Genesis 20, Abraham’s Sojourn at Gerar

Bible Study with Dr. Thomas Constable

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Podcast Summary: Genesis 20 – Abraham’s Sojourn at Gerar

Title: Genesis 20: Abraham’s Sojourn at Gerar

Episode Description:
In Genesis 20, Abraham moves to Gerar and faces another challenge involving his wife, Sarah. He again claims Sarah is his sister, fearing for his life, leading to a situation that could have endangered God's promise. However, God intervenes, protecting Sarah and restoring integrity. This chapter highlights the continuing journey of faith and God’s protection despite human failings.

Episode Notes

1. Abraham and Sarah in Gerar (Genesis 20:1-2)

• Journey to Gerar (Genesis 20:1):
  Abraham moves to the land of the Philistines, specifically to Gerar, where he again faces the challenge of fearing for his life due to Sarah’s beauty. This is a new chapter in their sojourn, as they encounter a different culture.
• Abraham’s Claim About Sarah (Genesis 20:2):
  Abraham tells King Abimelech that Sarah is his sister, repeating the same deceit he had used earlier in Egypt (Genesis 12). He fears that if they know Sarah is his wife, they might kill him to take her. This deception sets the stage for the crisis to come.

2. God’s Intervention (Genesis 20:3-7)

• God’s Warning to Abimelech (Genesis 20:3):
  That night, God comes to King Abimelech in a dream, warning him that he is about to sin by taking Sarah as his wife, as she is already married to Abraham. God makes it clear that Abimelech’s intentions were pure but that he must return Sarah to Abraham immediately.
• God’s Protection of Sarah (Genesis 20:4-5):
  Abimelech protests, claiming innocence since he had not touched Sarah. God acknowledges his honesty and declares that He had prevented Abimelech from sinning. This shows God’s sovereignty over the affairs of men and His protection of Sarah, ensuring the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham.
• God’s Command to Abimelech (Genesis 20:6-7):
  God commands Abimelech to return Sarah to her husband, Abraham, who will pray for him. God warns Abimelech that if he doesn’t comply, he and his household will die. This intervention underscores God’s covenantal protection over Abraham and his family.

3. Abimelech’s Response and Abraham’s Explanation (Genesis 20:8-13)

• Abimelech Confronts Abraham (Genesis 20:8-9):
  The next morning, Abimelech confronts Abraham, accusing him of misleading him and putting his kingdom at risk. He questions Abraham about why he deceived him. Abimelech’s honest outrage highlights the gravity of Abraham’s actions and the risk to his own integrity.
• Abraham’s Explanation (Genesis 20:10-13):
  Abraham justifies his behavior by explaining that Sarah is indeed his half-sister (the daughter of his father but not his mother), though he doesn’t reveal that she is also his wife. Abraham states that he feared for his life, believing that no one would honor the sanctity of marriage in foreign lands. He also acknowledges that he told part of the truth but not the whole truth.
• Sarah’s Silence (Genesis 20:12):
  Sarah does not speak at this point, but it’s clear that Abraham’s lack of full disclosure put them both in a precarious situation, even though their actions were not as blatantly deceptive as in Genesis 12.

4. Abimelech’s Generosity and Abraham’s Prayer (Genesis 20:14-18)

• Abimelech’s Generosity (Genesis 20:14-16):
  In response to God’s warning, Abimelech returns Sarah to Abraham along with gifts—sheep, cattle, servants, and land. He also offers to let Abraham live anywhere in his kingdom, showing great generosity in reconciling the situation. Abimelech’s actions demonstrate his respect for God’s warni