Abraham’s Faith and Abimelek’s Dilemma: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Genesis 20

Executive Summary ✨

Genesis 20 presents a complex narrative of faith, fear, and divine intervention. Abraham, relocating to Gerar, once again resorts to deception, claiming Sarah as his sister. Abimelek, the king of Gerar, takes Sarah into his harem, unaware of her true relationship to Abraham. God intervenes through a dream, revealing the truth to Abimelek and preventing him from committing a grave sin. This chapter underscores the importance of truthfulness, the consequences of deception, and God’s providential care, even amidst human failings. It also highlights the inherent dangers of power and the need for rulers to seek divine guidance. Ultimately, Abraham’s faith, though flawed, is vindicated by God’s mercy, and Abimelek learns a profound lesson about divine justice. This story offers valuable insights into the complexities of human relationships, the nature of sin, and the unwavering faithfulness of God, calling us to live lives of integrity and trust in divine providence. We can find reliable Managed WordPress Hosting options to help share these insights effectively.

Introduction

Genesis 20 – Abraham and Abimelek is a poignant chapter that reveals the frailty of even the most faithful individuals. While Abraham is considered a patriarch of faith, this narrative exposes a moment of weakness and deception. The chapter illustrates God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when His chosen people falter. We will delve into each verse, exploring the spiritual lessons and historical context, drawing upon the wisdom of the Coptic Orthodox tradition to glean profound insights for our lives today. This chapter serves as a reminder that God’s grace extends even to those who stumble, offering hope and restoration.

Commentary Sections

Genesis 20:1

English: And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.

Abraham’s movement “toward the south country” signifies a geographical shift, but also perhaps a spiritual one. Kadesh and Shur represent regions bordering the wilderness, areas of testing and potential barrenness. Gerar, a Philistine city, marks a transition into a new cultural and potentially dangerous environment. This transition parallels our own spiritual journeys, where we often face new challenges and temptations in unfamiliar territories. We must always seek divine guidance and discernment as we navigate these uncharted waters. Just as Abraham journeyed, we, too, are called to be pilgrims on earth, seeking the heavenly Kingdom. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Genesis 20:2

English: And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

Here we encounter Abraham’s deception. Fearing for his life due to Sarah’s beauty, he repeats the half-truth that she is his sister. This act is a clear departure from the integrity expected of a man of faith. Abimelek, acting in good faith based on Abraham’s deceit, takes Sarah into his household. This highlights the ripple effect of sin; Abraham’s lie endangers Sarah and puts Abimelek at risk. St. Augustine reminds us, “Falsum dicere velle, et verum non dicere, aliud est. Illud mendacii est, hoc vitandi mendacii.” (To want to say something false, and not to say the truth, is one thing. The former is lying, the latter is avoiding lying.) (Augustine, *Contra Mendacium*, 10.18) This distinction is crucial. While avoiding a direct lie may be permissible in extreme circumstances, actively deceiving others is a grave sin. We must always strive for honesty, even when it is difficult.

Genesis 20:3

English: But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.

God’s intervention through a dream is a powerful demonstration of His sovereignty and justice. Abimelek, acting in ignorance, is warned of the impending consequences of his actions. This illustrates God’s mercy in preventing sin before it is committed. Dreams were often considered a means of divine communication in the ancient world. This verse highlights that God speaks to people in ways they can understand, regardless of their background or beliefs. This also echoes the Old Testament notion of divine retribution for sexual sins. God’s judgement on Pharaoh for taking Sarah (Genesis 12:17) parallels the punishment threatened here. This shows God protects the integrity of marriage.

Genesis 20:4-7

English: ⁴But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? ⁵Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. ⁶And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. ⁷Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

Abimelek’s plea for innocence reveals his righteousness and fear of God. He argues that he acted in good faith based on the information he received. God acknowledges Abimelek’s integrity, stating that He Himself prevented him from sinning. This highlights God’s providential care and His ability to work even through imperfect situations. God’s declaration that Abraham is a prophet is significant. Despite Abraham’s flawed actions, he is still recognized as a vessel of God’s grace and intercession. This underscores the importance of prayer and the power of intercession. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16). This passage is not a blanket endorsement of all leaders. In Isaiah 3:4-5, the consequences of having child-like, ill-equipped leaders are depicted. Good leadership is a key attribute to a nation’s success.

Genesis 20:8-10

English: ⁸Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid. ⁹Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. ¹⁰And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?

Abimelek’s immediate action upon waking demonstrates his obedience to God’s command. He gathers his servants and shares the dream, creating a sense of fear and reverence within his kingdom. Abimelek confronts Abraham, expressing his outrage and emphasizing the grave consequences of his deception. This shows the importance of accountability and the need to address sin openly and honestly. Abraham’s actions had the potential to bring divine judgment upon Abimelek’s entire kingdom. The fear of God is a powerful motivator for righteous behavior and societal stability.

Genesis 20:11-13

English: ¹¹And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake. ¹²And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. ¹³And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.

Abraham attempts to justify his actions by claiming that he feared for his life due to the perceived lack of the fear of God in Gerar. He reiterates the half-truth about Sarah being his sister, further complicating the situation. Abraham reveals that this deception was a pre-arranged plan between him and Sarah, designed to protect him during their travels. This highlights the dangers of pre-meditated sin and the insidious nature of fear. It is essential to trust in God’s protection rather than resorting to deception. This also reveals a cultural aspect. Marrying a half-sister may have been acceptable, if not common, at that time.

Genesis 20:14-16

English: ¹⁴And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. ¹⁵And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee. ¹⁶And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.

Abimelek, demonstrating his repentance and desire for reconciliation, showers Abraham with gifts and restores Sarah to him. He offers Abraham the freedom to choose where he wants to live within his land. This act of generosity underscores Abimelek’s sincerity and his willingness to make amends for the wrong he unknowingly committed. The thousand pieces of silver given to Sarah serve as a symbolic compensation and a means of restoring her reputation. “A covering of the eyes” suggests that the gift would serve as a reminder of the incident and a safeguard against future accusations or gossip. This shows that restoration involves not only material compensation but also reconciliation of reputation.

Genesis 20:17-18

English: ¹⁷So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. ¹⁸For the Lord had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham’s wife.

Abraham’s prayer for Abimelek and his household is a testament to his role as a prophet and intercessor. God answers Abraham’s prayer by healing Abimelek and his household, restoring their ability to bear children. This highlights the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God’s healing and restoration. The closing of the wombs was a direct consequence of Abimelek taking Sarah. This demonstrates God’s judgment and His ability to control even the natural processes of life. The restoration of fertility signifies God’s forgiveness and the restoration of blessing. This shows that God can take a bad situation and turn it around for good.

Subtopic: The Fear of God vs. Human Fear ✨

This chapter highlights the contrast between the fear of God and human fear. Abraham’s actions were driven by fear of physical harm, leading him to deception. Abimelek, on the other hand, demonstrated the fear of God, prompting him to act with integrity and righteousness.

• The Fear of God: This is a reverential awe and respect for God’s power, holiness, and justice. It leads to obedience and righteous living.
• Human Fear: This is a fear of earthly consequences, such as physical harm or social rejection. It can lead to compromise and sinful behavior.
• Trust in God: Overcoming human fear requires placing our trust in God’s protection and provision. We must believe that God is in control and will work all things together for good.
• Integrity: Living with integrity means choosing truthfulness and righteousness, even when it is difficult or risky. It requires courage and a commitment to God’s principles.
• Prayer: Prayer is a powerful weapon against fear. It allows us to cast our anxieties upon God and receive His peace and guidance.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why did Abraham lie about Sarah being his sister?

A: Abraham lied out of fear for his life. He believed that the people of Gerar would kill him to take Sarah for themselves, given her beauty and his perception that they lacked the fear of God. This shows a lack of trust in God’s protection and a reliance on human deception.

Q: How did God communicate with Abimelek?

A: God communicated with Abimelek through a dream. In the ancient world, dreams were often considered a means of divine communication. This dream served as a warning to Abimelek, preventing him from committing a grave sin and revealing the truth about Sarah’s relationship to Abraham.

Q: What is the significance of Abimelek’s gifts to Abraham?

A: Abimelek’s gifts to Abraham symbolized his repentance and his desire for reconciliation. They also served as a form of compensation for the wrong he unknowingly committed by taking Sarah into his household. This highlights the importance of making amends and restoring relationships after wrongdoing.

Q: What does this chapter teach us about God’s grace?

A: This chapter demonstrates God’s grace in several ways. First, God prevented Abimelek from sinning by intervening through a dream. Second, God heard Abraham’s prayer and healed Abimelek and his household. Finally, God remained faithful to His covenant with Abraham, even when Abraham faltered in his faith. This illustrates that God’s grace is unmerited and extends even to those who make mistakes.

Conclusion

Genesis 20 – Abraham and Abimelek is a powerful reminder of the complexities of faith and the unwavering faithfulness of God. While Abraham’s deception exposes his human weakness, God’s intervention reveals His providential care and commitment to justice. Abimelek’s righteousness and fear of God serve as a contrast to Abraham’s fear-driven actions, highlighting the importance of integrity and trust in divine protection. Ultimately, the chapter underscores the power of prayer, the need for accountability, and the restorative grace of God. As we navigate our own journeys of faith, let us strive to emulate Abimelek’s righteousness and trust in God’s unwavering love, avoiding the pitfalls of fear and deception. And remember, God’s promise to Abraham still applies to us today, even when we stumble in our walk of faith. Let this passage inspire us to live lives of integrity and to seek God’s guidance in all that we do. By doing so, we, too, can experience the blessings of His grace and find our own pathway to success.

Tags

Abraham, Abimelek, Genesis 20, Coptic Orthodox, Faith, Deception, Divine Intervention, Prayer, Grace, Integrity

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Explore Genesis 20 – Abraham and Abimelek through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover profound lessons on faith, deception, and divine intervention in this detailed commentary.