Biblical Context:
The account of God's warning to Abimelech is found in Genesis 20. This narrative occurs during the time of the patriarchs, specifically involving Abraham and Sarah. Abraham, fearing for his life due to Sarah's beauty, instructs her to say she is his sister. This leads to a series of events where Abimelech, king of Gerar, takes Sarah into his household, believing her to be unmarried.

Scriptural Account:
In Genesis 20:1-2 , it is recorded: "From there Abraham journeyed toward the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar, Abraham said of his wife Sarah, 'She is my sister.' So Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her."

Divine Intervention:
God intervenes directly to prevent Abimelech from sinning against Him. In Genesis 20:3 , it states: "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.'"

Abimelech's Response:
Abimelech, who had not approached Sarah, pleads his innocence and integrity before God. In Genesis 20:4-5 , he responds: "Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he said, 'Lord, will You destroy a nation even though it is innocent? Did Abraham not tell me, "She is my sister"? And she herself said, "He is my brother." I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands.'"

God's Assurance and Command:
God acknowledges Abimelech's integrity and provides instructions to rectify the situation. Genesis 20:6-7 records God's reply: "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 Obedience:
Abimelech promptly obeys God's command. He returns Sarah to Abraham and confronts him about the deception. In Genesis 20:8-10 , it is described how Abimelech rose early, informed his servants, and called Abraham to question him about his actions.

Restoration and Blessing:
Abimelech not only returns Sarah but also compensates Abraham with sheep, cattle, and servants, and offers him a choice of land to dwell in. Furthermore, he gives Abraham a thousand shekels of silver as a sign of Sarah's vindication. Genesis 20:14-16 details this restitution.

Abraham's Intercession:
Following God's instructions, Abraham prays for Abimelech, and God heals Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, allowing them to bear children. Genesis 20:17-18 concludes the account: "Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his maidservants, so that they could bear children, for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household."

Theological Implications:
This narrative highlights several key theological themes. It underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene directly in human affairs to uphold His covenant promises. The account also illustrates God's justice and mercy, as He acknowledges Abimelech's innocence and provides a means for restoration. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of truth and integrity, as well as the role of intercessory prayer, as seen in Abraham's prayer for Abimelech's household.