Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children-- Sermons
I. THE UNIVERSALITY OF DIVINE GRACE. The varieties in moral state of nations a testimony to God's forbearing mercy. There was evidently a great contrast between such people as dwelt under Abimelech's rule and the cities of the plain, which helps us to see the extreme wickedness of the latter. It was probably no vain boast which the king-uttered when he spoke of "the integrity of his heart and innocency of his hands." Moreover, God appeared to him by dreams, and it is implied that he would have the greatest reverence for Jehovah's prophet. Abraham testified the same; although he declared that the fear of God was not in the place, still he sojourned in Gerar, and after Lot's experience he would not have done so unless he had believed it to be very different from Sodom. II. THE CHARACTER OF GOD'S CHILDREN IS NOT THE GROUND OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE WITH HIM. It is strange that the Egyptian experience should not have taught the patriarch simply to trust in God. But the imperfect faith justifies; the grace of God alone sanctifies. The conduct of Abimelech is throughout honorable and straightforward. Abraham's equivocation is not excusable. It sprang from fear, and it was no sudden error, but a deliberate policy which betokened weakness, to say the least. III. THE LORD BRINGS GOOD OUT OF EVIL. Abimelech's character is a bright spot in the terrible picture of evil and its consequences. By the discipline of Providence the errors and follies of men are made the opportunities for learning God's purposes and character. The contact of the less enlightened with the more enlightened, though it may humble both, gives room for Divine teaching and gracious bestowments. Again we are reminded "the prayer of a righteous man availeth much" not because he is himself righteous, but because he is the 'channel of blessing to others, chosen of God's free grace. - R.
So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech. Abraham's prayer for the doomed cities was not granted, but his prayer for Abimelech was answered in full. "God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maid-servants." But in the present instance we can see some reasons why it was likely that this prayer should be answered.I. BECAUSE FAITH WAS MAINTAINED NOTWITHSTANDING PAST FAILURES. Persevering faith, which is superior to all discouragements, must be rewarded. II. BECAUSE THE OBJECTS OF IT WERE DISPOSED TO RECEIVE THE BLESSING. The hindrances to the gracious effects of prayer lie in man's rebellious heart. There must be a Godward direction imparted to souls which are to be blest. God meets those who are looking towards Him. Abimelech and his household had this receptivity. III. BECAUSE GOD DELIGHTS TO PUT HONOUR UPON HIS SERVANTS. God had entered into covenant with Abraham. He was God's prophet and faithful friend. God will set His visible marks of approval upon His own appointed means of blessing. Learn the importance of the prophet to mankind. 1. He makes known the will of God. He is a messenger who has received instructions from the Supreme Ruler of all mankind. 2. He is the human channel of spiritual blessings. He teaches men the way of righteousness, how they may find the chief good and reach true blessedness. (T. H. Leate.). People Abimelech, Abraham, SarahPlaces Gerar, Kadesh-barnea, Negeb, Shur DesertTopics Abimelech, Abim'elech, Bare, Bear, Bore, Female, Girls, Handmaids, Healed, Healeth, Maids, Maidservants, Maid-servants, Prayed, Prayer, Prayeth, Servants, Slave, Slaves, Wife, Women-servantsOutline 1. Abraham sojourns at Gerar.2. Denies his wife, who is taken by Abimelech. 3. Abimelech is reproved for her in a dream. 9. He rebukes Abraham. 14. Restores Sarah; 16. and reproves her. 17. Abimelech and his family are healed at Abraham's prayer. Dictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 20:17 5076 Abraham, life of 5225 barrenness Library The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor. In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Ascalon. Gerar. The Story of the Eighty Witches. Sovereignty and Human Responsibility And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said... The Interpretation of the Early Narratives of the Old Testament Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy. Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus. Genesis Links Genesis 20:17 NIVGenesis 20:17 NLT Genesis 20:17 ESV Genesis 20:17 NASB Genesis 20:17 KJV Genesis 20:17 Bible Apps Genesis 20:17 Parallel Genesis 20:17 Biblia Paralela Genesis 20:17 Chinese Bible Genesis 20:17 French Bible Genesis 20:17 German Bible Genesis 20:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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