Story · 16 · Isaac and Rebekah
Isaac's lie, and a king's rebuke
Living among foreigners in Gerar, Isaac claims Rebekah is his sister to save his own skin. When the king catches them together, he scolds Isaac for nearly bringing guilt on his people.
Sometimes the outsider teaches the patriarch morals.
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Strangely, no one in Gerar ever pursues Rebekah. The story pokes fun at Isaac's anxieties and challenges readers' assumption that foreigners would mistreat them. It's the foreign king who acts honorably.
Bible reference: Genesis 26:6–11
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 252–253
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