Introduction

Chastity, a virtue highly esteemed in biblical teachings, is often illustrated through various narratives and characters in the Scriptures. One such narrative involves Abimelech, a king who encountered the patriarch Abraham and his wife Sarah. This account, found in the Book of Genesis, provides insights into the importance of chastity and the divine protection of marital purity.

Biblical Account

The account of Abimelech is primarily recorded in Genesis 20. Abraham journeyed to the region of Gerar, where he introduced his wife Sarah as his sister. This was a strategic move by Abraham, motivated by fear for his own life due to Sarah's beauty. Consequently, Abimelech, the king of Gerar, took Sarah into his household, believing her to be unmarried.

However, God intervened to protect the sanctity of Abraham and Sarah's marriage. In a dream, God appeared to Abimelech, warning him of the grave consequences of taking another man's wife. The Lord said to him, "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman" (Genesis 20:3).

Abimelech's Response

Abimelech's response to God's warning is noteworthy. He pleaded his innocence, stating that he had acted with a clear conscience and clean hands, as he was unaware of Sarah's marital status. Abimelech said, "Lord, will You destroy a nation even though it is innocent? Did not Abraham 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" (Genesis 20:4-5).

God acknowledged Abimelech's integrity and informed him that it was He who had prevented Abimelech from sinning against Him by not allowing him to touch Sarah. The Lord instructed Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham, emphasizing the importance of maintaining chastity and marital fidelity.

Restoration and Blessing

Obedient to God's command, Abimelech returned Sarah to Abraham and provided them with gifts, including sheep, cattle, and servants. He also offered Abraham the freedom to settle anywhere in his land. Abimelech's actions demonstrated his respect for God's warning and his commitment to rectifying the situation.

Furthermore, Abimelech's household, which had been afflicted with infertility as a result of the incident, was healed after Abraham prayed for them. "Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his maidservants, so that they could bear children" (Genesis 20:17). This restoration underscored the blessings associated with upholding chastity and righteousness.

Theological Implications

The narrative of Abimelech highlights several theological themes related to chastity. Firstly, it underscores God's active role in safeguarding the sanctity of marriage. Despite human failings and misunderstandings, God intervenes to protect the covenant of marriage, emphasizing its sacredness.

Secondly, the account illustrates the importance of integrity and a clear conscience. Abimelech's plea of innocence and God's acknowledgment of his integrity demonstrate that God values the intentions of the heart. Chastity is not merely an external adherence to rules but involves a sincere commitment to purity and righteousness.

Lastly, the account of Abimelech serves as a reminder of the consequences of actions that threaten marital fidelity. While Abimelech acted unknowingly, the potential consequences were severe, highlighting the seriousness with which God views the violation of chastity.

Conclusion

The account of Abimelech in Genesis 20 provides a profound example of the importance of chastity and the divine protection of marriage. Through God's intervention and Abimelech's response, the narrative underscores the sacredness of marital fidelity and the blessings that accompany a commitment to purity and righteousness.Genesis 20:4,5
But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, LORD, will you slay also a righteous nation?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 26:10,11
And Abimelech said, What is this you have done to us? one of the people might lightly have lien with your wife, and you should have brought guiltiness on us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of Lot's Deliverance from Sodom, and Its Consumption by Fire from ...
... Book XVI. Chapter 30."Of Lot's Deliverance from Sodom, and Its Consumption by Fire
from Heaven; And of Abimelech, Whose Lust Could Not Harm Sarah's Chastity. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 30 of lots deliverance from.htm

Concerning Abimelech; and Concerning Ismael the Son of Abraham ...
... he had used before, and this out of fear: for he was afraid of Abimelech, the king ...
for his injury to the stranger; and in order to preserve the chastity of his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 concerning abimelech and.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Concerning Abimelech; And Concerning Ismael The Son Of Abraham; And Concerning The
Arabians, Who Were His Posterity ... Concerning The Violation Of Dina's Chastity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... (1 Kings ) But Abimelech was hindered from violating the chastity of Sarah"both
as it was an act by which indelible grief would have been brought down upon ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... (1 Kings ) Abimelech was hindered from violating the chastity of Sarah, the
wife of Abraham, both as it was an act, and as it was a sin. ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

City of God
... Chapter 30.--Of Lot's Deliverance from Sodom, and Its Consumption by Fire from Heaven;
And of Abimelech, Whose Lust Could Not Harm Sarah's Chastity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Index of Subjects. Abel, 124, 136, 193, 414.
... "Ability not," and "inability," [9]48. Abimelech, [10]293. Abraham ... Charus, deacon,
[229]207. Chastity a gift of God, [230]447. Cheerfulness ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/index of subjects abel 124.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... defilement of Sarah, the wife of Abraham when she was brought to Abimelech, would
have been an act, by which, as the violation of Sarah's chastity, would have ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

The Seventh Book
... put the Vandals in command solely on account of their preeminent chastity and subjected ...
low by a woman; [370] a woman's hand struck down Abimelech, the stormer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... bridal chamber, being also, as it were, the guarantors of the bride's virgin chastity. ...
lord" (1 Peter 3:6, the expression used of her to Abimelech, Genesis 20:3 ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

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