Topical Bible: Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Abimelech

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In the biblical narrative, the term "heathen" often refers to individuals or nations that do not worship the God of Israel. Despite their status as outsiders to the covenant community, the Bible records instances where God interacts directly with such individuals, revealing His will and purposes. One notable example is the divine revelation given to Abimelech, king of Gerar, as recorded in Genesis 20.

Context and Background

Abimelech was a Philistine king who ruled in the region of Gerar during the time of the patriarch Abraham. The account of God's revelation to Abimelech occurs when Abraham, fearing for his life due to the beauty of his wife Sarah, instructs her to say that she is his sister. This deception leads Abimelech to take Sarah into his household, believing her to be unmarried.

Divine Intervention

God intervenes directly to prevent Abimelech from sinning against Him. In Genesis 20:3 , it is recorded: "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.'" This divine revelation is significant as it demonstrates God's sovereignty and His willingness to communicate with those outside the covenant community to uphold His moral standards.

Abimelech's Response

Abimelech's response to the divine revelation is one of fear and integrity. He pleads his innocence, stating that he acted with a clear conscience and clean hands, as he was unaware of Sarah's marital status. God acknowledges Abimelech's integrity and informs him that it was He who prevented Abimelech from sinning. In Genesis 20:6 , God says, "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."

Restoration and Blessing

Following the revelation, Abimelech takes immediate action to rectify the situation. He returns Sarah to Abraham and provides them with gifts, demonstrating his respect for God's warning. Abimelech's obedience to the divine message results in God's blessing. Abraham prays for Abimelech, and God heals Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, allowing them to bear children once again (Genesis 20:17-18).

Theological Implications

The account of Abimelech receiving divine revelation underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights God's universal sovereignty and His concern for righteousness, even among those who do not belong to the covenant community. Secondly, it illustrates God's ability to communicate His will to anyone, regardless of their religious background, when His purposes are at stake. Lastly, it serves as a reminder of God's protective care over His covenant people, as He intervenes to preserve the integrity of Abraham and Sarah's marriage, which is crucial for the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham.

This narrative challenges the notion that divine revelation is limited solely to the covenant community, demonstrating that God's reach extends beyond human boundaries and that His moral law is universal.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 20:3-7
But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, you are but a dead man, for the woman which you have taken; for she is a man's wife.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

From Abraham to Egypt.
... relation was respected by such heathen rulers as ... his most discouraging surrounding
circumstances is given glorious revelations. ... 8) In the divine providence our ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... will come to pass, as they are revelations to us ... 2 Peter 1:3, "According as His Divine
power hath ... the covetous designs and desires of their heathen neighbours. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

Introduction
... the problem of the use of the divine names is ... level of the sacred writings of the
heathen, making them ... Seed of the Woman all further revelations concerning the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/introduction.htm

General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses ...
... employed by the Holy Spirit in his revelations to men ... with the general history of
the ancient heathen world ... of paying tribute to Caesar, and the divine wisdom of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxiv general principles of.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... 376]545; of Christ, [377]304; on heathen festal days ... 412]498; gift of God, [413]545;
divine grace needed to ... Mouth, of God, His revelations, [777]562; what comes ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... of men, as well as the fuller revelations of succeeding ... me."[90] The Lord purged
out the heathen from among ... benefits are offered in exhibitions of Divine grace ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... countries, suffer personal violence; but the olden cruelties have given way to ... may
heaven forgive and convert such misguided men, before the divine wrath shall ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Christian falls out with sin at home, and then with sinful ceremonies in divine
worship ... And though this may to some seem strange: yet our day has given us such ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... no respect unto his person, had not given him the ... and consisting only of that which
is divine and heavenly ... Thus Abimelech saw that God was with Abraham (Genesis ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm