Genesis 20:14

So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him.

Study Bible

So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle
In the ancient Near East, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and a common form of currency. Abimelech's gift of sheep and cattle to Abraham signifies a gesture of reconciliation and respect. This act reflects the cultural practice of making amends through substantial gifts, which is seen in other biblical narratives, such as Jacob's gifts to Esau in Genesis 32:13-15.

menservants and maidservants
The inclusion of servants in the gift highlights the wealth and status of Abimelech. Servants were valuable assets, contributing to the economic productivity of a household. This act of giving servants also indicates a transfer of resources and a sign of goodwill, ensuring that Abraham's household would be well-supported.

and he gave them to Abraham
This phrase underscores the transfer of wealth and resources from Abimelech to Abraham, signifying a formal resolution to the conflict. It also reflects the divine favor upon Abraham, as God had intervened on his behalf. This act of giving can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to bless those who bless Abraham (Genesis 12:3).

and restored his wife Sarah to him
The restoration of Sarah to Abraham is a crucial element in the narrative, emphasizing the protection of the covenant promise that Sarah would bear a son. This act also rectifies the potential threat to the lineage through which the Messiah would come. The restoration signifies the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of God's covenant with Abraham, as seen in the broader biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abimelech
The king of Gerar who took Sarah into his household, believing she was Abraham's sister. After God warned him in a dream, he returned Sarah to Abraham.

2. Abraham
The patriarch who, out of fear, misled Abimelech by saying Sarah was his sister. Despite his deception, God protected him and his wife.

3. Sarah
Abraham's wife, who was taken by Abimelech but later returned to her husband after divine intervention.

4. Gerar
The region where Abimelech ruled and where the events of this chapter took place.

5. God's Intervention
God appeared to Abimelech in a dream, warning him of the consequences of keeping Sarah, thus protecting the covenant promise to Abraham.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness Despite Human Failure
Even when Abraham acted out of fear and deception, God remained faithful to His promises. This teaches us that God's plans are not thwarted by human shortcomings.

The Importance of Integrity
Abraham's lack of honesty led to unnecessary complications. As believers, we are called to live with integrity, trusting God to protect and provide.

Divine Protection and Provision
God's intervention in Abimelech's dream demonstrates His active role in protecting His people and fulfilling His promises. We can trust in God's sovereignty over our lives.

Restoration and Reconciliation
Abimelech's restitution to Abraham, including gifts, highlights the importance of making amends and restoring relationships when wrongs have occurred.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Abraham and Abimelech challenge us to trust God in difficult situations rather than resorting to deception?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our lives, even when we make mistakes?

3. How does the pattern of fear and deception in Abraham's family (seen also in Isaac's life) encourage us to break negative cycles in our own families?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we live with integrity, especially when faced with fear or uncertainty?

5. How can we apply the principle of making restitution and seeking reconciliation in our relationships today, as seen in Abimelech's actions towards Abraham?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:10-20
Similar to the events in Genesis 20, Abraham previously misled Pharaoh about Sarah, resulting in divine intervention and protection.

Genesis 26:1-11
Isaac, Abraham's son, repeats a similar deception with Abimelech, showing a pattern of fear and God's faithfulness across generations.

Psalm 105:14-15
This passage speaks of God's protection over His anointed ones, which can be seen in His safeguarding of Abraham and Sarah.