Abram as Moses
Jerome Walsh (in Style and Structure in Biblical Hebrew Narrative ) points out the chiastic structure of Gen 12:6b: Pharaoh gives Abram “flocks-and-herds/jackasses/men servants//women servants/jenny asses/camels.” This arrangement highlights the gift of slaves to Abram, anticipating the “gift” of Hebrew slaves to Moses in the exodus. Abram leaves Egypt not only with wealth, but with a company of liberated slaves.
Further, Walsh suggests that the whole episode has a chiastic structure:
A. Abram goes to Egypt B. Sarai taken C. Pharaoh gives gifts C’. Pharaoh suffers plagues B’. Pharaoh returns Sarai A’. Abram returns
The transfer of slaves from Egypt to Abram is at the center of the whole “exodus” story.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
In Medias Res
Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.