Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did God plague Pharaoh and his household?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Pharaoh was struck with plagues because he took Sarai (Avram's wife) into his palace, intending to marry her. This was a punishment for his actions, as Avram had feared for his life and presented Sarai as his sister (Genesis 12:12-13). The plagues demonstrated God's protection of Sarai and disapproval of Pharaoh's behavior.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about protecting a spouse?
A: The verse teaches the importance of safeguarding one's spouse and family. While Avram's decision to call Sarai his sister was motivated by fear, the plagues on Pharaoh show that God intervenes to protect marital sanctity. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 21:26) later emphasizes the severity of violating marital boundaries.
Q: Were the plagues on Pharaoh similar to the later plagues in Egypt?
A: The Torah does not specify the exact nature of these plagues, but Rashi notes they were 'great plagues,' possibly similar to those later inflicted on Egypt during the Exodus. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 41:2) suggests they included severe afflictions that made it clear this was divine retribution.
Q: Why is Pharaoh's household punished if only Pharaoh sinned?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 71a) discusses how sometimes a leader's household is held accountable for not preventing his wrongdoing. Additionally, the Midrash implies that Pharaoh's household may have participated in or supported his actions. This teaches that communities share responsibility in upholding morality.
Q: How does this event relate to Avram's journey in the Torah?
A: This incident reinforces that God protects Avram and fulfills His promise to bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him (Genesis 12:3). It also sets a precedent for divine intervention in Egypt, foreshadowing the Exodus. The Ramban notes that this episode established God's presence with Avram in all his travels.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 12:17) describes how Hashem afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues after Pharaoh took Sarai, Avram's wife, into his palace. This incident occurred when Avram and Sarai descended to Egypt due to famine in Canaan, and Avram instructed Sarai to identify herself as his sister to avoid being killed (Bereshit 12:10-13).
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 12:17) explains that the plagues were specifically "great plagues" (נְגָעִים גְּדֹלִים) to demonstrate that Pharaoh was being punished for taking a married woman. The severity of the afflictions served as a clear sign that Sarai was not merely Avram's sister, but his wife. Rashi further notes that the plagues affected Pharaoh's entire household to emphasize that the sin was not just Pharaoh's personal wrongdoing but involved his entire court.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 41:2) elaborates that the plagues were a precursor to the Ten Plagues later inflicted upon Egypt during the Exodus. This connection underscores the principle of מידה כנגד מידה (measure for measure)—just as Pharaoh oppressed Sarah, his descendants would later oppress the Israelites, leading to their own punishment.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 13:15) cites this episode as a halachic precedent, teaching that even a non-Jewish king like Pharaoh is held accountable for violating the prohibition of taking a married woman. The plagues served as a divine intervention to uphold the sanctity of marriage, reinforcing that such transgressions are universally forbidden.
Lessons from the Verse