Topical Encyclopedia Background and Context:Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His journey of faith and obedience to God is chronicled in the Book of Genesis. After leaving his homeland in Ur of the Chaldeans, Abraham traveled through Canaan, Egypt, and various other regions. One significant episode in his life occurred when he resided in Gerar. Gerar: Gerar was a Philistine city located in the Negev region, south of Canaan. It was ruled by King Abimelech during Abraham's time. The city is mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the context of the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac. Abraham's Sojourn in Gerar: The account of Abraham's time in Gerar is found in Genesis 20. After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham journeyed to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur, eventually staying in Gerar. Genesis 20:1-2 : "Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar, Abraham said of his wife Sarah, 'She is my sister.' So Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her." The Deception: Fearing for his life due to Sarah's beauty, Abraham introduced her as his sister, a half-truth since Sarah was indeed his half-sister (Genesis 20:12). This was a repetition of a similar deception he had previously employed in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20). Divine Intervention: God intervened to protect Sarah. He appeared to Abimelech in a dream, warning him that taking Sarah would result in death because she was a married woman. Genesis 20:3-7 : "But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, 'You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.' Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he replied, 'Lord, will You destroy a nation even though it is innocent? Did Abraham not tell me, "She is my sister"? And she herself said, "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 that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you can be sure that you and all who belong to you will die.'" Resolution: Abimelech confronted Abraham about the deception. Abraham explained his fear of being killed because of Sarah. Abimelech then returned Sarah to Abraham, along with gifts of sheep, cattle, and servants, and offered him the freedom to settle anywhere in his land. Genesis 20:14-15 : "Then Abimelech brought sheep and cattle and male and female servants, gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him. And Abimelech said, 'Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.'" Abraham's Prayer and Abimelech's Healing: Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, allowing them to bear children again, as God had closed their wombs due to the incident with Sarah. Genesis 20:17-18 : "Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his maidservants, so that they could have children again, for the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife." Significance: This episode in Gerar highlights themes of divine protection, the importance of truth, and the role of Abraham as a prophet. It also underscores the covenant relationship between God and Abraham, as God intervenes to protect the integrity of His promise to Abraham and Sarah regarding their descendants. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 20:1And Abraham journeyed from there toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 21:22-34 Library From Abraham to Egypt. Genesis. The First Apostle of Peace at any Price Chapter xx Chapter xxvi The Life of God Sources of the Pentateuch. "Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord. " The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. The Sovereignty of God in Operation Resources How old was Abraham when he died? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? | GotQuestions.org How many sons did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Abraham: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |
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