John Calvin Commentary Genesis 12:10

"And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was sore in the land." — Genesis 12:10 (ASV)

And there was a famine in the land. A much more severe temptation is now recorded, by which Abram's faith is tested to the core. For he is not only led around through various regions of the country but is also driven into exile from the land God had given to him and his descendants.

It should be noted that Chaldea was extremely fertile. Because of this, Abram, accustomed to opulence, came to Haran, where it is conjectured he lived comfortably enough, since it is clear he had an increase of servants and wealth.

But now, being expelled by hunger from that land—where, relying on God's word, he had promised himself a happy life supplied with an abundance of good things—what must his thoughts have been if he had not been well fortified against Satan's devices?

His faith would have been overturned a hundred times. And we know that whenever our expectation is frustrated, and things do not succeed according to our wishes, our flesh soon repeats this refrain: ‘God has deceived you.’ But Moses shows, in a few words, with what firmness Abram sustained this vehement assault.

Moses does not indeed magnificently proclaim Abram's steadfastness in lengthy praises; but, with one little word, he sufficiently demonstrates that it was great, even to a miracle, when he says that Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there.

For Moses intimates that Abram, nevertheless, retained in his mind possession of the land promised to him, although, driven from it by hunger, he fled elsewhere to obtain food.

Let this example instruct us that God's servants must contend with many obstacles to finish the course of their vocation. For we must always remember that Abram is not to be regarded as an individual member of the body of the faithful, but as the common father of them all, so that all should pattern themselves after his example.

Therefore, since the condition of the present life is unstable and subject to countless changes, let us remember this: wherever we may be driven by famine, by the rage of war, or by other vicissitudes that unexpectedly occur, we must still hold our right course.

And though our bodies may be carried here and there, our faith should stand unshaken.

Moreover, it is not surprising that Abram should be compelled to provide for himself when the Canaanites sustained life with difficulty.

For he had not a single acre of land, and he had to deal with a cruel and most wicked people, who would rather have let him perish from hunger a hundred times than bring him assistance in his difficulty.

Such circumstances amplify the praise of Abram’s faith and fortitude: first, because when destitute of food for the body, he feeds himself on the promise of God alone; and then, because he could not be torn away by any violence, except for a short time, from the place where he was commanded to dwell.

In this respect, he is very unlike many who are hurried away by any slight occasion to desert their proper calling.