Genesis - Chapter 20

Genesis 20.1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. Genesis 20.2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. Genesis 20.3 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. Genesis 20.4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, LORD, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Genesis 20.5 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. Genesis 20.6 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. Genesis 20.7 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. Genesis 20.8 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. Genesis 20.9 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. Genesis 20.10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing? Genesis 20.11 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. Genesis 20.12 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. Genesis 20.13 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. Genesis 20.14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. Genesis 20.15 And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee. Genesis 20.16 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. Genesis 20.17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. Genesis 20.18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham’s wife.

Genesis : Chapter 20

Divine Protection in Genesis 20

Genesis chapter 20 presents us with a pivotal encounter between Abraham and Abimelech. Through this account, we discover how God protects his people, even in the midst of their mistakes. This captivating text highlights the second occasion when Abraham introduces Sarah as his sister, Abimelech's warning dream, and the divine intervention that follows.

Main Themes

The chapter explores key themes such as fear, integrity, and God's protective sovereignty. Genesis 20 also reveals Abraham's role as a prophet. We invite you to consider with us five biblical passages that resonate with the teachings of this revealing chapter.

Related Bible Passages

Proverbs 6:29: "So is everyone who lies with his neighbor's wife; whoever touches her will not go unpunished." This proverb illustrates the moral principle that underlies God's protection of Sarah in Genesis 20.

Psalms 105:14-15: "He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked the kings, saying, 'Do not touch my anointed; do not mistreat my prophets.'" This psalm recalls the divine protection granted to Abraham and Sarah, as evidenced in Genesis 20.

1 Chronicles 16:21-22: "He allowed no one to oppress them; because of them he rebuked the kings: 'Do not touch my anointed; do not mistreat my prophets.'" This passage, similar to Psalm 105, also evokes God's protection of Abraham and Sarah in circumstances such as those described in Genesis 20.

Ezekiel 33:14-15: "And when I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' then he will turn from his sin and do what is right and just, restoring the pledge to the wicked, restoring what he has stolen, walking in the statutes of life and not committing iniquity; he will surely live and not die." This principle of repentance and restitution is illustrated by Abimelech's response in Genesis 20.

James 5:16: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." The effectiveness of Abraham's prayer for Abimelech in Genesis 20 illustrates this principle of the power of prayer.

Conclusion

Through these reflections, we are called to recognize the divine protection that surrounds us, even when we face our own weaknesses. May this story inspire us to trust in the goodness of God and to seek to live in integrity and faith.