"They journeyed from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. Speaking about Abraham and Sarah, as it is written (Genesis 12:10), "Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land." No one was allowed to oppress them, these Egyptians. Kings, such as Abimelech and Pharaoh, rebuked them, as it is written (Genesis 12:17), "But the Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife."
Do not touch My anointed ones, said Rabbi Berechiah; referring to the Patriarchs. And in the Prophets, do not harm My prophets; referring to the prophetesses. Rabbi Yudan said in the name of Rabbi Isaac (Genesis 27:42), "And Rebekah was told of the words of Esau." Who told her, since it is written (Genesis 27:41), "Esau spoke to himself"? It was the Holy Spirit that told her.