Genesis 20

Genesis 20 recounts an episode where Abraham, fearing for his life, misrepresents Sarah as his sister while they are in the land of Gerar. Abimelech, the king of Gerar, takes Sarah into his household, but God intervenes to protect Sarah and warns Abimelech in a dream. Abimelech confronts Abraham about his deception, and ultimately, God blesses Abraham and Sarah through Abimelech despite the initial dishonesty. This chapter emphasizes God’s protection over His people and His plan for the fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham, particularly regarding Sarah bearing Isaac.

Genesis 20:1-3 (NKJV)
1 And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar.
2 Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.
3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.”

Abraham moves south into the land of Gerar, where he once again uses the same tactic of calling Sarah his sister, as he did in Egypt (Genesis 12). Fearful for his life due to Sarah's beauty, Abraham deceives Abimelech, who takes Sarah into his household, assuming she is unmarried. However, God intervenes to protect Sarah and His promise to Abraham, appearing to Abimelech in a dream and warning him of the danger he is in. This interaction shows God’s direct involvement in safeguarding His covenant and ensuring that Sarah remains with Abraham to fulfill His promise of Isaac’s birth.

Genesis 20:4-5 (NKJV)
4 But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also?
5 Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.”

Abimelech, not knowing Sarah was married, pleads his innocence before God. He had not touched Sarah and relies on the fact that both Abraham and Sarah had misled him. Abimelech emphasizes his integrity and the innocence of his actions, highlighting that his intent was not malicious. This shows God’s fairness in dealing with those who are unaware of wrongdoing, as well as His mercy in sparing Abimelech from unknowingly sinning. It also underscores the impact of Abraham's actions on those around him.

Genesis 20:6-7 (NKJV)
6 And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.
7 Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

God acknowledges Abimelech’s integrity and reveals that it was His intervention that prevented Abimelech from committing sin. God’s protective hand not only shielded Sarah but also preserved Abimelech from guilt. He commands Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham, whom He refers to as a prophet, indicating Abraham's special role and closeness to God. Abimelech is further warned of the severe consequences if he does not comply, showing that God's justice is not arbitrary but also merciful, providing a way for Abimelech to avoid disaster.

Genesis 20:8-10 (NKJV)
8 So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid.
9 And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.”
10 Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you have in view, that you have done this thing?”

Abimelech acts quickly after receiving the warning, sharing the details of the dream with his servants, who are also filled with fear. This fear demonstrates the reverence for God’s authority even among non-Israelites. Abimelech confronts Abraham, expressing frustration and confusion about why Abraham deceived him, potentially bringing divine judgment on his kingdom. Abimelech's questions highlight the seriousness of Abraham’s actions, not only in terms of moral integrity but also in the risk it posed to others. The king's response emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and the consequences of deception.

Genesis 20:11-13 (NKJV)
11 And Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife.
12 But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”

Abraham justifies his actions by explaining that he feared for his life, assuming that the people of Gerar did not fear God and might kill him to take Sarah. Abraham reveals that Sarah is indeed his half-sister, though still his wife. His defense centers on the plan they made long ago to avoid danger by telling this half-truth, believing it was a form of self-protection. However, despite Abraham’s reasoning, his lack of faith in God’s protection led him to deceive, showing the human tendency to rely on self-preservation rather than trusting fully in God's care.

Genesis 20:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife to him.
15 And Abimelech said, “See, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.”
16 Then to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; indeed this vindicates you before all who are with you and before everybody.” Thus she was rebuked.

In an act of goodwill, Abimelech gives Abraham gifts of livestock and servants and restores Sarah to him. He also offers Abraham the freedom to dwell in his land, indicating that despite the deception, Abimelech chooses to be generous. To publicly clear Sarah's name, he gives Abraham a large sum of silver, symbolizing her innocence and ensuring her honor is maintained. Abimelech's actions reflect the importance of restitution and the preservation of one's reputation, even in a situation where misunderstanding has occurred.

Genesis 20:17-18 (NKJV)
17 So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children;
18 for the Lord had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Abraham prays to God, and as a result, God heals Abimelech and his household, restoring their ability to bear children. The closing of the wombs was a direct consequence of Abimelech taking Sarah, though unknowingly, into his household. Once the situation is rectified, God’s judgment is lifted, and fertility returns to Abimelech's household. This final act shows the power of intercession and God's willingness to bless and heal when righteousness is restored. It also reinforces Abraham’s role as a prophet and mediator, despite his earlier failings in honesty.