In Hebrew, the term used for “sister” also refers to other close relatives. This means that Isaac’s deception was like his father Abraham’s (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:11-8). In those cases, what they didn’t say was more important than what they did say. Although the wives were related to their husbands, the most significant fact was that they were their wives. It is interesting to note that a pagan king of the Philistines once believed that it would be wrong if one of his men had taken Isaac’s wife. Despite not worshipping the true God, the Philistines had a moral code that deemed fornication a severe sin (In today’s world, fornication is widely accepted as a norm in the lives of most people, but it is certainly not acceptable to God, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Hebrews 13:4-6).

6 So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. 

7 And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” 

8 Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. 

9 Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’ ”

10 And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” 

11 So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

~ Genesis 26:6-11

Holy God and Father in heaven, You are worthy to receive honor and praise. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and peace. I am grateful for these examples described and desire to be an honest man who prioritizes integrity in all my dealings. Lord, sometimes I see non-Christians living lives of sin, and that is disheartening. But there are other times that I observe non-Christians doing good deeds, such as helping the poor, serving others, and comforting those in need. I can learn from those good examples in how I should be. Please grant me the courage to speak what is true; give me the courage to do what is right. May I take the initiative in doing well, no matter any potential outcome(s) that I perceive will be hurtful to me, personally. Help me to do all things for Your glory, while also benefiting my community. Thank You for hearing my prayers. Amen.