Verse 1 explains that Abraham is now living in Gerar, and just as he did in Egypt, he told his wife to tell everyone that they were just brother and sister, instead of husband and wife. Obviously, Abraham has not learned from his mistake in Genesis 12:10-13. Because they said this, in verse 2, "Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him".
Soon after, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him in verse 3, "You are about to die because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman." If I were Abimelech, I would be extremely fearful for my life, because the Lord himself came to Abimelech and said that he was about to die. God came to Abimelech before he was able to do anything with Sarah, so she was untouched by him. He begs the Lord not to destroy him or his nation, because he took Sarah with a clear conscience, believe she was merely Abraham's sister, and she was handed over to him without any protest from Abraham.
Our God is a very understanding and forgiving God, and Abimelech is forgiven. In verse 6-7, God tells Abimelech "6 Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. I have also kept you from sinning against Me. Therefore I have not let you touch her. 7 Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, know that you will certainly die, you and all who are yours."
The very next morning, Abimelech wakes up very early and tells all of his servants everything. Just as the Pharaoh rebuked Abraham in Egypt, Abimelech rebukes Abraham in verse 9, "9What have you done to us? How did I sin against you that you have brought such enormous guilt on me and on my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done." Abraham tries to explain himself, saying that he saw Gerar as a sinful nation, and thought that he would be killed so that Abimelech may take his wife. Then, he makes another excuse, saying that Sarah actually is his sister, they share the same father but have different mothers. Although telling Abimelech that he and Sarah are siblings is partially true, this does not justify Abraham's sinful actions. Then, Abraham tries to put some of the blame on the Lord, because the Lord was the one that called him to this place. Abraham should have asked for the forgiveness of Abimelech and the Lord, but instead makes up some weak excuses, trying to justify what he did.
What Abraham did to Abimelech was very wrong, and Abimelech had every right to just kick Abraham out; but instead, Abimelech returned Abraham's wife, gave him sheep, cattle, and male and female slaves. Then, Abimelech tells Abraham that he may settle anywhere he wants on him land. Then, he gives Abraham a lot of silver. In verse 16, Abimelech says to Sarah, "You are fully vindicated." I think he means that she is vindicated because she is now returned back to her rightful husband. Afterwards, Abraham prays to God. Verse 17-18, "17 God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they could bear children, 18 for the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech's household on account of Sarah, Abraham's wife."
Thank you so much for this blog.
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