Q: How does the word “manipulation” fit into the category of half-truth? Chapters 17-19 of Genesis have depicted a high point in the life of the patriarch. (1-2) Abraham lies again, in a similar manner as before. A: [See verse 11.] And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. Genesis 20:16 Context. What do we know about it and its inhabitants? 1Now Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the Negev, and [ettled between Kadesh and Shur; then he sojourned in Gerar. The Hebrew word occurs exactly fifty times in Scripture and never in a good sense. Someone else was having it better than he. Abraham's sin may not have been as serious as the failure of Lot, but we can hardly say that we make spiritual progress if we move from chapter 19 into chapter 20. The father of the faithful journeyed to Gerar, a south country where he was entertained by the local king named Abimelech. Abimelech's discourse with Abraham, wherein he chides him for the cheat he had put upon him (Genesis 20:8-10), and Abraham excuses it as well as he can, Genesis 20:11-13. This is one of the tribes “wiped out” when the Israelites conquered the land centuries later. Abraham used this tactic a second time because it worked the first time! Genesis 9:20-27. He cannot be justified by his works, but must be indebted for justification, to that righteousness which is upon all and unto all them that believe. When Sarah … Abraham may not have known whether Abimelech was like other rulers, who commonly rose to power through ruthless acts, and would think nothing of murdering an unknown sojourner and taking his riches for his own, including his wife, children and servants. A: Gerar is a city of the Canaanites. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”. A: Obviously, Abimelech is in the position of power and Abraham is the one who is afraid. 20 Now Abraham moved on from there into the region of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. Someone else was having it better than he. 13 And 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. (The key is in verse 11). Q: Abraham tells Abimelech (not an actual name, but a dynastic title meaning “my father is king”) that Sarah is his sister. IV. And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I … Genesis 20 is a commentary on Abraham's cowardice and betrayal of his wife Sarah. 8:28). A: “Pray” and “prayed.” This is the first mention of prayer in the Bible. Thus God gave man livery and seisin of the fair estate he had granted him, and put him in … Mark his distrust of God, his undue care about life, his intent to deceive. The Canaanites were under a curse from God (Genesis 9:18-27). Why? (Hint: review the “Table of Nations” in Genesis chapter 10:1-20.) He, or this, is to thee a covering of the eyes — For the words may be expounded either of the money given to Abraham to buy a veil for the covering of her face, and to be worn in token of her subjection to her husband; or of Abraham, that he must be a covering of her eyes, that she should look at no other, nor desire to be looked at by any other. nesis 25-26 • In the Footsteps of Isaac, The Study Bookmark for Genesis: AC 39. Could God not have protected him? Agreements to deceive generally end in shame and sorrow; and restraints from sin, though by suffering, should be thankfully acknowledged. Abraham's accountability was greater than Lot's because he knew God so much better. A: The roles have reversed. Crooked policy will not prosper: it brings ourselves and others into danger. See here much to blame, even in the father of the faithful. 3But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married.”. 1. . For 20 years Jacob waited to get possession of his wives and property, and to be freed from the control of Laban his father-in-law (Genesis 31:38 - 41). 14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. (Gen 20:11-13) Abraham's excuse. Genesis 24 • The Servant & the Bride God protected both Sarah and Abraham from Abimelech’s innocent mistake. Genesis 20 – Abraham Lies About Sarah Again A. Abraham’s lie, God’s protection. It is located at the southern end and will be allotted to Judah in Israel to come in an area called the Negev about 9 miles southeast of Gaza and is now known as Tel Haror. If our consciences witness, that, however we may have been cheated into a snare, we have not knowingly sinned against God, it will be our rejoicing in the day of evil. Genesis 22:1-19 • The Shadow of the Cross Abraham's worse side shows up in both cases. And God said, Let the waters cause to creep forth the creeping thing, the living soul; and let fowl fly above the earth upon the faces of the expanse of the heavens. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. A: Actually, that’s exactly what God said. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? The fairest marbles have their flaws, and, while there are spots in the sun, we must not expect any thing spotless under it. 20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded[ a] to plant a vineyard. A: Whereas “there is no fear of God in this place,” there is now a great fear of God. Genesis 20:1–18 describes what happens when Abraham once again moves to a new place and insists on lying that Sarah is merely his sister and not his wife. In Genesis 20, it seems that Abraham was resentful of what happened at Sodom. 1. The man in chapter 20 is a far cry from our expectations for a patriarch and a prophet. "And also of the son of the bond-woman will I make a nation": (Hagar). Read Genesis 20 commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). IV. Bereishit - Genesis - Chapter 20 ... [The meaning of לִי is] “about me.” Similarly (below 26:7): “And the people of the place asked לְאִשְׁתּוֹ,” meaning “about his wife.” It is located at the southern end and will be allotted to Judah in Israel to come in an area called the Negev about 9 miles southeast of Gaza and is now known as Tel Haror. (1-8) Abimelech's rebuke to Abraham. 20. Though the Lord rebuke, yet he will pardon and deliver his people, and he will give them favour in the sight of those with whom they sojourn; and overrule their infirmities, when they are humbled for them, so that they shall prove useful to themselves and others. Abimelech, being warned of God, takes the warning; and being truly afraid of sin and its consequences, he rose early to pursue the directions given him. Abimelech's discourse with Abraham, wherein he chides him for the cheat he had put upon him (Genesis 20:8-10), and Abraham excuses it as well as he can, Genesis 20:11-13. 17Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maids, so that they bore children. We often trouble ourselves, and even are led into temptation and sin, by groundless suspicions; and find the fear of God where we expected it not. Abimelech, the … We must not condemn all as hypocrites who fall into sin, if they do not continue in it. A: God is able to reach into the mind of even a godless, cunning ruler and speak directly to him. Genesis 12 and Genesis 20 – The Bible Teaching Commentary both describe how Abraham left Canaan where God had designated him to stay. Commentary on Genesis 20:9-13 (Read Genesis 20:9-13) See here much to blame, even in the father of the faithful. Q: This is not the first time the city of Gerar is mentioned in the Bible. What does this tell us about our ability to trust God for the outcome? Genesis 9:20. 4 per page: [ pdf ], Even the best human spiritual examples provided in the Bible led imperfect lives. With the exception of a very few (e.g., Melchizedek, King of Salem; 14:17-23), the Canaanites were a godless, ruthless and wicked people who, as archeology has shown, practiced such rituals as child sacrifice. Abraham journeyed from thence . Question: I have just read an article suggesting that the Hebrew word usually translated "helpmeet" in Genesis 2:20 should really be rendered equal to him (and in fact we should understand a different word have originally occurred here). These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. Even Abraham hath not whereof to glory. He also threw temptation in the way of others, caused affliction to them, exposed himself and Sarah to just rebukes, and yet attempted an excuse. God gives Abimelech notice of his danger of sin, and his danger of death for his sin. Please read Genesis 20 completely before beginning. A: Gerar is a city of the Canaanites. (9-13) Abimelech restores Sarah. But if we have ignorantly done wrong, that will not excuse us, if we knowingly persist in it. "And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I … © 2021 Christianity.com. Q: Had Abraham told this half-truth before, and, if so, why do you think he resorted to this tactic a second time? God is the difference. [See 12:10-20.] Leader: [ pdf | • | docx ] After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham journeyed to Gerar, where he for self-protection told the half-truth again about Sarah’s identity, after which the matriarch was taken by King Abimelech into his harem. 20 From there Abraham journeyed towards the region of the Negeb, and settled between Kadesh and Shur. Genesis 20 From the tragedy of Lot's life we move on to another tragedy in the life of Abraham. Abraham declared Sarah to … Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. 17Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maids, so that they bore children. He is a … A: Yes. Abraham was, after all, a wealthy man. Abraham's accountability was greater than Lot's because he knew God so much better. Genesis 20:18 — Comments- Genesis 20:18 is a good example of God opening and closing the womb. Just like us, they grew in their relationship with and knowledge of the Lord. and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur --Leaving the encampment, he migrated to the southern border of Canaan. Verse 20. It will be completed in chapter 22 when he offers Isaac in sacrifice. GENESIS 20:1 1 And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. Here is the man of faith and intercession we expect to find in the pages of holy writ. [ view sample ] 2. Compare with these verses: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Textual Summary. vv.1-7 A Plot Replayed. 6Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her. All Rights Reserved. Now who is in the position of power and who is carrying the greatest fear? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” 10And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What have you encountered, that you have done this thing?”, 11Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. Abraham's sin may not have been as serious as the failure of Lot, but we can hardly say that we make spiritual progress if we move from chapter 19 into chapter 20. After the great luminaries have been kindled and placed in the internal man, and the external receives light from them, then the man … There are a number of lessons that can be learned from this very interesting chapter in the Old Testament. Abraham and Abimelech. Q: What does this verse tell us about the sovereignty of God? Ba’al was a common Canaanite word used for their gods. He used it previously with Pharaoh while in Egypt. The descendants of Canaan occupied what was later called “The Promised Land,” the very land that God has promised to Abraham (12:6-7; 15:17-21). In Genesis 12 he left for Egypt for famine. The NASB translates the passage “for she is married” with a footnote, “married to a husband.” The Hebrew is ba’alat ba’al which can also be translated “wife of a lord” (“wife of a ba’al”) as well as “wife of a husband,” depending on the context. ”). Genesis 20:1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. God is able to intervene on our behalf (“Therefore, I did not let you touch her.”). Crooked policy will not prosper: it brings ourselves and others into danger. What Does Genesis 50:20 Mean? 15Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; settle wherever you please.”, 16To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared.”. A promise already given (Genesis 17:20), but here repeated to render Ishmael's dismissal easier, “Because he is thy seed”. Mark his distrust of God, his undue care about life, his intent to deceive. (Hint: review the “Table of Nations” in Genesis chapter 10:1-20.). But let the unhumbled and impenitent take heed that they do not sin on, thinking that grace may abound. This is based upon revising the Hebrew text through reference to the Septuagint. At first sight this does not seem such a serious incident and many have wondered why the punishment for a young man seeing his father in a naked condition was so … An instance of the creatures' subjection to man, and his dominion over them (Genesis 2:19,20): Every beast of the field and every fowl of the air God brought to Adam, either by the ministry of angels, or by a special instinct, directing them to come to man as their master, teaching the ox betimes to know his owner. Q: How does Abimelech respond to God in his dream? Also, note the results of Abimelech’s acts of esteem and generosity in verses 15-16. Q: Compare verse 7 with verse 2. He could have told the exact truth, that Sarah was his wife. Download the Study Notes:[ pdf | • | docx ], Group Handout: While residing in Gerar as an alien, 2 Abraham said of his wife Sarah, ‘She is my sister.’ And King Abimelech of Gerar sent and took Sarah. Abraham's sojourn at Gerar, Sarah is taken by Abimelech. Abimelech, thinking himself in a position of power is now the one who is carrying the greatest fear. 1, 8So Abimelech arose early in the morning and called all his servants and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were greatly frightened. Remember also that 2:19-20 follows the verse discussing the community (family) of the spiritual world (see discussion with Genesis 2:18). A: He calls him “Lord” which in the Hebrew is not the proper name for the God of Abraham (Lord = Yahweh) but “Adonai,” (“Lord”) also meaning “Master.” This is a strong indication that Abimelech was not a righteous man that fully followed God. 9Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? 5Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? Spiritual Meaning of GENESIS 1:20-23 previous - next - text - summary - Genesis - BM Home - Full Page. Thus, Abimelech’s terror and defense here is amplified by more than just adultery. He that does wrong, whoever he is, prince or peasant, shall certainly receive for the wrong which he has done, unless he repent, and, if possible, make restitution. And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? Compare with “ lead us not into temptation ” in the Lord’s prayer. Some time after his departure out of the ark he returned to his old employment, from which he had been diverted by the building of the ark first, and probably after by the building a house for himself and family.