Genesis 20:7

Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die--you and all who belong to you."

Study Bible

Now return the man’s wife
This phrase is a direct command from God to Abimelech, the king of Gerar. The Hebrew word for "return" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to turn back or restore. This command emphasizes the importance of restitution and repentance in the eyes of God. The act of returning Sarah to Abraham is not just a physical act but a spiritual one, symbolizing the restoration of righteousness and obedience to God's will. In the broader biblical context, this reflects the theme of reconciliation and the importance of making amends for wrongs committed.

for he is a prophet
The term "prophet" here is translated from the Hebrew word "נָבִיא" (navi). This is the first time in the Bible that Abraham is explicitly called a prophet. A prophet in the biblical sense is someone who speaks on behalf of God, conveying His messages to others. This designation of Abraham as a prophet underscores his unique relationship with God and his role as an intercessor. It highlights the spiritual authority and responsibility bestowed upon him, which is further demonstrated by his ability to pray for Abimelech's healing.

and he will pray for you
The Hebrew word for "pray" is "פָּלַל" (palal), which means to intercede or mediate. This indicates the power and importance of intercessory prayer. Abraham's role as an intercessor is crucial here, as it is through his prayer that Abimelech and his household can be healed and spared from death. This reflects the biblical principle that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16). It also foreshadows the mediatory role of Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity.

and you will live
The promise of life here is contingent upon obedience to God's command. The Hebrew word for "live" is "חָיָה" (chayah), which means to live or to be restored to life. This assurance of life is a testament to God's mercy and grace, offering redemption and restoration to those who heed His word. It serves as a reminder of the life-giving power of obedience to God and the blessings that follow.

But if you do not return her
This conditional clause introduces a warning. The phrase underscores the seriousness of disobedience to God's commands. It highlights the concept of free will and the consequences of choices made against God's directives. The conditional nature of this statement reflects the biblical theme of covenant, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience or disobedience.

you can be sure that you and all who belong to you will die
The certainty of the consequence is emphasized by the phrase "you can be sure." The Hebrew word for "die" is "מוּת" (muth), which signifies physical death. This stark warning serves as a sobering reminder of the wages of sin (Romans 6:23). It illustrates the seriousness of sin and the far-reaching impact of disobedience, affecting not just the individual but also their entire household. This reflects the biblical principle of corporate responsibility and the communal nature of sin and its consequences.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
A patriarch and prophet, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this chapter, he is in Gerar and has misrepresented his wife Sarah as his sister.

2. Sarah
Abraham's wife, who is taken by Abimelech because of Abraham's misrepresentation. Her role is crucial in God's covenant with Abraham.

3. Abimelech
The king of Gerar who unknowingly takes Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister. God warns him in a dream to return Sarah to Abraham.

4. Gerar
A Philistine city where Abraham and Sarah sojourn. It is the setting for the events of Genesis 20.

5. God
The sovereign deity who intervenes in the situation by speaking to Abimelech in a dream, protecting Sarah, and upholding His covenant with Abraham.

Teaching Points

The Role of a Prophet
Prophets are chosen by God to intercede and communicate His will. Abraham's role as a prophet is affirmed by God's command to Abimelech.

The Power of Intercessory Prayer
Abraham's prayer is pivotal for Abimelech's survival, illustrating the importance and power of praying for others.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
God actively protects His covenant and His people, intervening directly in human affairs to ensure His plans are fulfilled.

The Importance of Truthfulness
Abraham's deception leads to potential disaster, teaching the importance of honesty and trust in God's protection.

Consequences of Disobedience
God's warning to Abimelech underscores the serious consequences of disobedience to His commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abraham's role as a prophet in Genesis 20:7 compare to other prophets in the Bible, and what can we learn from this about the nature of prophetic ministry?

2. In what ways does God's intervention in Genesis 20 demonstrate His sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises?

3. How can we apply the principle of intercessory prayer in our own lives, and what examples from the New Testament support this practice?

4. What lessons can we learn from Abraham's deception about the importance of truthfulness and trust in God's protection?

5. How does the warning given to Abimelech in Genesis 20:7 reflect the broader biblical theme of obedience and its consequences?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12
Similar to Genesis 20, Abraham previously misrepresented Sarah as his sister in Egypt, leading to divine intervention.

1 Samuel 7:5
Samuel, another prophet, prays for the people of Israel, showing the power and importance of intercessory prayer by prophets.

James 5:16
Highlights the power of a righteous person's prayer, connecting to Abraham's role as a prophet who prays for Abimelech.