Gen 20:12 | KingComments | STEP | Abimelech calls Abraham come to him. That already indicates in what dependent position the great man of God has come against this man of the world. The reproaches from Abimelech to Abraham are right. Abraham’s defense is weak. He has thought within himself, but has not thought to consult with God. He has noticed that there is no fear of God in that place, and out of pure self-preservation, i.e. selfishness, he has denied his relationship with Sarah. In so doing, he has resorted to half a truth, which is often worse than a whole lie. Here he gives an excuse for his insincerity. This insincerity also lies in what he says about God, that He “caused him to wander from my father’s house” ( ). It is not God who has made him wander; he himself has started wandering. Here, the language of faith is completely lacking. Abimelech taught him a lesson and ends the conversation with words indicating that Abraham is free to leave. In another translation, the end of reads: “And be taught.” Let us also learn from it.

‏ Genesis 20:12

Abimelech and Abraham

Abimelech calls Abraham come to him. That already indicates in what dependent position the great man of God has come against this man of the world. The reproaches from Abimelech to Abraham are right. Abraham’s defense is weak. He has thought within himself, but has not thought to consult with God. He has noticed that there is no fear of God in that place, and out of pure self-preservation, i.e. selfishness, he has denied his relationship with Sarah.

In so doing, he has resorted to half a truth, which is often worse than a whole lie. Here he gives an excuse for his insincerity. This insincerity also lies in what he says about God, that He “caused him to wander from my father’s house” (Gen 20:13). It is not God who has made him wander; he himself has started wandering. Here, the language of faith is completely lacking.

Abimelech taught him a lesson and ends the conversation with words indicating that Abraham is free to leave. In another translation, the end of Gen 20:16 reads: “And be taught.” Let us also learn from it.