1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.
2 And 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, Behold, thou [art but] a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she [is] a man’s wife.
4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?
5 Said he not unto me, She [is] my sister? and she, even she herself said, He [is] my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
7 Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine.
8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.
9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.
10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?
11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God [is] not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.
12 And yet indeed [she is] 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 unto her, This [is] thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He [is] my brother.
14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave [them] unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.
15 And Abimelech said, Behold, my land [is] before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.
16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand [pieces] of silver: behold, he [is] to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that [are] with thee, and with all [other]: thus she was reproved.
17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare [children].
18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham’s wife.
Summary of Genesis Chapter 20
Genesis Chapter 20 recounts an episode in the life of Abraham that highlights themes of faith, deception, and divine protection. The chapter takes place in Gerar, where Abraham encounters King Abimelech and faces a moral dilemma regarding his wife, Sarah.
Key Characters
- Abraham: The patriarch who fears for his life and misrepresents his relationship with Sarah.
- Sarah: Abraham’s wife, who is described as beautiful and is taken into Abimelech’s household.
- Abimelech: The king of Gerar who unknowingly takes Sarah as his own.
- God: The divine being who intervenes to protect Sarah and reveal the truth to Abimelech.
Plot Overview
- Abraham’s Deception: Abraham travels to Gerar and, fearing for his safety due to Sarah’s beauty, claims that she is his sister.
- Abimelech’s Action: Abimelech takes Sarah into his palace, believing her to be unmarried.
- Divine Intervention: God warns Abimelech in a dream that he is a dead man because he has taken another man’s wife.
- Abimelech’s Defense: Abimelech protests his innocence, stating he acted without knowledge of the truth.
- God’s Command: God instructs Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham, as he is a prophet who will pray for him.
- Restoration: Abimelech returns Sarah to Abraham and compensates him, acknowledging the wrong done.
Thematic Analysis
- Fear and Deception: Abraham’s fear leads him to deceive Abimelech, reflecting human tendencies to protect oneself through dishonest means.
- Divine Protection: God’s intervention demonstrates His sovereignty and care for His chosen people, ensuring the sanctity of marriage.
- Moral Responsibility: The chapter raises questions about moral integrity and accountability, as both Abraham and Abimelech navigate complex situations.
- Faith and Trust: Abraham’s actions challenge the reader to consider the nature of faith and reliance on God in difficult circumstances.
Character Development
In this chapter, Abraham’s character is portrayed with complexity. He is both a faithful servant of God and a flawed individual who resorts to deceit. This duality invites readers to reflect on the nature of faith and the human condition. Abimelech, on the other hand, is depicted as a man of integrity who, despite his initial error, seeks to rectify the situation upon learning the truth.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 20 serves as a poignant reminder of the interplay between human frailty and divine grace. It illustrates the consequences of fear-driven actions while affirming God’s protective role over His covenant people. The chapter encourages readers to consider the importance of honesty and trust in their relationships with others and with God.
