◄ Genesis 20:1 ►
Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar,
Study Bible
Now Abraham journeyed
The phrase "Now Abraham journeyed" indicates a transition in Abraham's life, a movement both physical and spiritual. The Hebrew root for "journeyed" is "nasa," which means to pull up or set out, often used in the context of setting out on a journey. This reflects Abraham's life as a nomad, constantly moving in obedience to God's call. His journey is emblematic of the faith walk of believers, who are called to trust and follow God's leading, even when the destination is unknown.

from there to the region of the Negev
The "Negev" is a desert region in the southern part of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word "Negev" means "dry" or "parched," highlighting the harsh and arid conditions of the area. Abraham's movement to the Negev signifies a step of faith, as he trusts God to provide in a barren land. This can inspire believers to rely on God's provision and guidance, even in spiritually dry seasons.

and settled between Kadesh and Shur
"Kadesh" and "Shur" are significant locations in biblical history. Kadesh, often associated with holiness, was a place where the Israelites later camped during their wilderness wanderings. "Shur" means "wall" and was a region near Egypt. Abraham's settlement between these two places suggests a strategic position, possibly for trade or safety. Spiritually, it represents living between the sacred (Kadesh) and the secular (Shur), a balance believers must navigate in their daily lives.

While he was staying in Gerar
"Gerar" was a Philistine city, and its name means "lodging place." Abraham's stay in Gerar introduces a narrative of interaction with foreign peoples, highlighting themes of faith, fear, and God's protection. Historically, Gerar was a place of political and economic significance, and Abraham's presence there underscores his role as a man of influence and faith. This reminds believers of their call to be a light in diverse and sometimes challenging environments, trusting in God's sovereignty and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he is journeying and settling in new regions.

2. Negev
A desert region in the southern part of ancient Israel. It is significant as a place of testing and faith for Abraham.

3. Kadesh
A location often associated with wilderness wanderings and significant events in Israel's history.

4. Shur
A region near Egypt, often mentioned in the context of journeys and divine encounters.

5. Gerar
A Philistine city where Abraham temporarily resides. It becomes the setting for a significant event involving King Abimelech.
Teaching Points
Faith in Uncertainty
Abraham's journey to the Negev and Gerar reflects a life of faith, trusting God in unfamiliar and potentially hostile environments. Believers are called to trust God even when the path is unclear.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Abraham's movements, God's plan and promises remain steadfast. This teaches us that God's purposes prevail regardless of our circumstances.

The Importance of Obedience
Abraham's life demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's call, even when it leads to challenging situations. Obedience is a key aspect of a faithful walk with God.

Living as Sojourners
Like Abraham, Christians are called to live as sojourners in this world, focusing on eternal promises rather than temporary dwellings.

Intergenerational Faithfulness
The events in Gerar foreshadow similar experiences for Isaac, highlighting the importance of passing down faith and trust in God to future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Abraham's decision to journey to the Negev and settle in Gerar about trusting God in new and uncertain situations?

2. How does Abraham's experience in Gerar connect with the broader account of God's promises to him and his descendants?

3. In what ways does the concept of living as a sojourner apply to modern Christian life, and how can we practically live this out?

4. How does the account of Abraham in Genesis 20 encourage us to remain obedient to God even when facing potential risks or challenges?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God's sovereignty in your life. How does Abraham's journey inspire you to continue trusting in God's plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12
Abraham's initial call and journey by God, highlighting his life as a sojourner and the promises made to him.

Genesis 26
Isaac, Abraham's son, also encounters Abimelech in Gerar, showing a pattern of God's faithfulness across generations.

Hebrews 11
The faith chapter, which references Abraham's journey and trust in God's promises, emphasizing his role as a model of faith.
Sermons
A Bit of the Old NatureF. B. Meyer, B. A.Genesis 20:1-7
Abimelech's Plea AcceptedA. Fuller.Genesis 20:1-7
Abraham and AbimelechJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 20:1-7
Abraham Reproved for Denying His WifeC. Simeon, M. A.Genesis 20:1-7
Abraham's Artifice with AbimelechJ. Lathrop, D. D.Genesis 20:1-7
Abraham's Reaction After His High Spiritual ExperiencesLange.Genesis 20:1-7
Abraham's Repetition of His Old FaultT. H. Leale.Genesis 20:1-7
Abraham's Sin RepeatedA. Fuller.Genesis 20:1-7
God Orders Our JourneysGenesis 20:1-7
The Exact TruthGenesis 20:1-7
People
Abimelech, Abraham, Sarah
Places
Gerar, Kadesh-barnea, Negeb, Shur Desert
Topics
Departed, Dwelled, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Foreigner, Gerar, Journeyed, Journeyeth, Kadash, Kadesh, Negeb, Negev, Region, Settled, Shur, Sojourned, Sojourneth, South, Stayed, Territory, Thence, Towards, Traveled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 20:1-2

     8776   lies
     8800   prejudice

Genesis 20:1-3

     5714   men

Genesis 20:1-5

     8279   innocence, examples

Genesis 20:1-7

     1020   God, all-knowing
     5737   sisters

Genesis 20:1-16

     6206   offence

Genesis 20:1-18

     5076   Abraham, life of
     5077   Abraham, character
     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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