Genesis 20:2

Abraham said of his wife Sarah, "She is my sister." So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him.

Study Bible

And there Abraham said
The phrase "And there" indicates a specific location and time in Abraham's journey. Abraham, a patriarch of faith, finds himself in Gerar, a Philistine territory. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a deliberate declaration. Abraham's speech here is a strategic decision, reflecting human frailty and fear despite his covenant relationship with God. This moment serves as a reminder of the complexities of faith and the human tendency to rely on self-preservation.

of his wife Sarah
Sarah, whose name means "princess," is not only Abraham's wife but also a key figure in God's covenant promise. Her identity as Abraham's wife is crucial, as it ties directly to the promise of a son, Isaac, through whom God's covenant would continue. The mention of "his wife" underscores the sacredness of marriage and the divine plan that is at risk due to Abraham's actions.

'She is my sister.'
This statement is a half-truth, as Sarah is indeed Abraham's half-sister (Genesis 20:12). However, it is also a deception intended to protect Abraham. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on familial relationships, and this claim was meant to ensure Abraham's safety. Yet, it reveals a lapse in trust in God's protection. This moment challenges believers to consider the importance of truth and integrity, even in difficult circumstances.

So Abimelech king of Gerar
Abimelech, meaning "my father is king," is a title rather than a personal name, common among Philistine rulers. Gerar, located in the Negev region, was a place of political and economic significance. Abimelech's actions are not merely personal but reflect the customs and political dynamics of the time. This context highlights the vulnerability of Abraham and Sarah in foreign lands and the potential for conflict between God's people and surrounding nations.

sent for Sarah and took her
The act of "sending for" and "taking" Sarah indicates the authority and power wielded by Abimelech. In ancient Near Eastern culture, kings had the right to take women into their harems, often for political alliances. This action sets the stage for divine intervention, as God protects Sarah to ensure the fulfillment of His covenant. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when human actions threaten His plans.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith in God. In this passage, he misrepresents his relationship with Sarah out of fear for his life.

2. Sarah
Abraham's wife, who is described as beautiful. Her identity is misrepresented by Abraham, leading to her being taken by Abimelech.

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. It is the setting for this event of deception and divine intervention.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Fear
Abraham's fear led him to deceive Abimelech, showing how fear can lead us away from trusting God and into sin.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
Despite Abraham's deception, God intervenes to protect Sarah, demonstrating His sovereignty and care for His covenant people.

The Importance of Truthfulness
This passage underscores the importance of honesty and integrity, even in difficult situations.

Generational Patterns
Abraham's actions set a precedent that is later followed by Isaac, reminding us of the impact our actions can have on future generations.

Faith Over Fear
Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises and protection rather than succumbing to fear and taking matters into their own hands.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated Abraham to misrepresent his relationship with Sarah, and how can we guard against similar fears in our own lives?

2. How does God's intervention in this account demonstrate His faithfulness to His promises, and how can we apply this understanding to our current challenges?

3. In what ways can we identify and break negative generational patterns in our own families, as seen in the lives of Abraham and Isaac?

4. How does the account of Abraham and Abimelech challenge us to live with integrity and truthfulness, even when it seems risky?

5. Reflect on a time when fear led you to make a decision that compromised your values. How can you apply the lessons from Genesis 20 to choose faith over fear in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:10-20
This earlier event in Egypt parallels Genesis 20, where Abraham also claims Sarah is his sister. It highlights a recurring pattern of fear and deception in Abraham's life.

Genesis 26:6-11
Isaac, Abraham's son, repeats a similar deception with Rebekah, showing a generational pattern of fear and lack of trust in God's protection.

Proverbs 29:25
This verse speaks to the fear of man being a snare, which is relevant to Abraham's actions driven by fear of Abimelech.