Paul Kretzmann Commentary - Genesis 20:8 - 20:13

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Paul Kretzmann Commentary - Genesis 20:8 - 20:13


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Abimelech Reproves Abraham

v. 8. Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears; and the men were sore afraid.
The sincerity of Abimelech is shown by the fact that he lost no time in righting the unconscious wrong which he had committed. At the very earliest opportunity he informed his servants of the true state of affairs, to whom the effect of his own reverent fear was communicated.

v. 9. Then Abimelech called Abraham and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? And what have I offended thee that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? Thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.
Abimelech's open stand in this matter, particularly in inquiring of Abraham the reason and the object of his behavior, was well taken, for the king had acted in good faith, a fact that cannot be alleged on Abraham's side.

v. 10. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou that thou hast done this thing?
He wanted to know what Abraham had had before his eyes, what object he had had in acting as he did.

v. 11. And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.

v. 12. And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.

v. 13. And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me: at every place whither we shall come say of me, He is my brother.
This was an explanation, an attempted defense, but a questionable excuse at best, that he had not supposed that men feared God in the land of Abimelech, that consequently he feared for his life on account of Sarah, that he had made an agreement with his wife to have her masquerade as his sister. The Lord could very well have protected him and his wife without such questionable means. The Bible does not hide from us the weaknesses and foibles of the saints, but frankly tells them for our warning. If we are honestly engaged in the work of our calling, we need not resort to subterfuges to save our lives. Without the will of God not a hair of our heads may be touched.