Pharaoh

Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler who took Abraham's wife Sarah into his palace during their visit to Egypt.

This Pharaoh was the Egyptian ruler during the time of Abraham's visit to Egypt (Gen 12:10-20). When Abraham and his wife Sarah entered Egypt, Abraham asked Sarah to say that she was his sister, fearing that the Egyptians would kill him to take her, as she was very beautiful. As a result, Pharaoh took Sarah into his palace, believing her to be unmarried. However, God afflicted Pharaoh and his household with plagues because of Sarah. Pharaoh, realizing that Sarah was Abraham's wife, rebuked Abraham for his deception and sent them away with wealth and possessions. The Bible does not provide the specific name or historical identity of this Pharaoh, as the term "Pharaoh" was used as a title for Egyptian kings.

The Pharaoh who was on the throne when Abram went down into Egypt (Gen. 12:10-20) was probably one of the Hyksos, or “shepherd kings.” The Egyptians called the nomad tribes of Syria Shasu, “plunderers,” their king or chief Hyk, and hence the name of those invaders who conquered the native kings and established a strong government, with Zoan or Tanis as their capital. They were of Semitic origin, and of kindred blood accordingly with Abram. They were probably driven forward by the pressure of the Hittites. The name they bear on the monuments is “Mentiu.”