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Gen. 20:1–18 King Abimelech takes Sarah into his harem, which seems to put at risk God’s promise that Sarah will bear Abraham a son.
Gen. 20:1 No specific reason is given for Abraham’s relocation to Gerar, in the northern Negeb. Abraham and Sarah are unknown to the inhabitants of the region.
Gen. 20:2 She is my sister. This comment assumes that the reader is familiar with 12:11–13, which explains the rationale behind Abraham’s words. Abimelech king of Gerar. Abimelech, which means “my father is king,” appears to have been a common royal name (compare 26:1–2).
Gen. 20:3–6 But God came to Abimelech. The text emphasizes that Sarah has not had intercourse with the king; otherwise, it could have appeared that Abimelech was the father of Isaac (21:1–3). in a dream by night. Throughout Genesis dreams often bring divine revelation (compare 28:12; 31:10–11; 37:5–9; 40:5–8; 41:1).
Gen. 20:7 Abraham is the first person in the Bible called a prophet. This context emphasizes his ability to intercede for others, one of the characteristics of a true prophet (Jer. 15:1); compare his actions in Gen. 18:22–33.
Gen. 20:9 Abimelech rightly criticizes Abraham for deceiving him about Sarah. The term great sin sometimes implies adultery.
Gen. 20:11 There is no fear of God at all in this place. Abraham’s response betrays both his lack of faith in God and his misjudgment of the people of Gerar. The story shows clearly that the king and his servants were God-fearing (see vv. 5, 8, 16).
Gen. 20:12–13 Besides, she is indeed my sister. Abraham’s half-truth does not excuse his behavior. at every place to which we come. Abraham regularly resorted to this wife-sister ruse for his own self-protection. Yet only God’s intervention protects Abraham’s relationship with Sarah.
Gen. 20:14–16 Abimelech’s generosity and innocence contrast sharply with Abraham’s deception. The king’s actions publicly affirm that he has not acted inappropriately toward Sarah.
Gen. 20:17–18 God has power over fertility. By praying, Abraham demonstrates that God’s blessing is being mediated through him (see 12:3).
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