The book of Genesis is brimming with tales of tricksters and deceit, yet this theme appears, at first glance, to be a contradiction to the morality lessons for which the Bible is known. However, when one examines the stories of Abraham and Tamar, a principle becomes evident: trickery is often the only weapon available to the weak. In Genesis 12:10-13, Abraham is entering Egypt when he decides to trick Pharaoh by claiming his wife Sarah is merely his sister. In this situation, Pharaoh and his whole household are inflicted with disease though they knew nothing of the lie. Conversely, Abraham was “treated… well for her sake… and acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants and donkeys.” Abraham has
