Genesis 20: When Fear Leads to Fibs (and God Steps In)

This chapter in Genesis might feel a bit like a soap opera episode, with a dramatic plot twist involving Abraham, his wife Sarah, and a king named Abimelech. But beneath the surface, it’s a powerful reminder that even the greatest heroes of faith can stumble, and that God’s protection and grace are always there, even when we mess up.

So, what happened?

Abraham and Sarah are travelling again, and this time they end up in the land of Gerar. Fearful that the king, Abimelech, would kill him to take Sarah as his wife (she was stunningly beautiful, even in her old age!), Abraham resorts to an old trick: he tells everyone Sarah is his sister, not his wife.

Abimelech, unaware of the truth, takes Sarah into his palace. But God intervenes in a dream, warning Abimelech not to touch her because she’s a married woman. Abimelech is understandably upset, but he returns Sarah to Abraham, along with some gifts to smooth things over.

Why does this matter?

This story highlights a few important points:

1. Even the faithful can falter: Abraham, the father of faith, makes a mistake here. He lets fear get the best of him and compromises his integrity. It’s a reminder that we all have weaknesses, and we need to be constantly on guard against them.
2. God protects his promises: Even though Abraham messed up, God still protected Sarah and ensured that she would bear the promised son, Isaac. This shows us that God’s plans are bigger than our mistakes, and He’ll always find a way to fulfil His promises.
3. Honesty is the best policy: Abraham’s lie almost caused a huge mess. It’s a reminder that honesty is always the best approach, even when it seems scary. God can be trusted to work things out, even in difficult situations.

Study Questions

1. Why was Abraham afraid of Abimelech?
2. What was the consequence of Abraham’s lie?
3. How did God protect Sarah?
4. What can we learn from Abraham’s mistake?
5. How can we apply this story to our own lives?
6. In what situations might we be tempted to compromise our integrity?
7. How can we trust God more, even when we’re afraid?

Challenge

Think about a time when you were tempted to lie or hide the truth because you were afraid. How did that turn out? What could you have done differently? Next time you face a similar situation, remember this story and choose to trust God with the outcome.

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Genesis 20 Commentary: A Test of Faith and a Divine Intervention

Genesis 20 recounts the story of Abraham’s sojourn in Gerar, where he once again resorts to the deceptive tactic of presenting Sarah as his sister. This act leads to Abimelech, the king of Gerar, taking Sarah into his household. However, God intervenes in a dream, warning Abimelech of the truth and preventing him from sinning against Abraham.

Spurgeon’s Insights

Spurgeon emphasises the fallibility of even the most faithful:

“Abraham’s faith was not perfect; it was mixed with unbelief. Even the best of men are liable to stumble.”

He underscores that Abraham’s repeated deception reveals his lingering fear and lack of complete trust in God’s protection.

Moreover, Spurgeon highlights the divine grace that shields Abimelech from unintentional sin:

“God is the guardian of the innocent. He will not allow them to be harmed, even by the mistakes of others.”

This divine intervention serves as a reminder of God’s active role in preserving righteousness.

Matthew Henry’s Perspective

Matthew Henry focuses on the lessons learned from Abraham’s misstep. He states:

“Abraham’s conduct was not only sinful but also foolish. It showed a lack of faith in God’s promise to protect him and his family.”

Henry also draws attention to the contrast between Abraham’s fear and Abimelech’s integrity:

“Abimelech, a pagan king, acted with more honesty and integrity than Abraham, the father of the faithful.”

This serves as a reminder that God’s righteousness can be found even in unexpected places.

Conclusion

Genesis 20 is a narrative of human weakness and divine grace. It reveals the ongoing struggle of faith, even in those chosen by God. It also underscores God’s unwavering commitment to protect the innocent and uphold righteousness.

As Spurgeon reminds us:

“Let us learn from Abraham’s mistakes and trust in God’s promises, even when our circumstances seem dire.”

And as Matthew Henry emphasises:

“Let us strive to be like Abimelech, who acted with integrity even when faced with temptation.”

Through both human fallibility and divine intervention, Genesis 20 ultimately points to the faithfulness of God, who remains steadfast even when His people stumble.