Genesis 20:1-18
20:1-2 Abraham and Sarah use the same tactic they used in Egypt years ago: they pretend to be merely brother and sister, rather than husband and wife, in order to evade enemies. For if a leader were to take interest in Sarah, he might take Abraham's life in order to claim her as his own.
20:3 And again God intervened: ensuring that Abraham and Sarah's union was respected.
20:4-5 Unsuspecting king Abimelech, is prompted by God to release Sarah. Abimelech claims innocence, and he is right to as Abraham and Sarah had not been honest with him. Their methods were necessary however because Abraham might not have initially survived if they had not. (That is, at least, how our human minds work. God always clears a path).
20:6 God is always fully aware of the details of our situations. He knows that Abimelech is innocent and He also guided him away from joining with Sarah. God is like our bumper-rails in the game of bowling; even if we do not realize it, our faith gives him permission to keep us out of the gutter.
20:7 Abraham is proclaimed as a prophet. Prophet noun: a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God. Through Abraham and following prophets, God would build His philosophy on the earth. It was imperative that these souls be permitted to speak and live His message.
God ensures that Abraham will pray for Abimelech and we are introduced to the concept of intercessory prayer. Intercessory prayers are the prayers we pray on behalf of others. We learn here that they are heard, effective, and answered by God.
God ensures that Abraham will pray for Abimelech and we are introduced to the concept of intercessory prayer. Intercessory prayers are the prayers we pray on behalf of others. We learn here that they are heard, effective, and answered by God.
20:8-10 Abimelech confronts Abraham about his lie. This is a great lesson for us in conflict resolution: employ stark honesty. Abimelech asks Abraham why he deserved to be lied to.
20:11-13 Abraham finally interacts with Abimelech with the same honesty: he explains to the king that he was worried about being killed for ownership of Sarah. He explains that Sarah is technically his half sister, but also that they are indeed married.
20:14-16 Sarah is returned to Abraham, not having had any children with Abimelech. God had ensured Abraham that he and Sarah specifically would be the parents of generations of peoples and He remained committed to that promise by temporarily disabling all in that house from reproducing.
20:17-18 Abraham prayer to God, thanking Him for the restoration of his wife. He also prayed for Abimelech and his family, asking God to allow restore their own ability to reproduce. We see here that intercessory prayer works. Pray on behalf of others; your faithful contributions lead to blessings in their lives.
