Sarah and Rebekah: Sister or Wife?

Question

What is the cultural and historical setting of the Genesis account of Abram passing off his wife Sarai as his sister to Pharoah?
2. Same scenario for Isaac and Rebekah and King Abemilech.
3. What does Jewish history say about Melchizedek, High Priest of Salem?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Both Abraham and Isaac were scared for their lives. Their wives were beautiful and they were sure that if it became common knowledge that they were married, Abraham and Isaac would both be killed so that Sarah and Rebecca could be taken and given to the respective kings as wives. That is why both  Abraham and Isaac told everyone that the relationships were that of brother and sister and not husband and wife.

    Malchitzedek was the king of Salem which was later renamed Jerusalem. After Abraham defeated the kings in battle he traveled to Jerusalem where he was greeted with great honor by Malchitzedek, Priest of God. Abraham, in recognition of Malchitzedek’s spiritual stature, gave a tenth of his possessions to him as a tithe, see Genesis 14:18-20. According to the Sages, Malchidtzedek was Shem, the son of Noah. Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, points out that the name Malchitzedek is a combination of two words in Hebrew; Melech means king, and Tzedek means righteousness. Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman explains that Malchitzedek was given that name because he was the king of the future site of the Temple, which is the center of righteousness.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team