> 0:02:54.370 wary of their new neighbors, They were finally settling their 0:02:54.450 --> 0:02:58.389 tents and livestock in the unoccupied lands outside of the 0:02:58.430 --> 0:03:03.070 city of On, the gateway city to the mighty Egyptian nation. 0:03:03.790 --> 0:03:04.549 Abram! Abram! 0:03:05.230 --> 0:03:07.210 What did I tell you? No, no, don't look over. 0:03:07.669 --> 0:03:11.790 But listen carefully. That's the fifth time I've caught them 0:03:11.910 --> 0:03:12.960 staring today. 0:03:12.970 --> 0:03:15.280 At Sarai? Yes. 0:03:16.320 --> 0:03:20.200 Oh no, now they're whispering between themselves. 0:03:21.040 --> 0:03:24.840 Abram chanced a look over to the Egyptian officials patrolling 0:03:24.880 --> 0:03:28.660 their camp, a condition of the temporary occupation of their lands. 0:03:29.500 --> 0:03:34.060 Sure enough, the men's eyes lingered on his wife, again 0:03:34.419 --> 0:03:38.970 and again taking their fill. An uneasy pit formed in 0:03:39.070 --> 0:03:42.570 Abram's stomach, and he struggled to master the fury and 0:03:42.710 --> 0:03:44.150 fear rising within him. 0:03:44.670 --> 0:03:46.830 I should tell her to go inside and stay out 0:03:46.870 --> 0:03:47.350 of sight. 0:03:47.370 --> 0:03:50.370 Oh no, that won't do any good. They've already seen her. 0:03:50.880 --> 0:03:54.600 Do you think they know she's my wife? Have you 0:03:54.780 --> 0:03:57.180 or any of the servants spoken to them? 0:03:57.680 --> 0:03:57.920 Me? 0:03:58.360 --> 0:04:01.710 No way! I haven't said a word. What do you think, Abram? 0:04:02.470 --> 0:04:04.630 What do you think they'd do if they... if they 0:04:04.670 --> 0:04:05.170 wanted her? 0:04:06.830 --> 0:04:10.310 I fear what would happen to me, or you, or 0:04:10.470 --> 0:04:13.910 any of our household or workers, for that matter, if 0:04:14.010 --> 0:04:17.330 they were to decide to take her from me by force. 0:04:18.490 --> 0:04:21.860 I'm no good to any of you dead. I can't 0:04:21.960 --> 0:04:27.930 carry out this calling if I'm dead. Perhaps, perhaps there's 0:04:27.960 --> 0:04:29.349 a way to save myself. 0:04:30.529 --> 0:04:34.310 Abram fell silent for a long while. The stress of 0:04:34.370 --> 0:04:38.890 responsibility and the fear of failure squeezed his chest. A 0:04:39.029 --> 0:04:44.130 thousand different future scenarios raced through his mind. He thought 0:04:44.210 --> 0:04:48.659 about all the potential dangers and avenues of destruction. He 0:04:48.720 --> 0:04:51.380 thought out loud beside his nephew, spiraling. 0:04:52.440 --> 0:04:56.730 This is a brutal land. If they want Sarai, they're 0:04:56.750 --> 0:05:00.430 not going to ask. They'll take her and kill me. 0:05:00.529 --> 0:05:02.790 Then what? Everyone here will scatter. 0:05:03.130 --> 0:05:06.210 My father's wealth will be gone, and the legacy I 0:05:06.240 --> 0:05:10.479 was called to carry will disappear. Let's say they ask 0:05:10.560 --> 0:05:11.000 about her. 0:05:11.600 --> 0:05:13.719 What will you say? What will you do? 0:05:14.420 --> 0:05:16.640 If I tell them she's my wife, they'll kill me. 0:05:17.900 --> 0:05:22.489 But if I tell them she's my sister... They'll probably 0:05:22.550 --> 0:05:26.710 spare me. You realize this ruse would mean that you 0:05:26.750 --> 0:05:30.690 could lose your wife. Yes, but perhaps it would also 0:05:30.750 --> 0:05:33.790 allow me the benefit of time. It's time to find 0:05:33.830 --> 0:05:38.410 a way out. We've only just reached safety and can't 0:05:38.490 --> 0:05:45.549 risk upsetting or offending our hosts. Yeah, not to mention, 0:05:45.570 --> 0:05:50.130 we'd probably benefit from any potential suitors Sarah might have. 0:05:50.630 --> 0:05:52.630 But... I'm sorry, Uncle. 0:05:52.690 --> 0:05:53.580 I'm sorry. 0:05:53.620 --> 0:05:56.919 But you have to admit, gaining the Egyptians' favor and 0:05:56.960 --> 0:05:58.920 filling our coffers wouldn't exactly hurt. 0:06:00.420 --> 0:06:02.779 I mean, look at us, Abram. Look at the state 0:06:02.800 --> 0:06:05.100 of our clothes. Look at how the numbers of our 0:06:05.140 --> 0:06:06.120 herds have dwindled. 0:06:07.120 --> 0:06:08.360 We're practically skeletons. 0:06:09.180 --> 0:06:11.960 This famine has taken its toll on all of us. 0:06:14.160 --> 0:06:18.030 I admit we could use the resources. Abram, Abram, I 0:06:18.110 --> 0:06:18.529 get it. 0:06:18.570 --> 0:06:21.610 This is a tough spot to be in, believe me. 0:06:21.990 --> 0:06:24.790 I know. Frankly, I think if we're going to be 0:06:24.830 --> 0:06:28.240 in this precarious situation, why not benefit from it? 0:06:28.910 --> 0:06:31.500 I'm sorry it has to be you, but I'm certain 0:06:31.560 --> 0:06:32.650 no one's given. 0:06:32.380 --> 0:06:34.900 My wife a second glance with the way she frets 0:06:34.960 --> 0:06:37.919 and fusses over our daughters day and night. 0:06:38.560 --> 0:06:40.799 No one would mistake her for an unmarried. 0:06:40.440 --> 0:06:41.660 Woman, believe you me. 0:06:44.200 --> 0:06:47.550 Be that as it may, I don't envy the conversation 0:06:47.570 --> 0:06:49.089 you're about to have with your wife. 0:06:50.950 --> 0:06:55.190 Later that day, Abram steeled himself as he drew back 0:06:55.250 --> 0:06:59.620 the entrance of their tent. Sarai was seated inside amending 0:06:59.680 --> 0:07:03.839 one of his tunics. Though far past her prime, Sarai 0:07:03.880 --> 0:07:08.539 was undeniably beautiful, every bit as regal and striking as 0:07:08.600 --> 0:07:12.620 befitted their noble bloodline. Though Abram had known her since 0:07:12.640 --> 0:07:15.150 they were children, and they had been married for well 0:07:15.210 --> 0:07:18.230 over half their lives, there were still moments when her 0:07:18.290 --> 0:07:21.910 beauty took his breath away. Abram was lost in his 0:07:21.970 --> 0:07:26.110 thoughts again, pausing at the tense entrance. He was vibrating 0:07:26.170 --> 0:07:30.710 in place, nearly shaking with paranoia and self-doubt. His love 0:07:30.790 --> 0:07:34.330 for Sarai ran deep, but the uncertainty of the future 0:07:34.440 --> 0:07:38.420 plagued his mind. He was lost in an imaginary world, 0:07:38.960 --> 0:07:43.320 unable to escape. His stillness at the entryway drew her gaze, 0:07:43.900 --> 0:07:48.340 and he smiled tenderly. Pleased, she smiled warmly back. 0:07:48.880 --> 0:07:49.760 What is it, Abram? 0:07:50.240 --> 0:07:54.560 Sir, I must ask you something. It's very important that 0:07:54.640 --> 0:07:56.120 we are aligned in this matter. 0:07:56.640 --> 0:07:59.960 I am your wife. You are my husband and lord. 0:08:00.600 --> 0:08:01.960 You know I will support you. 0:08:02.620 --> 0:08:06.580 Yes, you are steady as the northern star, my dear. 0:08:07.780 --> 0:08:10.679 I couldn't have asked for a better wife. In fact, 0:08:11.400 --> 0:08:13.720 this is the matter I must speak to you about. 0:08:14.210 --> 0:08:17.670 You're making me nervous with that tone. What is it? 0:08:18.990 --> 0:08:23.890 You've drawn the attention of Pharaoh's officials. And because of that, 0:08:24.240 --> 0:08:27.160 we should be prepared to tell them you're my sister, 0:08:27.260 --> 0:08:31.200 not my wife. This is for your protection as well 0:08:31.240 --> 0:08:34.300 as my own. If you've drawn the eye of a 0:08:34.380 --> 0:08:38.849 prominent Egyptian as your brother, my life would be spared. 0:08:39.670 --> 0:08:41.010 So you'd lie. 0:08:41.990 --> 0:08:45.660 It's not an outright lie. We do share a father. 0:08:46.200 --> 0:08:49.580 Abram, you would tell a half-truth and deny me the 0:08:49.640 --> 0:08:54.500 protection of my husband? Lie to spare yourself and ship 0:08:54.559 --> 0:08:57.340 me off to an Egyptian warlord? 0:08:58.460 --> 0:09:03.180 Abram winced. His resolution wavered at her directness. In its 0:09:03.260 --> 0:09:06.560 wake came guilt, and he was ashamed to admit it. 0:09:07.280 --> 0:09:10.829 Instead of listening to his wife's hurt, Abram became defensive, 0:09:11.530 --> 0:09:13.730 The cost of the mission was too great to feel 0:09:13.790 --> 0:09:18.190 remorse for his plan now. The guilt lingered, but he 0:09:18.290 --> 0:09:21.280 shoved it down and again summoned his resolve. 0:09:21.900 --> 0:09:26.040 Sir, I don't think you fully grasp the danger we 0:09:26.080 --> 0:09:29.739 are in, that I am in. I've seen more of 0:09:29.800 --> 0:09:33.660 the world than you. I know what these foreign men 0:09:33.730 --> 0:09:36.350 would do to a man with the wife they desire. 0:09:38.620 --> 0:09:41.780 And so you would oversee the bidding for my hand, 0:09:42.400 --> 0:09:46.270 accept the favors of my suitors? This is something you 0:09:46.309 --> 0:09:47.309 could abide by? 0:09:47.970 --> 0:09:52.810 Sarai, this gives me no pleasure. But in this way, 0:09:53.190 --> 0:09:57.150 we would preserve our future family and secure our future. 0:09:58.250 --> 0:10:01.800 Who would lead our people if not me? You know 0:10:01.900 --> 0:10:05.120 this god has compelled us to leave our home. We've 0:10:05.140 --> 0:10:07.979 already strayed too far from the land I was promised. 0:10:08.900 --> 0:10:15.810 I must prevent any other missteps. This pretense could spare 0:10:15.870 --> 0:10:19.530 my life and buy me the time to right the course. 0:10:21.590 --> 0:10:25.470 And you are to achieve what was promised to us. 0:10:26.230 --> 0:10:30.730 Alone. It is my weight to bear. My responsibility to 0:10:31.490 --> 0:10:35.470 trust in my destiny. I'm not asking you to have 0:10:35.510 --> 0:10:38.950 the same faith I have. But I am asking that 0:10:38.990 --> 0:10:46.300 you trust me. Your preservation is also my responsibility. And 0:10:46.330 --> 0:10:49.830 this is the only way I see both of us surviving, 0:10:50.510 --> 0:10:54.290 should the inevitable come to pass. We don't have time 0:10:54.330 --> 0:10:57.530 to flee. And this ruse will buy me the time 0:10:57.630 --> 0:11:01.050 I need to plan a way out. I will not 0:11:01.110 --> 0:11:01.510 fail you. 0:11:03.230 --> 0:11:05.250 You would abandon me here? 0:11:05.570 --> 0:11:06.510 You don't understand. 0:11:07.620 --> 0:11:11.300 You're right about that, Abram. I don't understand. But I 0:11:11.420 --> 0:11:14.610 also don't have the benefit of denying your will. So 0:11:14.750 --> 0:11:17.830 here I am, a bride for sale to the highest bidder. 0:11:18.750 --> 0:11:26.240 And, as it had before, that settled the matter. What 0:11:26.480 --> 0:11:29.400 Abram and Lot had feared and predicted did indeed come 0:11:29.440 --> 0:11:34.000 to pass. Soon after Sarai's disheartening conversation with her husband, 0:11:34.520 --> 0:11:39.640 Pharaoh's officials called. To Sarai's surprise, Pharaoh himself had taken 0:11:39.679 --> 0:11:42.829 an interest in her. He had recently built an estate 0:11:42.890 --> 0:11:45.309 in the city of On to more firmly take a 0:11:45.370 --> 0:11:48.620 foothold at his nation's border, in light of the influx 0:11:48.679 --> 0:11:51.520 of migrants pouring in in response to the famine in 0:11:51.540 --> 0:11:55.180 the land. Widely known as a man who appreciated art 0:11:55.280 --> 0:11:59.790 and beautiful things, beautiful women included, he paid close attention 0:11:59.850 --> 0:12:02.630 to the reports of the more attractive women who arrived 0:12:02.670 --> 0:12:06.250 in their caravan from Canaan. What had taken place in 0:12:06.290 --> 0:12:09.140 the weeks since was a flurry of attention and favors, 0:12:09.700 --> 0:12:12.900 all to Abram's benefit and to the delight of Lot 0:12:12.960 --> 0:12:17.579 and his wife, who benefited by association. Meeting no resistance 0:12:17.620 --> 0:12:21.400 from Abram, Sarai had been taken to Pharaoh's household and 0:12:21.570 --> 0:12:25.410 added to his harem of women. At first, Sarai could 0:12:25.450 --> 0:12:28.690 not stomach the adjustment, but she was surprised to find 0:12:28.750 --> 0:12:32.470 how quickly she warmed to the Pharaoh's affections. Pharaoh was 0:12:32.570 --> 0:12:36.410 pleased with her. and began to court her outright. Abram, 0:12:36.770 --> 0:12:41.610 her brother, receiving gift after gift. As their flocks and 0:12:41.690 --> 0:12:45.790 coffers grew, Sarai hated herself for it, and regretted how 0:12:45.850 --> 0:12:49.219 she had behaved in her vanity at being preferred by Pharaoh. 0:12:50.000 --> 0:12:51.260 It all felt like a. 0:12:51.320 --> 0:12:54.500 Great betrayal of everything she had known her entire life, 0:12:55.080 --> 0:12:57.580 but she had to admit that she had not felt 0:12:57.679 --> 0:13:01.380 cherished in a long time. Abram had become distant and 0:13:01.440 --> 0:13:06.319 preoccupied of later, taking on his responsibilities as burdens, never 0:13:06.420 --> 0:13:09.920 asking for help, and blindly trusting in a god she 0:13:09.970 --> 0:13:13.650 had yet to see or hear herself. She had long 0:13:13.730 --> 0:13:16.590 held back her doubts about this promise to Abram about 0:13:16.670 --> 0:13:19.990 having a family. They had tried for years to produce 0:13:20.090 --> 0:13:24.270 an heir and failed. Baron was her badge. This wouldn't 0:13:24.309 --> 0:13:27.429 likely deter the pharaoh, as he had plenty of women 0:13:27.470 --> 0:13:31.520 to carry his children. Instead, he seemed determined to make. 0:13:31.400 --> 0:13:32.599 Her a wife regardless. 0:13:33.220 --> 0:13:35.840 A prize he could flaunt in the faces of her people, 0:13:36.300 --> 0:13:38.740 indebted as they were to him as they were forced 0:13:38.760 --> 0:13:43.060 to inhabit his land. She knew the courting period was closing, 0:13:43.340 --> 0:13:47.020 perhaps even that evening, since Pharaoh had asked Sarai's family 0:13:47.059 --> 0:13:50.780 to dine with him. Sarai was unsure whether or not 0:13:51.000 --> 0:13:53.150 Abram had devised a way to get her out of 0:13:53.210 --> 0:13:57.670 this impending commitment to Pharaoh, but her anxiety grew each day. 0:13:58.429 --> 0:14:01.250 There was a finality to this predicament that left a 0:14:01.350 --> 0:14:04.490 pit in Sarai's stomach, And if she was made to 0:14:04.530 --> 0:14:07.610 go through with this marriage to Pharaoh, would Abraham be 0:14:07.670 --> 0:14:10.630 forced to abandon the promise he had uprooted their lives for? 0:14:11.240 --> 0:14:13.980 And if she did, even the slim hope of ever 0:14:14.020 --> 0:14:15.179 having a child. 0:14:14.840 --> 0:14:15.719 Would be impossible. 0:14:16.660 --> 0:14:19.920 Sarai dared not hope for a miracle as grand as that, 0:14:20.440 --> 0:14:23.480 but perhaps she could ask this God for rescue from 0:14:23.540 --> 0:14:27.740 her impending marriage to Pharaoh. Perhaps she could muster a 0:14:27.800 --> 0:14:30.640 bit of faith in Abraham's God if he rescued her 0:14:30.680 --> 0:14:36.520 from these circumstances. Abram was seated in the seat of 0:14:36.580 --> 0:14:40.360 honor at Pharaoh's table. Pharaoh was lounging at the head 0:14:40.400 --> 0:14:45.600 of the great table. Meats, cheeses and fruit laced the table. Abram, 0:14:45.800 --> 0:14:48.780 Lot and his wife sat as guests, partaking in the 0:14:48.820 --> 0:14:53.360 king's decadence. Pharaoh was an imposing man with thick arms 0:14:53.440 --> 0:14:57.960 and a deep voice. His clean-shaven face revealed his broad 0:14:58.060 --> 0:15:02.610 jaw and muscular neck. Abram trembled in his presence. He 0:15:02.640 --> 0:15:06.550 was a man of power. not just physically, but militarily. 0:15:07.550 --> 0:15:10.790 Abram's entire company could be wiped out instantly if he 0:15:10.830 --> 0:15:14.750 met the ire of Pharaoh. For that reason, he trod lightly. 0:15:15.490 --> 0:15:18.230 Sarai's dignity may be the price he had to pay 0:15:18.310 --> 0:15:21.630 for his safety. Sarai tried to catch his eye or 0:15:21.670 --> 0:15:25.460 read his face for any sign of reassurance, but Abram 0:15:25.520 --> 0:15:29.740 fixed his eyes anywhere but his wife. Sarai's heart began 0:15:29.800 --> 0:15:33.100 to sink, and she desperately reached out in a silent 0:15:33.180 --> 0:15:37.300 prayer to his God. hoping beyond hope that deliverance would come. 0:15:38.490 --> 0:15:43.350 Sarai, my beauty, you seem distracted this evening. Are you 0:15:43.410 --> 0:15:46.770 not delighted to hear that your brother Abram and I 0:15:46.790 --> 0:15:49.190 have finally agreed on your dowry? 0:15:49.910 --> 0:15:52.450 You are to be one of my brides at last. 0:15:53.850 --> 0:15:58.980 Oh, I am, my lord. Thank you. Your generosity is overwhelming. 0:15:59.510 --> 0:16:02.020 You have already shown me such kindness that I could 0:16:02.080 --> 0:16:05.820 hardly hope for anything more. You honor me, and you 0:16:05.880 --> 0:16:10.720 honor my family as well. Especially my faithful brother. 0:16:12.740 --> 0:16:13.280 Quite right. 0:16:14.000 --> 0:16:16.920 His honor has proven true, and I have made him 0:16:17.040 --> 0:16:20.660 a wealthy man because of it. Your family will live 0:16:20.680 --> 0:16:24.540 in luxury and above your stations. Sure to be the 0:16:24.640 --> 0:16:27.120 envy of the other refugees in my country. 0:16:27.280 --> 0:16:31.280 Hear, hear! We drink to you and your hospitality, oh 0:16:31.380 --> 0:16:32.460 illustrious ones. 0:16:33.380 --> 0:16:36.640 We are in your debt and your loyal servants, your highness. 0:16:37.360 --> 0:16:40.480 Sarai watched Abram as they all lifted their cups to 0:16:40.540 --> 0:16:42.880 honor the pharaoh, but he said nothing. 0:16:43.720 --> 0:16:46.970 How soon until we can begin preparations, my lord? 0:16:48.770 --> 0:16:53.970 So eager, my beauty. We can begin making arrangements tomorrow. 0:16:55.230 --> 0:16:58.060 Oh, Sarai, you must let me help you. As you know, 0:16:58.120 --> 0:17:00.240 I've had so much experience in these matters. 0:17:00.260 --> 0:17:00.330 Yes. 0:17:01.480 --> 0:17:05.280 The conversation prattled on and washed over Sarai without her 0:17:05.340 --> 0:17:09.960 contribution as she continued to watch Abram's disengagement from across 0:17:10.030 --> 0:17:14.150 the table. It wasn't until a pretty serving girl appeared 0:17:14.190 --> 0:17:16.629 at his elbow to take a plate away that he 0:17:16.690 --> 0:17:18.729 re-engaged with the world around him. 0:17:19.470 --> 0:17:19.890 Thank you. 0:17:21.210 --> 0:17:22.030 What is your name? 0:17:22.650 --> 0:17:24.090 My name is Hagar. 0:17:24.820 --> 0:17:27.320 Is there anything else I can get you, master? 0:17:28.900 --> 0:17:31.910 No, thank you. I don't need anything, Hagar. 0:17:32.690 --> 0:17:38.690 Abram, has my servant piqued your interest? Consider her a 0:17:38.770 --> 0:17:41.410 part of my dowry, a gift for bringing me such 0:17:41.470 --> 0:17:42.380 a lovely wife. 0:17:43.190 --> 0:17:45.940 Your generosity knows no bounds, Pharaoh. 0:17:46.780 --> 0:17:49.399 And though she knew her husband did not intend to 0:17:49.480 --> 0:17:52.840 wound her with these words, she fumed that the only 0:17:52.960 --> 0:17:56.440 kindness her husband seemingly had to spare was for some 0:17:56.520 --> 0:18:00.270 stranger and not his own wife. She managed to sit 0:18:00.350 --> 0:18:03.360 quietly for the rest of the feast, speaking only when 0:18:03.400 --> 0:18:07.439 a response was warranted. Later, alone in her quarters for 0:18:07.480 --> 0:18:10.479 the night, she wept in the silence that everyone had 0:18:10.540 --> 0:18:15.859 abandoned her. Deliverance, she thought, was not coming. She looked 0:18:15.940 --> 0:18:19.439 out her window, staring up at the stars. She was 0:18:19.560 --> 0:18:23.899 anxious and afraid. But in that moment of sorrow, an 0:18:24.020 --> 0:18:28.960 otherworldly stillness settled around her. She couldn't quite understand it, 0:18:29.600 --> 0:18:32.580 But the presence of God was with her at that moment. 0:18:33.440 --> 0:18:35.700 It had a weight to it, and she could have 0:18:35.760 --> 0:18:40.820 sworn she felt some comforting arms wrap around her. That night, 0:18:41.359 --> 0:18:46.600 under a canopy of stars and uncertainty, Sarai, despite her tears, 0:18:47.140 --> 0:18:51.990 felt comforted. Abram had failed her, but the God of 0:18:52.130 --> 0:18:57.510 Abram wouldn't. That night, working in the margins of Pharaoh's dreams, 0:18:57.830 --> 0:19:01.120 God was at work, He would come to defend her. 0:19:03.220 --> 0:19:03.629 Wake up! 0:19:04.380 --> 0:19:07.740 Abram opened his eyes to see two spears inches away 0:19:07.810 --> 0:19:11.810 from his throat. Pharaoh's men had entered his tent, poised 0:19:11.850 --> 0:19:13.750 to strike if he struggled or screamed. 0:19:14.450 --> 0:19:16.730 What's happening? Why have you come here? 0:19:17.690 --> 0:19:18.210 Silence! 0:19:18.830 --> 0:19:22.830 Pharaoh has summoned you. Follow us or feel the tips 0:19:22.890 --> 0:19:23.870 of our spears. 0:19:24.950 --> 0:19:27.690 Abram wrapped himself up and followed the men to the palace. 0:19:28.330 --> 0:19:32.450 Once again, his mind raced with imaginary scenarios. Had Sarai 0:19:32.490 --> 0:19:36.120 given up? Had she conspired against him? Was Pharaoh going 0:19:36.160 --> 0:19:39.520 to kill him or go back on his word? Abram 0:19:39.600 --> 0:19:42.300 shuffled on his feet nervously in the receiving hall of 0:19:42.380 --> 0:19:46.190 Pharaoh's palace, and what was stranger still was that the palace, 0:19:46.590 --> 0:19:50.860 usually humming with activity from servants, merchants, guests, and officials, 0:19:51.119 --> 0:19:56.100 was eerily quiet. Abram heard rumors that a sudden sickness 0:19:56.140 --> 0:20:00.240 was rampant in Pharaoh's household. It wasn't unusual for a 0:20:00.300 --> 0:20:03.179 disease to sweep through a city, but if the rumors 0:20:03.260 --> 0:20:06.379 were to be believed, the sickness seemed only to affect 0:20:06.440 --> 0:20:10.790 those inside the palace grounds. The accounts also claimed that 0:20:10.830 --> 0:20:13.459 they were miraculously healed when people. 0:20:13.210 --> 0:20:14.060 Left the premises. 0:20:14.800 --> 0:20:18.140 It was almost as if an angry god had cursed 0:20:18.240 --> 0:20:22.619 Pharaoh and his household. In a rare, fleeting moment of 0:20:22.680 --> 0:20:26.240 concern for his wife, Abram wondered if Sarai had also 0:20:26.260 --> 0:20:29.740 fallen ill. Perhaps that was why Pharaoh had summoned him, 0:20:30.220 --> 0:20:33.239 to tell him news of his wife's death. As if 0:20:33.320 --> 0:20:37.100 in response to his thoughts, Pharaoh stormed into the receiving hall. 0:20:37.430 --> 0:20:40.270 And Abram dropped to his knees in reverence for the 0:20:40.350 --> 0:20:42.600 ruler and his soon-to-be brother-in-law. 0:20:43.200 --> 0:20:44.780 Stand, Abram. 0:20:45.960 --> 0:20:49.619 Abram stood but waited for Pharaoh to speak first. He 0:20:49.660 --> 0:20:52.219 could not help but notice the paleness of his skin 0:20:52.480 --> 0:20:55.709 and the glassiness of his eyes. He wondered if the 0:20:55.790 --> 0:20:58.770 Pharaoh was afflicted by this mysterious illness as well. 0:20:59.690 --> 0:21:01.670 What have you done to me? 0:21:02.609 --> 0:21:06.740 Your Highness, forgive me, but I do not understand your meaning. 0:21:07.470 --> 0:21:10.610 When Abram looked up at the pharaoh, he quickly averted 0:21:10.670 --> 0:21:13.600 his eyes again. It was hard to tell, and he 0:21:13.630 --> 0:21:16.379 didn't want to be caught staring too long. But the 0:21:16.450 --> 0:21:19.800 skin visible at his collar and sleeves looked raw and 0:21:19.920 --> 0:21:24.560 red from scratching, perhaps from boils. He was a ghastly sight. 0:21:25.840 --> 0:21:26.619 Don't you? 0:21:27.900 --> 0:21:33.820 This disease upon my household, upon my very person, has 0:21:33.900 --> 0:21:37.679 come over us too quickly to be something new. The 0:21:37.740 --> 0:21:43.379 natural world. Which of your backcountry gods have you called 0:21:43.500 --> 0:21:44.720 upon to curse me? 0:21:46.400 --> 0:21:50.130 Your Highness, I would never... No, no. 0:21:51.190 --> 0:21:53.470 You deny your involvement in this matter. 0:21:54.670 --> 0:21:55.750 Forgive me, Pharaoh. 0:21:56.390 --> 0:21:58.510 I do not know how this came to be or 0:21:58.550 --> 0:22:01.469 if anyone has been involved. But you must believe me, 0:22:01.859 --> 0:22:03.220 I had no part in it. 0:22:06.940 --> 0:22:11.220 No, I don't believe someone as lowly as you could 0:22:11.320 --> 0:22:13.440 call harm upon me. 0:22:15.480 --> 0:22:20.200 Pharaoh paused and fixed Abram with an unflinching and inscrutable stare. 0:22:21.240 --> 0:22:24.669 Abram remembered that the Egyptians considered their pharaohs to be 0:22:24.710 --> 0:22:28.649 gods themselves when they ascended to their thrones. He also 0:22:28.730 --> 0:22:33.010 remembered that the Egyptians were deeply superstitious, though, given what 0:22:33.050 --> 0:22:36.060 had happened... Abram could not say he could take issue 0:22:36.100 --> 0:22:37.119 with that way of thinking. 0:22:39.200 --> 0:22:44.160 You could not do this to me. But perhaps there 0:22:44.200 --> 0:22:46.570 is something I have done to anger the gods. 0:22:48.070 --> 0:22:51.530 Surely you have done nothing wrong, your highness. You have 0:22:51.590 --> 0:22:56.190 treated both your subjects and even strangers like myself with 0:22:56.270 --> 0:22:57.230 great kindness. 0:22:59.510 --> 0:23:03.060 We happen to agree on this matter. I am Pharaoh. 0:23:04.260 --> 0:23:06.119 I am the image of Ra. 0:23:07.200 --> 0:23:11.280 I am the morning and evening star, acting as an 0:23:11.540 --> 0:23:16.520 arm of the gods themselves. I have consulted my priests, 0:23:16.920 --> 0:23:21.510 and we cannot find any reason that justifies this wrath. Unless, 0:23:21.570 --> 0:23:25.030 of course, I have caught the eye of another god. 0:23:25.609 --> 0:23:27.090 A foreign god? 0:23:28.990 --> 0:23:29.430 Abram? 0:23:31.380 --> 0:23:35.200 Have you been completely truthful with me? 0:23:36.210 --> 0:23:41.050 Your Highness, what are you accusing me of? 0:23:42.150 --> 0:23:45.810 There's been a bit of gossip that has reached my ears. 0:23:46.590 --> 0:23:50.669 I admit, I didn't want to believe it initially, because 0:23:50.690 --> 0:23:53.600 you enthusiastically encouraged my actions. 0:23:54.380 --> 0:23:56.500 Surely an honest man such as. 0:23:56.480 --> 0:24:00.879 Yourself would not accept gift after gift... if he did 0:24:00.920 --> 0:24:03.720 not desire the courtship to come to fruition. 0:24:04.440 --> 0:24:08.290 Abram's heart caught in his chest. Adrenaline pulsed through his 0:24:08.330 --> 0:24:10.630 body as every fear he had in coming to this 0:24:10.670 --> 0:24:11.850 place became realized. 0:24:12.790 --> 0:24:16.470 Abram, who is Sarai to you? 0:24:17.530 --> 0:24:19.930 Your Highness, I beg forgiveness. 0:24:20.970 --> 0:24:25.950 Sarai is my wife, just as your spies have surely 0:24:26.040 --> 0:24:30.490 told you. The gossip, it's true. I was afraid of 0:24:30.550 --> 0:24:33.820 what would happen to me if a man desired my wife. 0:24:34.859 --> 0:24:36.820 I never guessed that she would be chosen by the 0:24:37.080 --> 0:24:40.379 most powerful man in the world. I didn't know how 0:24:40.460 --> 0:24:44.639 to escape my deception, which had gone on for too long. 0:24:45.680 --> 0:24:48.869