Genesis 20:16

And he said to Sarah, "See, I am giving your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is your vindication before all who are with you; you are completely cleared."

Study Bible

And he said to Sarah,
This phrase highlights Abimelech, the king of Gerar, addressing Sarah directly. It underscores the importance of Sarah in the narrative and the respect given to her by a foreign king. This interaction follows a divine warning to Abimelech in a dream, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for restitution.

“See, I am giving your brother a thousand pieces of silver.
Abimelech refers to Abraham as Sarah's "brother," reflecting the earlier deception where Abraham and Sarah claimed to be siblings. The "thousand pieces of silver" is a significant sum, indicating the king's desire to make amends and restore honor. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such a gift would serve as a public declaration of innocence and a means to restore social standing.

It is your vindication before all who are with you;
The term "vindication" suggests a legal or formal clearing of any wrongdoing. This public act serves to protect Sarah's reputation among her household and the wider community. It also reflects the biblical principle of restitution and the importance of maintaining one's honor and integrity.

you are completely cleared.”
This final assurance from Abimelech confirms that Sarah is exonerated from any suspicion of wrongdoing. It highlights the theme of divine protection and intervention, as God had previously warned Abimelech in a dream. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate vindication and redemption found in Christ, who clears believers of guilt and restores them to righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
- The patriarch who, out of fear, misrepresented Sarah as his sister rather than his wife.

2. Sarah
- Abraham's wife, who was taken by Abimelech due to Abraham's deception.

3. Abimelech
- The king of Gerar who took Sarah into his household, believing she was Abraham's sister.

4. Gerar
- The region where Abimelech ruled and where the events of this chapter took place.

5. A Thousand Pieces of Silver
- The compensation given by Abimelech to Sarah as a sign of her vindication and purity.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Truthfulness
Abraham's deception led to unnecessary complications. As believers, we are called to live truthfully, trusting God to protect and provide for us.

God's Sovereign Protection
Despite Abraham's failure, God intervened to protect Sarah. This demonstrates God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even when we falter.

Restoration and Vindication
Abimelech's gift to Sarah served as a public vindication. God can restore and vindicate us, even when we face unjust situations.

The Consequences of Fear
Abraham's actions were driven by fear. We must learn to trust God rather than succumb to fear, which can lead us away from His will.

The Role of Repentance and Restitution
Abimelech's actions show the importance of making amends when wrongs have been committed, a principle that applies to our relationships today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abraham's fear in Genesis 20 compare to his faith described in Romans 4:20-21, and what can we learn from this contrast?

2. In what ways does God's intervention in Genesis 20:16 demonstrate His protection over His people, and how can this encourage us in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of restitution, as seen in Abimelech's gift to Sarah, apply to our relationships and conflicts today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we live truthfully, as encouraged by Proverbs 12:22, in our interactions with others?

5. How can we apply the lesson of trusting God over succumbing to fear in our current life situations, and what biblical examples can we draw from to support this?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:10-20
This passage recounts a similar event where Abraham misrepresented Sarah in Egypt, showing a pattern of fear and deception.

Proverbs 12:22
This verse highlights the importance of truthfulness, contrasting with Abraham's deception.

1 Peter 3:6
This New Testament reference to Sarah's obedience and faith can be contrasted with the situation in Genesis 20.

Psalm 105:14-15
This passage speaks of God's protection over His anointed, which can be seen in how God intervened to protect Sarah.

Romans 4:20-21
This passage speaks of Abraham's faith, which can be contrasted with his actions in Genesis 20.