God's Blessing

Genesis 20 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 Now Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the Negev, and settled between Kadesh and Shur; then he 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 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.
4 Now Abimelech had not approached her. So he said, “Lord, will you kill an innocent people?
5 Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.”
6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.
7 Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”
8 So Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things. And the men were very much afraid.
9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.”
10 Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see, that you did this thing?”
11 Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’
12 Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife.
13 And when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is the kindness you must do me: at every place to which we come, say of me, He is my brother.’”
14 Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him.
15 And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.”
16 To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated.”
17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children.
18 For the Lord had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

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The True Meaning of Genesis 20

This passage from the book of Genesis provides insight into the life of Abraham, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible. Abraham’s journey as a revered patriarch is marked by both triumphs and challenges, all of which serve to deepen his faith and relationship with God.

The author of this chapter is believed to be Moses, the same individual who penned the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Pentateuch. Moses, a prophet and leader of the Israelites, had a deep understanding of the history and traditions of his people, which he meticulously recorded for future generations. Abraham encounters the king of Gerar, Abimelech, in this particular chapter. This event highlights the ongoing struggle between Abraham’s faith and the temptations of the world, as he once again resorts to deception to protect himself and his wife, Sarah. However, as we will see, God intervenes, revealing the truth and ultimately restoring the relationship between Abraham and Abimelech.

This passage also foreshadows the birth of Isaac, the son of promise, whose arrival will mark a significant turning point in Abraham’s life and the unfolding of God’s plan for his chosen people. As we delve deeper into this chapter, we will be reminded of the importance of trust, obedience, and the unwavering love of God, even in the face of adversity.

Genesis 20:1-3

The verses in Genesis 20:1-3 focus on an event involving Abraham and Sarah as they journey through the land of the Philistines. The key sections of these verses are as follows:

  1. “Now Abraham moved on from there into the region of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. For a while he stayed in Gerar. Abraham is on the move in this section, transitioning from one region to another. Abraham’s nomadic lifestyle is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating his faith and obedience to God’s instructions to go to the land He would show him (Genesis 12:1). This movement serves as a reminder of the transient nature of our earthly lives as we journey towards our heavenly home. It also shows Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s leading, even when it involves leaving familiar surroundings.

  2. “And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, ‘She is my sister.’ Then Abimelek king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.”

Here, we see Abraham repeating the same deception that occurred earlier in Genesis 12 when he claimed Sarah was his sister to protect himself. This decision highlights a lack of trust in God’s ability to protect them, leading to a compromise of the truth which puts Sarah in a vulnerable position. Despite Abraham’s hesitation and fear, God’s protection of Sarah emphasizes His faithfulness even when His people falter. This incident serves as a lesson on the consequences of compromising the truth and the importance of trusting in God’s promises rather than resorting to deceit.

  1. “But God came to Abimelek in a dream one night and said to him, ‘You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman. God intervenes in this section to prevent Abimelek from unknowingly committing a sin by taking Sarah as his own. This divine revelation showcases God’s sovereignty and protection over His chosen ones, even when they are unaware of the dangers they face. It also demonstrates God’s justice by holding Abimelek accountable for his actions despite his ignorance. This story reinforces the theme of God’s providential care for His people and His ability to work amidst human errors to fulfill His purposes. Genesis 20:1-3 provides valuable insights into the dynamics of trust, deception, God’s intervention, and the consequences of actions in the journey of faith. This passage encourages believers to trust in God’s protection, walk in honesty and integrity, and rely on His guidance even in times of uncertainty and fear. Abraham’s repeated mistake serves as a reminder of the importance of growing in faith and dependence on God, while God’s faithfulness in rescuing Sarah underscores His unwavering commitment to His promises.

Genesis 20:4-7

Abraham and Sarah encounter King Abimelech in a pivotal moment in the story in Genesis 20:4-7. The key sections of this verse are as follows:

  1. “Now Abimelech had not come near her…” – This line reveals that Abimelech had not yet been intimate with Sarah, Abraham’s wife, despite taking her into his household after Abraham deceived him by portraying Sarah as his sister out of fear for his own life. Abimelech’s innocence in this situation showcases his respect for marital boundaries, displaying a sense of honor and righteousness.

  2. “Then 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.’” – God intervenes in this situation, speaking directly to Abimelech in a dream. This divine intervention emphasizes God’s protection over Sarah and the integrity of Abimelech’s actions, despite being unaware of the true nature of his relationship with Sarah. It also highlights God’s involvement in the affairs of humanity and His ability to communicate with individuals through various means, including dreams.

  3. “Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live…” – Here, God instructs Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham, identifying him as a prophet. This designation of Abraham as a prophet signifies his special relationship with God and his role in interceding on behalf of others through prayer. It underscores the importance of intercessory prayer and the honor bestowed upon those who have been chosen by God for specific tasks.

  4. “But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.” – This warning from God to Abimelech instructs him to rectify his error by returning Sarah to Abraham. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding God’s instructions. God’s justice and judgment are evident in this declaration, emphasizing the seriousness of actions taken against His chosen ones. The themes of deception, divine intervention, righteousness, obedience, and the power of prayer are intertwined in the narrative of Abraham and Sarah in this passage. The story highlights the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of deceit, as well as the mercy and guidance of God in correcting wrongs and fulfilling His promises. It also underscores the faithfulness of God in protecting His chosen ones and the importance of repentance and obedience in maintaining a right relationship with Him.

This incident with Abimelech parallels similar situations in the Bible where individuals are tested in their faithfulness and integrity. For instance, the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, where he resists the advances of Potiphar’s wife, showcases a similar theme of righteousness in the face of temptation and the ultimate victory of God’s plan. Additionally, in the New Testament, the account of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, exemplifies obedience to God’s directives despite facing challenges and uncertainties. Genesis 20:4-7 serves as a significant reminder of God’s sovereignty, His protection over His chosen ones, the importance of honesty and righteousness, and the necessity of repentance and obedience in maintaining a harmonious relationship with God. It offers valuable lessons for believers today to trust in God’s guidance, seek His wisdom in all situations, and uphold moral integrity in their interactions with others.

Genesis 20:8-10

Abimelek, the king of Gerar, confronts Abraham after discovering that Sarah is actually Abraham’s wife, not his sister as Abraham had led him to believe out of fear in Genesis 20:8-10. Abimelek questions Abraham about why he deceived him, thus potentially bringing guilt upon him and his kingdom. Abraham’s response is crucial here because it reveals his underlying faith in God and the recognition of his own wrongdoing. Abraham explains that he thought there was no fear of God in the place they were traveling, and that he feared for his own life because Sarah was indeed a beautiful woman, and he thought he would be killed because of her. This incident shows a lapse in Abraham’s trust in God’s protection, choosing instead to rely on his own deceptive tactics to ensure his safety.

Abraham’s actions in this passage is a reminder of the flawed nature of humanity, even one as revered as Abraham in the Bible. Despite being known as the father of faith, Abraham still had moments of doubt and fear, which led him to compromise his integrity. This story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of choosing to act out of fear rather than faith. It also underscores the importance of transparency and honesty in our interactions with others, especially for those who profess to follow God.

This passage also provides a glimpse into the character of Abimelek. Despite being deceived by Abraham, Abimelek acts with integrity and honesty once he learns the truth. He returns Sarah to Abraham and ensures that they are well taken care of. This contrast between Abimelek’s righteousness and Abraham’s deceitfulness further emphasizes the importance of integrity and the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness.

The consequences of Abraham’s deception continue beyond this passage, as we see similar instances where he introduces Sarah as his sister in Genesis 12 and Genesis 26. These repeated incidents reveal a pattern of behavior that demonstrates Abraham’s struggle with fully trusting in God’s promises and protection. It is only through God’s continued faithfulness and intervention that Abraham and Sarah are ultimately delivered from the consequences of their actions. This serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and grace in spite of human frailty and failings. This passage in Genesis 20 serves as a valuable lesson on the importance of trust, transparency, and faith in God’s providence. It illustrates the consequences of allowing fear to dictate our actions rather than relying on God’s guidance and protection. Through the stories of Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelek, we are reminded of the complexities of human nature and the enduring faithfulness of God in redeeming and guiding His people.

Genesis 20:11-13

Abraham explains to King Abimelech in Genesis 20:11-13 that he misled him by saying that his wife Sarah was his sister. Abraham justifies this by stating that he thought there was no fear of God in the place they were visiting, and he was concerned for his own safety to preserve his life. However, he also admits that Sarah truly is his half-sister. This incident mirrors a similar situation that occurred in Genesis 12 when Abraham and Sarah faced a similar predicament with Pharaoh. This emphasizes a flaw in Abraham’s character – his tendency to lie or deceive out of fear for his own safety. Despite being a man of great faith and called by God to be the father of nations, Abraham struggled with trust issues and would resort to dishonesty when he felt threatened.

Abraham’s actions in this verse highlight a common theme seen throughout the Bible, which is the fallibility of human beings, even those as righteous as Abraham. It serves as a reminder that even the most faithful individuals can sometimes falter and make mistakes. This can provide comfort to believers today, knowing that even the heroes of the faith faced their own shortcomings and yet were still used by God for His purposes. This also reinforces the biblical truth that one’s strengths can also be a source of weakness if not kept in check. Abraham’s desire for self-preservation led him to compromise the truth, ultimately putting him in a compromising situation. God’s faithfulness and protection over His chosen ones are testified by this account. Despite Abraham’s deceit, God intervenes to prevent Abimelech from sinning against Him by taking Sarah as his wife. This demonstrates God’s sovereignty and His willingness to intervene in human affairs to fulfill His promises and plans. It also shows that God can work through human mistakes to bring about His purposes, showcasing His grace and mercy. This event foreshadows future instances where God will protect His people from harm and fulfill His covenant promises, despite their imperfections. Believers can reflect on their own tendencies to rely on deceit or manipulation when faced with challenges or threats, prompted by Abraham’s deception in this passage. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of compromising one’s integrity for personal gain. It reminds Christians of the importance of honesty and trust in God’s protection, rather than resorting to deceptive means to secure their own well-being. Proverbs 12:22 reinforces this message, stating, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” This verse underscores the significance of truthfulness in the Christian walk and the displeasure deceit brings to God.

Genesis 20:14-16

Abimelech, the king of Gerar, gives Abraham a generous gift in Genesis 20:14-16. This section of the verse highlights the fact that Abimelech not only returns Sarah, Abraham’s wife, but also offers sheep, cattle, and male and female slaves as a way of making amends for unknowingly taking Sarah into his harem. This gesture of reconciliation and peace offering from Abimelech to Abraham reflects a sense of respect and understanding between the two parties, despite the initial misunderstanding.

Abimelech’s act of giving Abraham livestock and slaves can be seen as a form of restitution for the inconvenience and potential harm caused by taking Sarah. This act of reconciliation not only highlights the importance of making amends when one has wronged another but also stresses the value of peace and harmony between individuals. The gesture also signifies the importance of generosity and forgiveness in maintaining good relationships and resolving conflicts.

Abraham’s acceptance of the gifts from Abimelech can be seen as a sign of his willingness to move past the incident and uphold peace with those around him. It also shows his faith in God’s ability to protect and provide for him in all situations, even when faced with challenges or misunderstandings. This act of receiving the gifts without holding a grudge further emphasizes the message of forgiveness and reconciliation that is prevalent throughout the Bible. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships in the broader context of the Bible. It echoes the teachings of Jesus about turning the other cheek, showing kindness to those who wrong us, and seeking peace with one another. Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:23-24, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.” First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Genesis 20:14-16 serves as a valuable lesson on the significance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the restoration of relationships. It showcases the importance of extending grace and mercy to others, even in moments of conflict or misunderstanding, and highlights the power of God’s love to heal and mend broken relationships.

Genesis 20:17-18

Abraham deceived Abimelech, the king of Gerar, by concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife and not his sister, as seen in Genesis 20:17-18. God inflicted severe consequences on Abimelech and his household, causing infertility among them. To rectify the situation, Abimelech restores Sarah to Abraham and also offers him sheep, oxen, and male and female servants as a gesture of reconciliation.

This section emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the Bible. Abraham’s decision to deceive Abimelech not only put Sarah in a vulnerable position but also brought harm upon the people of Gerar. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit and highlights the significance of truthful communication in relationships.

Abraham’s actions in this passage also reveal his struggles with faith and reliance on God’s promises. Despite being chosen by God and experiencing numerous miracles in his life, Abraham still resorts to deception out of fear and a lack of trust in God’s protection. This serves as a reminder that even the most faithful individuals may falter at times, but God’s grace and mercy are always available for those who seek forgiveness and repentance.

The restoration of Sarah to Abraham by Abimelech portrays a picture of grace and reconciliation. Despite the initial deception and its consequences, Abimelech demonstrates kindness and generosity towards Abraham, foreshadowing the theme of forgiveness and restoration that runs throughout the Bible. This incident in Genesis 20 echoes similar stories of deception and redemption found in other passages in the broader context of the Bible. The theme of deception can be traced back to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where they were deceived by the serpent, leading to their expulsion from paradise. However, just as Abimelech extends grace to Abraham, we see God’s mercy and forgiveness extended to humanity through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, offering redemption and reconciliation to all who believe in Him. Genesis 20:17-18 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honesty, faith, and reconciliation in our relationships with others and with God. It shows that even in moments of weakness and failure, God’s grace is sufficient to bring about restoration and healing. It encourages us to seek forgiveness and extend grace to those who have wronged us, mirroring the forgiveness and reconciliation we receive from our Heavenly Father.

After Genesis 20

The reverend cleared his throat and continued, “And so, Abraham journeyed on, his faith tested once more. Though he had been blessed with a son, the Lord’s plan for him was not yet complete. The next chapter would reveal new challenges, new trials, and a deeper understanding of the divine purpose that guided Abraham’s steps. The light of God’s love shines eternal, guiding us towards a future beyond our understanding as we turn the page and are reminded even in our darkest moments.”