◄ Genesis 20:11 ►
Abraham replied, "I thought to myself, 'Surely there is no fear of God in this place. They will kill me on account of my wife.'
Study Bible
Abraham replied
The name "Abraham" is derived from the Hebrew "Avraham," meaning "father of many." This reflects God's promise to make him the father of a multitude of nations (Genesis 17:5). Abraham's response here is significant as it shows his human side, grappling with fear and doubt despite his covenant relationship with God. His reply is a candid admission of his thought process, revealing his vulnerability and the challenges of living by faith in a foreign land.

I thought
The phrase "I thought" indicates an internal reasoning or assumption. In Hebrew, the word used can imply a process of consideration or judgment. Abraham's thought process reveals a reliance on human reasoning rather than divine assurance. This moment of introspection is a reminder of the constant battle between faith and fear, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

Surely there is no fear of God
The "fear of God" in Hebrew is "yirat Elohim," which encompasses reverence, awe, and respect for God's authority and moral order. Abraham's assumption that there is no fear of God in Gerar reflects his concern about the moral and spiritual state of the people. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that the fear of God is foundational to wisdom and ethical behavior (Proverbs 9:10).

in this place
The phrase "in this place" refers to the region of Gerar, where Abraham sojourned. Historically, Gerar was a Philistine city-state, and its mention here highlights the cultural and religious differences between Abraham and the inhabitants. This setting provides a backdrop for the recurring biblical theme of God's people living amidst pagan cultures and the challenges that arise from such interactions.

and they will kill me
Abraham's fear that "they will kill me" reveals his anxiety about personal safety. This fear is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context, where the absence of legal protections for foreigners could lead to violence. Abraham's concern for his life, despite God's promises, illustrates the tension between divine promises and human fears, a struggle that believers often face.

because of my wife
The phrase "because of my wife" highlights the beauty and desirability of Sarah, which Abraham feared would lead to his demise. This concern reflects the patriarchal customs of the time, where women could be taken by force, and their husbands harmed or killed. It also points to the recurring biblical motif of God's protection over His covenant people, even when they falter in faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he expresses fear for his life due to the perceived lack of reverence for God in Gerar.

2. Sarah
Abraham's wife, whose beauty leads Abraham to fear for his life, prompting him to misrepresent their relationship.

3. Abimelech
The king of Gerar, who unknowingly takes Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister.

4. Gerar
A Philistine city where Abraham and Sarah sojourn, and where Abraham's fear leads to deception.

5. Event
Abraham's deception about Sarah being his sister, motivated by his fear of being killed due to her beauty.
Teaching Points
Fear of Man vs. Fear of God
Abraham's actions in Genesis 20:11 illustrate the consequences of fearing man over God. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a reverent fear of God, which leads to wisdom and right living.

Trust in God's Protection
Despite Abraham's fear, God intervenes to protect Sarah and uphold His covenant. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even in seemingly dangerous situations.

The Repercussions of Deception
Abraham's deception leads to potential harm and misunderstanding. This serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in our dealings with others.

God's Faithfulness Despite Human Weakness
Despite Abraham's lapse in faith, God remains faithful to His promises. This reassures believers that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Abraham's fear in Genesis 20:11 compare to his faith in other parts of his life, and what can we learn from this contrast?

2. In what ways can the fear of man manifest in our lives today, and how can we combat it with a fear of the Lord?

3. How does God's intervention in this account demonstrate His sovereignty and protection over His people?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure honesty and integrity in our relationships, even when we are afraid?

5. How can we rely on God's faithfulness in times of personal weakness or failure, as seen in Abraham's account?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:10-20
Abraham previously deceives Pharaoh in Egypt by claiming Sarah is his sister, showing a pattern of fear-driven decisions.

Proverbs 29:25
This verse highlights the danger of fear of man, which can lead to a snare, contrasting with trust in the Lord for safety.

Psalm 111:10
Emphasizes the importance of the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, contrasting with Abraham's fear of man.

Hebrews 11:8-19
Celebrates Abraham's faith, providing a broader context of his life and the moments when he did trust God fully.
Sermons
Morality Outside the ChurchT. H. Leale.Genesis 20:11
On Harsh and Selfish JudgmentsJ. B. Brown, B. A.Genesis 20:11
PrejudiceGenesis 20:11
People
Abimelech, Abraham, Sarah
Places
Gerar, Kadesh-barnea, Negeb, Shur Desert
Topics
Death, Fear, Kill, Myself, Sake, Seemed, Slain, Slay, Surely, Wife, Wife's
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 20:11

     5811   compromise
     8741   failure

Genesis 20:1-16

     6206   offence

Genesis 20:1-18

     5076   Abraham, life of
     6183   ignorance, of God

Library
The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Ascalon. Gerar. The Story of the Eighty Witches.
'Ascalon,' in the Samaritan interpreter, is the same with 'Gerar,' Genesis 21. The word Gerar, among the Talmudists, seems to have passed into 'Gerariku.' "Wherefore (say they) have they not determined of that country, which is in Gerariku? Because it is ill to dwell in. How far? To the river of Egypt. But behold, Gaza is pleasant to dwell in," &c. In the author of Aruch it is, Gardiki. "Bereshith Rabbah (saith he) renders Gardiki." 'The king of Gerar,' Genesis 20:2, with the Jerusalem Targumist, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). In our last chapter we considered at some length the much debated and difficult question of the human will. We have shown that the will of the natural man is neither Sovereign nor free but, instead, a servant and slave. We have argued that a right conception of the sinner's will-its servitude-is essential to a just estimate of his depravity and ruin. The utter corruption and degradation of human nature is something which …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
22. And to holy David indeed it might more justly be said, that he ought not to have been angry; no, not with one however ungrateful and rendering evil for good; yet if, as man, anger did steal over him, he ought not to have let it so prevail, that he should swear to do a thing which either by giving way to his rage he should do, or by breaking his oath leave undone. But to the other, set as he was amid the libidinous frenzy of the Sodomites, who would dare to say, "Although thy guests in thine own …
St. Augustine—Against Lying

The Interpretation of the Early Narratives of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: Importance of regarding each story as a unit] Of all the different groups of writings in the Old Testament, undoubtedly the early narratives found in the first seven books present the most perplexing problems. This is primarily due to the fact that they have been subject to a long process of editorial revision by which stories, some very old and others very late and written from a very different point of view, have been closely joined together. While there is a distinct aim and unity …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^A Matt. I. 18-25. ^a 18 Now the birth [The birth of Jesus is to handled with reverential awe. We are not to probe into its mysteries with presumptuous curiosity. The birth of common persons is mysterious enough (Eccl. ix. 5; Ps. cxxxix. 13-16), and we do not well, therefore, if we seek to be wise above what is written as to the birth of the Son of God] of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed [The Jews were usually betrothed ten or twelve months …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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