Genesis 20:18

for on account of Abraham's wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech's household.

Study Bible

for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah
This phrase highlights the central role of Sarah in the narrative. Sarah, Abraham's wife, is a key figure in God's covenant with Abraham, as she is to be the mother of Isaac, the child of promise (Genesis 17:19). Her presence in Abimelech's household, due to Abraham's deception, creates a situation that threatens the fulfillment of God's promise. This incident underscores the importance of Sarah in God's plan and the lengths to which God will go to protect her. The protection of Sarah also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

the LORD had completely closed all the wombs
This divine intervention demonstrates God's sovereignty and power over human fertility, a recurring theme in the Bible. The closing of the wombs is a direct act of God, emphasizing His control over life and His ability to intervene in human affairs. This act serves as a protective measure for Sarah, ensuring that no child could be born to her while she was in Abimelech's household, thus preserving the integrity of the promised lineage through Isaac. This theme of God opening and closing wombs is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in the stories of Rachel (Genesis 30:22) and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:5-6).

in Abimelech’s household
Abimelech, the king of Gerar, is a significant figure in this narrative. His household represents a foreign power that unknowingly comes into conflict with God's covenant plan. The mention of his household indicates that the impact of God's intervention was widespread, affecting not just Abimelech but all those under his authority. This incident takes place in the region of Gerar, which is located in the Negev, south of Canaan. The historical and geographical context highlights the interactions between the patriarchs and the surrounding nations, illustrating the broader narrative of God's people living among and sometimes in conflict with other cultures. The story of Abimelech also parallels later interactions between Israel and foreign kings, such as Pharaoh in Egypt, where God intervenes to protect His people and His promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The sovereign God who intervenes in human affairs, demonstrating His power and authority over life and fertility.

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

3. Sarah
Abraham's wife, whose presence in Abimelech's house led to divine intervention due to the potential threat to God's covenant promise.

4. Abraham
The patriarch who, out of fear, misrepresented his relationship with Sarah, leading to the events in Gerar.

5. Gerar
The region where Abimelech ruled and where the events of Genesis 20 took place.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
This passage underscores God's ultimate control over human affairs, including life and fertility. Believers can trust in His perfect will and timing.

The Sanctity of Marriage
The protection of Sarah's integrity highlights the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of marriage in God's eyes.

Consequences of Deception
Abraham's deception led to unintended consequences, reminding us of the importance of honesty and trust in God's protection.

Divine Intervention
God's intervention in closing and opening wombs shows His active role in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to rely on His faithfulness.

Faith and Fear
Abraham's actions were driven by fear rather than faith, teaching us to trust God even in uncertain situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Abimelech and Sarah illustrate God's protection over His covenant promises?

2. In what ways does this passage challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty over our personal circumstances?

3. How can we apply the lesson of honesty from Abraham's experience to our own lives?

4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of marriage and family in God's plan?

5. How can we find encouragement in God's ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations, as seen in the lives of Sarah and other biblical figures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12
Similar events occur when Abraham and Sarah go to Egypt, and Pharaoh takes Sarah into his house, leading to plagues.

Genesis 21
The fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah with the birth of Isaac, highlighting the importance of protecting Sarah's integrity.

1 Samuel 1
The account of Hannah, whose closed womb is opened by God, illustrating His control over fertility.

Psalm 127
Emphasizes that children are a heritage from the LORD, reinforcing the idea of God's sovereignty over the womb.

Luke 1
The account of Elizabeth, who was barren until God intervened, paralleling the theme of divine control over childbirth.