Introduction

The story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 20 is a powerful testament to the faithfulness and sovereignty of God. The chapter begins with Abraham and Sarah journeying to the land of Gerar a philistine city located in the region of Canaan, believed to have been situated in what is now southern Israel, near the border with Egypt. It is here that Abraham once again resorts to deception to protect himself. He tells King Abimelech that Sarah is his sister, not his wife, fearing that the King would kill him to take Sarah as his own.

Abraham and Sarah’s journey to Gerar was prompted by a combination of factors. Firstly, the previous chapter, Genesis 18, narrates the visit of three angelic beings to Abraham, during which they inform him that Sarah, his wife, will bear a son. This event takes place in Mamre, near Hebron. It appears that after this encounter, Abraham and Sarah decided to leave Mamre and travel to Gerar.

One reason for their journey to Gerar was likely related to the scarcity of resources in the region. The area around Mamre may have faced limitations in terms of food and water, and Gerar may have offered better prospects for sustenance. Additionally, the text indicates that Abraham was concerned about his safety in the region, as he believed that the people of Gerar did not fear God and might kill him because of Sarah’s beauty.

Abraham’s lie puts Sarah in danger and causes the King to take her into his harem. However, God intervenes and warns Abimelech in a dream not to touch Sarah, for she is a married woman. This leads to Abimelech confronting Abraham about his lie and ultimately restoring Sarah to him.

It is important to note that this was not the first time Abraham visited Gerar. In Genesis 12, during a previous famine in the land, Abraham and Sarah traveled to Egypt. At that time, Abraham had requested Sarah to conceal their marital relationship, leading to complications with Pharaoh. The events in Genesis 20 mirror some aspects of that earlier incident, as Abraham again conceals his marriage to Sarah and faces potential repercussions.

Though this is a relatively short chapter, it is packed with important lessons that we can apply to our own lives as we navigate our own journeys of faith.

Abraham deceives Abimelech - Daily Walk through The Bible.

The Deception of Abraham

Abraham was not without fault, even though he was a “hero of faith.” In chapter 20, we see him once again resorting to deception to protect himself, which ultimately puts Sarah in danger. Despite his faith in God, Abraham still struggles with fear and resorts to deception. This is a reminder that even those who are called “heroes of faith” in the Bible are not perfect.

However, this passage also shows us that God is faithful to protect His people, even when we make mistakes. God intervenes in a dream to protect Sarah and ensure that His plan for Abraham is not derailed. The fact that Abimelech responds positively to God’s warning also shows us that God is sovereign over the hearts of kings and rulers.

The Sovereignty of God

Another important lesson we can learn from Genesis 20 is the sovereignty of God. Despite Abraham’s deception, God is still in control. He ensures that His plan for Abraham is not derailed and intervenes to protect Sarah.

This passage reminds us that no matter what happens in our lives, God is still in control. His plan for our lives will be accomplished, even when we make mistakes or encounter difficult situations. We can rest in the assurance that God will always work things out for our good, even when we cannot see how.

The Grace of God

Finally, we see the grace of God on display in Genesis 20. Despite Abraham’s deception, God still blesses him and Sarah with a child, as He had promised. This is a reminder that God’s grace is not based on our performance or good deeds, but on His character.

This passage also shows us that God’s grace extends to those who are not part of the covenant community. Abimelech and his household are blessed by God because of his response to God’s warning, even though they were not part of God’s chosen people.

We learn that His grace is freely given to all who respond to Him in faith, regardless of their background or status. This is a powerful reminder of the all-encompassing nature of God’s love, and that no one is beyond the reach of His grace.

Lessons For Our Lives

The story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 20 is not just a historical account, but it also has practical applications for our lives today. Here are some key takeaways from this story:

1. Acknowledge Our Weaknesses and Shortcomings

Abraham, despite his faith, still struggled with fear and resorted to deception. This should encourage us to be open and honest about our own struggles, knowing that God is always faithful to forgive us and guide us back onto the right path.

2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty

No matter what happens in our lives, we can trust that God is still in control. His plan for our lives will be accomplished, even when we make mistakes or encounter difficult situations. We can rest in the assurance that God will always work things out for our good, even when we cannot see how.

3. Embrace God’s Grace

God’s grace is not based on our performance or good deeds, but on His character. We can freely receive His grace by responding to Him in faith, regardless of our background or status. This is a powerful reminder of the all-encompassing nature of God’s love, and that no one is beyond the reach of His grace.

4. Recognise the Value of Honesty

The story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 20 shows us the importance of honesty. Abraham’s deception put Sarah in danger, and it ultimately led to Abimelech confronting him about his lie. When we are honest with ourselves and others, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and damage to our relationships.

5. God’s Faithfulness to His Promises

Conclusion

The story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 20 teaches us important lessons about faith, sovereignty, and grace. It reminds us that even the heroes of faith in the Bible are not perfect, but that God is faithful to protect and guide His people. It also shows us that no matter what happens in our lives, God is still in control and His plan will be accomplished. Finally, it demonstrates that God’s grace is extended to all who respond to Him in faith, regardless of their background or status.

As we read through Genesis 20, we are encouraged to acknowledge our weaknesses and shortcomings, trust in God’s sovereignty, and embrace His grace. When we do so, we can live our lives with integrity and confidence, knowing that God is always faithful to His promises and that His grace is freely available to all who put their faith in Him.