Genesis 20:18

for on account of Abraham's wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech's household.

Study Bible

For the LORD
The phrase "For the LORD" introduces the divine action and authority behind the events described. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. This name is often associated with God's personal relationship with His people, highlighting His role as the ultimate authority and protector of His covenant promises.

had completely closed
The Hebrew root for "closed" is "ʿāṣar," which means to restrain or shut up. This action signifies God's direct intervention in human affairs, demonstrating His power over life and fertility. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fertility was often seen as a sign of divine favor, and its absence as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment. God's ability to "completely close" the wombs underscores His control over creation and His ability to fulfill His purposes.

all the wombs
The phrase "all the wombs" indicates the totality of God's action within Abimelech's household. This comprehensive closure serves as a sign of God's protective measures for Sarah and His covenant with Abraham. In the cultural and historical context, the ability to bear children was crucial for a family's legacy and survival, making this divine act a significant and noticeable intervention.

in the house of Abimelech
"Abimelech" was a common name or title for Philistine kings, meaning "my father is king." The "house of Abimelech" refers to his entire household, including his family and servants. This detail highlights the widespread impact of God's intervention, affecting not just Abimelech personally but his entire domain. Historically, this event underscores the tension between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations, illustrating God's protection over His covenant people.

on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife
The phrase "on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife" clarifies the reason for God's intervention. Sarah's identity as "Abraham’s wife" is crucial, as it ties back to God's covenant promise to Abraham that through Sarah, he would have a son. This divine action protects Sarah's integrity and the promise of Isaac's birth. It also serves as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage and God's commitment to His covenant promises, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness throughout the narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The sovereign God who intervenes in human affairs, demonstrating His power and authority over life and fertility.

2. Abimelech
The king of Gerar, who unknowingly took Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister.

3. Sarah
Abraham's wife, whose presence in Abimelech's house led to divine intervention due to the potential threat to God's covenant promise.

4. Abraham
The patriarch who, out of fear, misrepresented his relationship with Sarah, leading to the events in Gerar.

5. Gerar
The region where Abimelech ruled and where the events of Genesis 20 took place.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
This passage underscores God's ultimate control over human affairs, including life and fertility. Believers can trust in His perfect will and timing.

The Sanctity of Marriage
The protection of Sarah's integrity highlights the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of marriage in God's eyes.

Consequences of Deception
Abraham's deception led to unintended consequences, reminding us of the importance of honesty and trust in God's protection.

Divine Intervention
God's intervention in closing and opening wombs shows His active role in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to rely on His faithfulness.

Faith and Fear
Abraham's actions were driven by fear rather than faith, teaching us to trust God even in uncertain situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Abimelech and Sarah illustrate God's protection over His covenant promises?

2. In what ways does this passage challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty over our personal circumstances?

3. How can we apply the lesson of honesty from Abraham's experience to our own lives?

4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of marriage and family in God's plan?

5. How can we find encouragement in God's ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations, as seen in the lives of Sarah and other biblical figures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12
Similar events occur when Abraham and Sarah go to Egypt, and Pharaoh takes Sarah into his house, leading to plagues.

Genesis 21
The fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah with the birth of Isaac, highlighting the importance of protecting Sarah's integrity.

1 Samuel 1
The account of Hannah, whose closed womb is opened by God, illustrating His control over fertility.

Psalm 127
Emphasizes that children are a heritage from the LORD, reinforcing the idea of God's sovereignty over the womb.

Luke 1
The account of Elizabeth, who was barren until God intervened, paralleling the theme of divine control over childbirth.