Genesis 11:10-14:13

Interesting that the fruitfulness theme comes up here early in the story of Abram. That his wife, Sarai, was barren allowed them to pose as brother and sister when they fled the famine in the land of Canaan for Egypt. Sarai, who was beautiful, was taken to live in Pharaoh's palace, and, as a result, "it went very well with Abram." He was able to accumulate many riches and possessions. Eventually, though, misfortune befell Pharaoh because (as he discovered) Sarai was actually Abram's wife. Pharaoh sent them both out of Egypt--with Abram's possessions. Abram and Lot, his nephew, ultimately had to part ways, as each of their possessions made the land too small for them to dwell together. Once Lot had departed, God made Abram a promise that Abram's descendants would be like the dust of the earth. God's meaning is that they would multiply and thrive to such an extent that they would be too great to be counted. Fruitfulness again--but also, a wonderful echo of Adam and Eve (formed from the earth).