And God came to Abimelech in a night dream and said to him, “Behold, you are dead on account of the woman whom you took. And she is married to a master (Genesis 20:3).
Abimelech serves as a title for a Philistine king. During Abraham’s era, he encountered the king of Gerar while traveling south to Kadesh and Shur (Genesis 20:1). Sarah’s beauty made her highly desirable, even in her advanced age. While Abraham stayed near Gerar, Abimelech sent for Sarah and took her, as Abraham had claimed she was his sister (Genesis 20:2).
When God instructed Abram to leave his homeland, He promised to protect him (Genesis 12:3). After Abimelech took Abraham’s wife, God upheld His covenant by warning Abimelech that he would face death for taking Sarah. In a night dream, God informed Abimelech of the consequences of his actions (Genesis 20:3). Abimelech defended himself by asking the LORD whether He would destroy an innocent nation, since Abraham had claimed that Sarah was his sister (Genesis 20:4–5). The LORD acknowledged Abimelech’s innocence, stating that He had prevented Abimelech from lying with Sarah, which was the reason for sparing his life (Genesis 20:6). God then instructed Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham. As a prophet, Abraham would intercede for Abimelech, allowing him to live (Genesis 20:7).
Following the dream, Abimelech rose early and summoned Abraham. He questioned Abraham about his claim that Sarah was his sister. Abraham explained that, while technically true since they shared the same father but not the same mother, he had concealed the full truth out of fear that the people of Gerar did not fear God and might kill him for his wife (Genesis 20:8–13).
Abimelech presented Abraham with sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and returned Sarah to him (Genesis 20:14). He also offered Abraham the freedom to settle anywhere in his land (Genesis 20:15). To further demonstrate his integrity, Abimelech spoke with Sarah and gave a thousand pieces of silver to Abraham as a public vindication, affirming that he had acted honorably toward her (Genesis 20:16).
After Abraham interceded with God on Abimelech’s behalf, Abimelech’s wives and female servants were able to bear children again. The LORD had previously closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household because of Sarah (Genesis 20:17–18).
