Genesis Chapter 20
In this chapter we find Abraham repeating a lie that he had told back in chapter 12. We might find this surprising that such a great man of God would tell a lie, again. But we need to remember that Abraham was not perfect, and the sin nature was still resident within him. That is not to make an excuse for him, but I want to make a point that we are all sinners and we all make mistakes from time to time. No one is perfect.
It is interesting that Sarah in her old age was still a very beautiful woman, and one that was so beautiful that her husband felt the need to protect his life by lying. One commentary offered this about Sarah, “She had in some measure been physically rejuvenated, in order to conceive, bear, and nurse Isaac, and possibly this manifested itself in renewed beauty as well.” [Morris]
Still the underlying problem is a lack of faith and trust in God. God had already promised to take care of Abraham and to bless him and his family. It is often when we stop trusting in God that we get ourselves into trouble.
Let's Reflect
1. Sarah was obviously a very beautiful woman even in her older years, because the king of Gerar took Sarah for himself when he was told that she was Abraham’s sister. What was this king’s name?
2. Abraham later explained to this king that she really was his sister, what did he mean by that?
3. Did Sarah also lie? Who told her to lie?
4. How did God protect Sarah and Abraham?
5. As proof that God wanted to take care of Abraham and bless him, what is given to Abraham by this king?
6. Abraham and Sarah were invited to stay in the king’s land. They did stay for some time, as the Bible mentions that the women had become barren because of the sexual violation that almost occurred to Sarah. What did God do for these people when Abraham prayed for them?
