Genesis 20:1-18

For the second time Abraham lies about his wife, demonstrating yet again a lack of trust in God’s promises.  Perhaps we are reminded of Romans 5:20-21, “where sin abounded grace abounded more.”

We are not sure why Abraham made this move.  It may have had something to do with the destruction of Sodom.  It certainly happened soon after that, for God had promised already that Sarah would have a son within a year (17:21).

Even less can we explain why Abraham repeated the same sin as in Gen. 12:10-20.  Sarah was apparently beautiful at 90.  It may in some part be attributed to the fact of God’s promise to rejuvenate her in preparation for conception, giving birth and nursing.  But in light of that now was not the time for her to be in the palace of a heathen king.  It is hard not to see the hand of Satan in this, seeking to destroy God’s plan of salvation.  That has always been the devil’s goal.

This may have been a cultural thing, though that is never an excuse for God’s people.  Note Abraham’s excuses.  1) He didn’t know the fear of God was in this place, v11.  In other words, he feared man though he had the promise of God’s protection.  2) Sarah was in fact his half-sister, v12.  But this denies his role as protector of Sarah, regardless of their original kin relationship.  3) This had always been the plan, v13.  But by this time Abraham should have put off the old life.  In the end God protected Abraham, rebuking Abimelech, and not allowing him to be a problem (cf. Psalm 105:13-15).

Amazingly, not only does God protect Abraham; He exalts him in the eyes of the wicked.  God tells Abimelech that Abraham is a prophet, and that he will pray for Abimelech (v7).  This puts things in a Biblical perspective.  Remember what this story is ultimately about.  God has chosen Abraham as the one man in all the earth through whom will come the Savior of the world.  Abraham is not perfect; his faith is weak at times.  But he is still God’s chosen.  Salvation comes to Abimelech through Abraham.

This tells us that Abraham is not the Savior; nor is his son Isaac.  But at the right time (Gal. 4:4) One would come who is the Righteous and Holy One (Acts 3:14), whose perfect life would qualify Him to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  He would be Abraham’s savior and ours if we have the faith of Abraham.