Genesis 20:14 - Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored Sarah, his wife, to him.
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What does "Genesis 20:14" mean?
Genesis 20:14 describes the aftermath of Abraham's deception of King Abimelech of Gerar. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham..." This indicates that Abimelech, upon realizing he had been deceived and nearly committed a grave sin (taking another man's wife), sought to make amends to Abraham. Giving gifts was a common way to show respect, apologize, and restore relations in that culture. The livestock and servants represent a considerable wealth transfer, emphasizing Abimelech's desire to appease Abraham and demonstrate his good faith.
"...and restored Sarah, his wife, to him." This is the most critical part of the verse. Abimelech returned Sarah to Abraham after God intervened in a dream and warned him that Sarah was Abraham' wife. Abimelech had taken Sarah into his harem, believing she was Abraham's sister. The "restoration" signifies that Sarah was returned unharmed and untouched. It also means that Abraham's deception was exposed, and Abimelech recognized Abraham's marital rights.
In summary, the verse highlights Abimelech's actions to rectify his unintended wrongdoing by:
Compensating Abraham with gifts of wealth and manpower.
Returning Sarah to Abraham, thereby acknowledging their marriage and Abraham's rights as her husband.
The verse shows Abimelech as a righteous king who, despite the circumstances, acted justly once he understood the truth. It also underscores God's protection over Sarah and Abraham's lineage, even when Abraham made questionable decisions.
Genesis 20:14 - Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored Sarah, his wife, to him.
What does "Genesis 20:14" mean?
Genesis 20:14 describes the aftermath of Abraham's deception of King Abimelech of Gerar. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham..." This indicates that Abimelech, upon realizing he had been deceived and nearly committed a grave sin (taking another man's wife), sought to make amends to Abraham. Giving gifts was a common way to show respect, apologize, and restore relations in that culture. The livestock and servants represent a considerable wealth transfer, emphasizing Abimelech's desire to appease Abraham and demonstrate his good faith.
"...and restored Sarah, his wife, to him." This is the most critical part of the verse. Abimelech returned Sarah to Abraham after God intervened in a dream and warned him that Sarah was Abraham' wife. Abimelech had taken Sarah into his harem, believing she was Abraham's sister. The "restoration" signifies that Sarah was returned unharmed and untouched. It also means that Abraham's deception was exposed, and Abimelech recognized Abraham's marital rights.
In summary, the verse highlights Abimelech's actions to rectify his unintended wrongdoing by:
Compensating Abraham with gifts of wealth and manpower.
Returning Sarah to Abraham, thereby acknowledging their marriage and Abraham's rights as her husband.
The verse shows Abimelech as a righteous king who, despite the circumstances, acted justly once he understood the truth. It also underscores God's protection over Sarah and Abraham's lineage, even when Abraham made questionable decisions.