Topical Bible: Temptation: Abimelech

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Abimelech is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with Philistine kings. The narratives involving Abimelech provide rich insights into the theme of temptation, particularly in the context of power, integrity, and divine intervention.

Abimelech and Abraham (Genesis 20):

The first significant encounter with an Abimelech occurs in Genesis 20, where Abraham sojourns in Gerar. Fearing for his life due to the beauty of his wife Sarah, Abraham introduces her as his sister. This half-truth leads Abimelech, king of Gerar, to take Sarah into his household. However, God intervenes by appearing to Abimelech in a dream, warning him of the truth and the potential sin he is about to commit.

The temptation here is multifaceted. Abimelech is tempted by the beauty of Sarah, but more profoundly, he faces the temptation of acting without full knowledge, which could lead to sin. His response to God's warning is immediate and righteous. Abimelech confronts Abraham, expressing his innocence and integrity: "In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this" (Genesis 20:5). God acknowledges Abimelech's integrity, saying, "Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me" (Genesis 20:6). This narrative highlights the importance of integrity and the divine protection against unwitting sin.

Abimelech and Isaac (Genesis 26):

A similar situation arises with Isaac, Abraham's son, in Genesis 26. Isaac, like his father, fears for his life due to his wife Rebekah's beauty and claims she is his sister. Abimelech, likely a successor or descendant of the previous king, discovers the truth when he sees Isaac caressing Rebekah. Abimelech confronts Isaac, expressing concern over the potential guilt that could have befallen his people: "What is this you have done to us? One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us" (Genesis 26:10).

In this account, Abimelech again demonstrates a commitment to righteousness and the avoidance of sin. The temptation to act on incomplete information is present, but Abimelech's vigilance and subsequent actions prevent wrongdoing. This episode underscores the importance of discernment and the avoidance of assumptions that can lead to sin.

Abimelech, Son of Gideon (Judges 9):

Another Abimelech, the son of Gideon, presents a different aspect of temptation. In Judges 9, Abimelech is tempted by the allure of power and kingship. He conspires to become king by eliminating his seventy brothers, the sons of Gideon, except for Jotham, who escapes. Abimelech's ambition leads to a reign marked by treachery and violence, ultimately resulting in his downfall.

This narrative illustrates the destructive nature of succumbing to the temptation of power and ambition. Abimelech's actions contrast sharply with the integrity shown by the Philistine kings of the same name. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the moral decay that can result from yielding to such temptations.

Conclusion:

The accounts of Abimelech in the Bible provide varied perspectives on temptation. Whether it is the temptation to act without full knowledge, as seen in the Philistine kings, or the temptation of power and ambition, as seen in Gideon's son, these narratives offer valuable lessons on integrity, discernment, and the consequences of yielding to temptation.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 20:9
Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, What have you done to us? and what have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? you have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... loved, and as it was a sin; for God was unwilling that Abimelech should defile ... The
vendition of Joseph into Egypt, the temptation of Job, and the expedition of ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

Psalm XXXIV.
... A psalm of David, when he changed his countenance before Abimelech, and he sent ... come
to pass, and thence followeth penury, need, labour, pain, and temptation. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxiv.htm

The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
... Similarly there are three accounts of the covenant with Abimelech (Gen.21:22-31,
21 ... could come to a Semitic woman, she could not resist the temptation to taunt ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study v the pioneers influence.htm

Abraham
... That was the temptation in the East. ... Lot his nephew, Abimelech, Aner, Eshcol, Mamre,
and others, seem to have known whom Abraham meant when he spoke of the ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon v abraham.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Abimelech, [9]72, [10]197. ... 124; man, [169]162, [170]540; born of a Virgin, [171]193;
Rock on which the Church is built, [172]249, [173]632; temptation of, [174 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Genesis
... between Abraham and Abimelech, xxi.31, in another, between Isaac and Abimelech,
xxvi.33. ... it strengthens a lonely youth in an hour of terrible temptation, xxxix ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/genesis.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... position as overseer and his loyalty together with his temptation and unjust ... marriage
relation was respected by such heathen rulers as Pharaoh and Abimelech. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... For it was not the will of God, that Abimelech should defile himself with this ... them
to swallow them up." (Psalm 124:2, 3.) "There hath no temptation taken you ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... to spare his servant; as sin, because God knew that Abimelech would have done ... of
infirmity, from the withholding of strength to resist temptation, of negligence ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

Notes
... The Crowning of Abimelech./ This occupies an important place in the general history. ...
breaks off from the argument to give a picture of temptation, changes to ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/notes.htm