Genesis 20:3

One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman."

Study Bible

But God
The phrase "But God" signifies a divine intervention that alters the course of human events. In Hebrew, "Elohim" is used here, emphasizing God's power and sovereignty. This phrase is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting moments when God steps into human history to redirect or correct. It serves as a reminder of God's active presence and His ability to change circumstances according to His will.

came to Abimelech
The act of God coming to Abimelech demonstrates God's personal involvement in the affairs of individuals, regardless of their status or nationality. Abimelech, a Philistine king, is not part of the covenant community, yet God reaches out to him. This underscores the universal scope of God's concern and His willingness to communicate with those outside the immediate circle of His chosen people.

in a dream by night
Dreams were a common means of divine communication in the ancient Near East. The phrase "in a dream by night" indicates a supernatural revelation, a method God often used to convey His will or warnings. This highlights the importance of being attentive to God's messages, which can come in various forms, and the need for discernment in understanding His guidance.

and said to him
The direct communication from God to Abimelech emphasizes the clarity and authority of God's message. It reflects the personal nature of God's interactions with humanity, where He speaks directly to individuals to guide, warn, or instruct them. This phrase reminds us of the importance of listening for God's voice in our own lives.

You are as good as dead
This phrase is a stark warning, indicating the severity of Abimelech's situation. In Hebrew, the expression conveys an imminent threat to life, underscoring the seriousness of taking another man's wife. It serves as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage and the consequences of violating God's moral laws.

because of the woman you have taken
The focus on "the woman you have taken" highlights the specific action that has brought about God's warning. It points to the sin of adultery and the importance of respecting marital boundaries. This phrase calls attention to the personal responsibility each individual has in their actions and the impact those actions can have on their relationship with God.

for she is a married woman
The emphasis on "she is a married woman" reinforces the covenantal nature of marriage as instituted by God. In the Hebrew context, marriage is a sacred bond that must not be broken. This phrase serves as a reminder of the divine order established in creation and the need to honor and uphold the commitments made within marriage.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign deity who intervenes in human affairs, demonstrating His omniscience and justice.

2. Abimelech
The king of Gerar, who unknowingly takes Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household.

3. Sarah
Abraham's wife, who is taken by Abimelech under the pretense that she is Abraham's sister.

4. Abraham
The patriarch who misleads Abimelech by claiming Sarah is his sister, not his wife.

5. Gerar
The region where Abimelech rules and where the events of this chapter take place.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Intervention
God actively intervenes in human affairs to protect His covenant and His people. This demonstrates His sovereignty and care for His promises.

The Sanctity of Marriage
The passage underscores the importance of marriage and God's commitment to uphold its sanctity. Believers are called to honor and protect the marriage covenant.

The Consequences of Deception
Abraham's deception leads to potential disaster. This teaches the importance of truthfulness and the potential consequences of deceit.

God's Protection of His People
Even when His people make mistakes, God is faithful to protect and guide them. This encourages believers to trust in God's protection and guidance.

The Role of Dreams in Divine Communication
God uses dreams to communicate His will and warnings, as seen with Abimelech. This highlights the various ways God can speak to His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's intervention in Abimelech's dream demonstrate His sovereignty and care for His covenant people?

2. In what ways does this passage highlight the importance of truthfulness, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

3. How does the sanctity of marriage, as seen in this passage, relate to other biblical teachings on marriage?

4. What can we learn from Abraham's actions about the consequences of fear and lack of trust in God's protection?

5. How does God's communication through dreams in this passage compare to other instances in the Bible where God uses dreams to convey His message?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:10-20
Similar situation where Abraham deceives Pharaoh about Sarah being his sister, showing a pattern of fear and lack of trust in God's protection.

Psalm 105:14-15
God's protection over His anointed ones, which can be seen in His intervention to protect Sarah.

Proverbs 21:1
The heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord, illustrating God's control over Abimelech's actions.

Hebrews 13:4
The sanctity of marriage, which God upholds by warning Abimelech about Sarah's marital status.