Scripture Notes: Driven by Fear, Part 2 (Genesis 20)

Abraham does not learn the first time. He has already claimed that Sarah is his sister when they sojourned in Egypt during the famine. Now, not horribly long afterward, he tries the same trick again. This time they are in Gerar in Canaan, a placed ruled by the king Abimelech. And once again, Abraham is frightened that Sarah’s beauty will get him killed. So he tells Sarah to say she is his sister.

And once again, Sarah ends up in the king’s harem, in danger of being violated. Her husband, fearing for his own life, essentially hands her over, risking her purity. The man who is supposed to protect and honor her fails a second time.

But God comes to the rescue, appearing to Abimelech in a dream and warning him that Sarah is a married woman. Abimelech is truly horrified, for in spite of Abraham’s suspicions, he would not have taken Sarah had he known she was Abraham’s wife. He says as much to God: “In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” God responds that He knows, and that is why He prevented Abimelech from sinning. He tells the king to restore Sarah to Abraham, which Abimelech does right away the next morning.

The king is, however, rather hurt, and tells Abraham so. Abraham makes his excuse of fear. But Abimelech is not buying it. He tells Abraham that he has brought a “great sin” on the kingdom, and indeed, there are consequences, for the people of Gerar have been prevented from bearing children on account of Abraham and Sarah’s lie. Abraham prays, and God heals Abimelech and his people.

Indeed, through that prayer, Abraham finds healing as well. He seems to finally realize that he does not have to lie, that God will take care of him and his wife, that He would indeed fulfill His covenant promises. Abraham does not try to deceive anyone after this. He is no longer driven by fear.