Biblical Context:
The encounter between Abimelech and Abraham is recorded in Genesis 20. This event takes place after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as Abraham journeys toward the Negev region, settling between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourning in Gerar.

Narrative Summary:
In Genesis 20, Abraham introduces his wife Sarah as his sister while residing in Gerar. This is a repetition of a similar incident that occurred earlier in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20). Abimelech, the king of Gerar, takes Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister. However, God intervenes by appearing to Abimelech in a dream, warning him that he is as good as dead because the woman he has taken is married.

Key Verses:
· Genesis 20:3 : "But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, 'You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.'"
· Genesis 20:6-7 : "Then God said to him in the dream, 'Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you can be sure that you and all who belong to you will die.'"

Abimelech's Response:
Upon receiving the divine warning, Abimelech confronts Abraham. He questions Abraham about his deception, expressing his innocence and integrity in the matter. Abimelech's actions demonstrate his fear of God and his desire to rectify the situation.

· Genesis 20:9-10 : "Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, 'What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you have brought such great sin upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.' And Abimelech asked Abraham, 'What prompted you to do such a thing?'"

Abraham's Explanation:
Abraham explains his actions by expressing his fear that there was no fear of God in Gerar and that he might be killed on account of his wife. He also reveals that Sarah is indeed his half-sister, the daughter of his father but not of his mother, and thus he did not entirely lie.

· Genesis 20:11-13 : "Abraham replied, 'I thought, Surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not the daughter of my mother—and she became my wife. So when God had me journey from my father’s house, I said to her: This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Wherever we go, say of me, He is my brother.'"

Resolution:
Abimelech restores Sarah to Abraham and compensates him with sheep, cattle, male and female servants, and a thousand pieces of silver as a sign of Sarah's vindication. He also grants Abraham the freedom to settle anywhere in his land. Abraham prays to God, and God heals Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves, allowing them to bear children, as the Lord had closed every womb in Abimelech's household because of Sarah.

· Genesis 20:14-16 : "Then Abimelech brought sheep and cattle and male and female servants, gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him. And Abimelech said, 'Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.' And to Sarah he said, 'Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is your vindication before all who are with you; you are completely cleared.'"

Theological Implications:
This narrative highlights themes of divine protection, the importance of integrity, and the consequences of deception. It also underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in human affairs to protect His covenant promises. The incident further illustrates the role of Abraham as a prophet and intercessor, as his prayer leads to the healing of Abimelech's household.