Genesis 20:7

Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die--you and all who belong to you."

Study Bible

Now return the man’s wife
This command from God to Abimelech underscores the sanctity of marriage, a theme consistent throughout Scripture. The act of returning Sarah to Abraham is a restoration of divine order, reflecting the importance of marital fidelity. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, marriage was a covenantal relationship, and taking another man's wife was a serious offense. This directive also highlights God's protection over His covenant people, ensuring that His promises to Abraham would not be compromised.

for he is a prophet
This is the first time in the Bible that someone is explicitly called a prophet. Abraham's role as a prophet indicates his unique relationship with God, serving as an intermediary who receives divine revelation. Prophets in the biblical narrative often serve as God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages to others. This designation also foreshadows the prophetic tradition that will be central to Israel's history, with figures like Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah. Abraham's prophetic role is significant in that it establishes a precedent for the function and authority of prophets in guiding God's people.

he will pray for you
Intercessory prayer is a powerful theme in Scripture, and here Abraham is called to intercede on behalf of Abimelech. This act of prayer demonstrates the power of righteous intercession, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Moses praying for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14) and Job praying for his friends (Job 42:10). It also highlights the grace and mercy of God, who is willing to forgive and restore those who seek Him. Abraham's prayer is a type of Christ's intercessory work, as Jesus is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

and you will live
The promise of life is contingent upon obedience to God's command. This reflects the biblical principle that obedience to God leads to life and blessing, while disobedience leads to death and curse (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). In the immediate context, Abimelech's life and the lives of his household are spared through compliance with God's directive. This phrase also echoes the broader biblical narrative of salvation, where life is offered through faith and obedience to God's word.

But if you do not restore her
This conditional statement emphasizes human responsibility and the consequences of disobedience. The choice presented to Abimelech mirrors the choices given to individuals throughout Scripture, where obedience to God results in blessing, and disobedience results in judgment. It serves as a warning that God's commands are not to be taken lightly, and that there are serious repercussions for failing to adhere to His will.

be aware that you will surely die
The certainty of death as a consequence for disobedience is a recurring theme in the Bible, beginning with the warning given to Adam in Genesis 2:17. This phrase underscores the seriousness of sin and the justice of God. It also foreshadows the ultimate penalty for sin, which is spiritual death, as articulated in Romans 6:23. The warning to Abimelech serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the need for repentance and restoration.

you and all who belong to you
The communal aspect of this warning highlights the interconnectedness of individuals within a community. In the ancient world, the actions of a leader often had repercussions for the entire household or nation. This principle is seen in other biblical accounts, such as Achan's sin affecting all of Israel (Joshua 7) and David's census leading to a plague on the people (2 Samuel 24). It underscores the biblical teaching that sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the individual but also those around them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
A patriarch and prophet, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this chapter, he is in Gerar and has misrepresented his wife Sarah as his sister.

2. Sarah
Abraham's wife, who is taken by Abimelech because of Abraham's misrepresentation. Her role is crucial in God's covenant with Abraham.

3. Abimelech
The king of Gerar who unknowingly takes Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister. God warns him in a dream to return Sarah to Abraham.

4. Gerar
A Philistine city where Abraham and Sarah sojourn. It is the setting for the events of Genesis 20.

5. God
The sovereign deity who intervenes in the situation by speaking to Abimelech in a dream, protecting Sarah, and upholding His covenant with Abraham.

Teaching Points

The Role of a Prophet
Prophets are chosen by God to intercede and communicate His will. Abraham's role as a prophet is affirmed by God's command to Abimelech.

The Power of Intercessory Prayer
Abraham's prayer is pivotal for Abimelech's survival, illustrating the importance and power of praying for others.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
God actively protects His covenant and His people, intervening directly in human affairs to ensure His plans are fulfilled.

The Importance of Truthfulness
Abraham's deception leads to potential disaster, teaching the importance of honesty and trust in God's protection.

Consequences of Disobedience
God's warning to Abimelech underscores the serious consequences of disobedience to His commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abraham's role as a prophet in Genesis 20:7 compare to other prophets in the Bible, and what can we learn from this about the nature of prophetic ministry?

2. In what ways does God's intervention in Genesis 20 demonstrate His sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises?

3. How can we apply the principle of intercessory prayer in our own lives, and what examples from the New Testament support this practice?

4. What lessons can we learn from Abraham's deception about the importance of truthfulness and trust in God's protection?

5. How does the warning given to Abimelech in Genesis 20:7 reflect the broader biblical theme of obedience and its consequences?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12
Similar to Genesis 20, Abraham previously misrepresented Sarah as his sister in Egypt, leading to divine intervention.

1 Samuel 7:5
Samuel, another prophet, prays for the people of Israel, showing the power and importance of intercessory prayer by prophets.

James 5:16
Highlights the power of a righteous person's prayer, connecting to Abraham's role as a prophet who prays for Abimelech.