Do not be like a lion in your home
Posted on January 19th, 2012
Luther on home life (commenting on Genesis 12:11-13 in AE 2):
In this passage the Holy Spirit provides instruction about home life when he relates that Abraham spoke so amicably to Sarah. In the first place, he entreats her; in the second place, he adds those words about her beauty. Here you hear nothing tyrannical, nothing dictatorial; everything is affectionate and lovely, the way it ought to be among those who are well matched. As Solomon says (Ecclus. 4:30): “Do not be like a lion in your home.” Of course, the husband does have the rule over the wife. Nevertheless, as Plutarch learnedly advises, it should not be the kind of rule usually exercised over slaves but the kind that the soul has over the body; for the soul is joined to the body in natural amity and is affected by both the comfort and the discomfort of the body.
It is well and good that Abraham in this passage speaks “amicably” to his wife, and praises her beauty; but in context he scarcely sets a good example in this deceit whereby he allows her to be taken into Pharaoh’s harem. Does Luther comment on the fuller context of this passage?
You are absolutely right. When I was teaching on this text yesterday, my parishioners found the whole episode “disturbing.” I agree!
Luther does consider the issue of Abraham’s weakness here, but for the most part praises Abraham for his trust in God that He would rescue them. I have a hard time accepting Luther’s approach on this, but it is a fascinating read.
(Rev’d) Christopher S. Esget
Immanuel Ev.-Lutheran Church and School (LCMS), Alexandria, Virginia http://immanuelalexandria.org