“For a while he stayed in Gerar, and there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, ‘She is my sister.’ Then Abimelek king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her. But God came to Abimelek in a dream one night and said to him, ‘You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman.’ Now Abimelek had not gone near her, so he said, “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? Did he not say to me, “She is my sister,” and didn’t she also say, “He is my brother”? I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands.’ Then God said to him in the dream, ‘Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience… return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live.’ Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelek, his wife and his female slaves so they could have children again, for the Lord had kept all the women in Abimelek’s household from conceiving because of Abraham’s wife Sarah.” (v1-7,17,18 abr)
This sounds reminiscent of what happened in Gen 12. Abraham and Sarah (then Abram and Sarai) tell people they are brother and sister, someone takes Sarah to be their wife, and then they and their family undergo hardship because of it. Didn’t Abraham learn from the first time he pulled this stunt?
There are some differences this time, however. First, Abraham explains to the king why he did this (again, he’s afraid for his life, oh he of little faith) since the king and the people don’t fear God. Abraham also explains the he and Sarah are actually half brother/sister, having the same father (v12), so they didn’t technically lie…
The major difference this time is God uses this situation as a way of revealing Himself to the king and his household – God prevents the king from sinning against Him (v7) and then sets up Abraham to be an intercessor for the king’s household, praying over them for healing (v7,17). Abimelek wisely rebukes Abraham for acting inappropriately – having been rebuked by a pagan king, hopefully Abraham clues in this time (that must sting a little).
Abimelek gifts Abraham (and Abraham’s God) with many sheep, cattle and riches, to cover the “offense” against them – he gives them more money than an average worker could earn in a lifetime. Wait, didn’t the king and God agree that he was innocent on the matter of taking Sarah? It’s not mentioned in this chapter, but this is one of the Philistine kings/lands, which was polytheistic, and so we can probably assume Abimelek is used to making sacrifices to appease angry gods – so I’m guessing he wasn’t going to take any chances and risk offending the God of Abraham who has power over dreams, sickness and fertility.
I am again reminded that God can redeem my poor choices. I am also reminded that I am God’s representative here on earth – hopefully I will behave in a way where I won’t be rebuked by someone saying “You have done things to me that should never be done. What was your reason for doing this?” (v9,10 abr)
Father, please guide me through your Holy Spirit, so I may represent you well here on earth by being Christlike in my interactions with people – both those who fear you and those who don’t, for all are made in your image. Jesus help me to do this.
~ Conqueror in Training