Genesis 20:2 - Abraham said about Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
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What does "Genesis 20:2" mean?
This verse from Genesis 20:2 is part of a story where Abraham, while sojourning in Gerar, once again uses a deception to protect himself. Let's break down what it means:
"Abraham said about Sarah his wife, 'She is my sister.'": This is the key part. Abraham is lying. He's telling Abimelech (the King of Gerar) that Sarah is his sister, when in reality, she is his wife. He uses this deception to make himself less vulnerable. The underlying fear is that someone might kill him to take Sarah, who was renowned for her beauty.
"Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.": Abimelech, believing Sarah to be Abraham's sister and therefore available for marriage, takes her into his harem or palace. In ancient times, it was common for powerful rulers to take women they found attractive into their household.
In essence, the verse means:
Abraham lied about his relationship with Sarah to protect himself. His lie led Abimelech, the King of Gerar, to take Sarah into his household, believing she was available for marriage.
Important Context and Implications:
This is not the first time Abraham has done this. He pulls the same deception in Genesis 12:10-20 while in Egypt. The repeated nature of this deception is important for understanding Abraham's character.
Moral Ambiguity: The story raises questions about Abraham's morality. While he's a pivotal figure in the Bible, he's not presented as flawless. His flaws and moments of moral weakness are part of the narrative.
Divine Intervention: The story continues with God intervening. God appears to Abimelech in a dream, revealing that Sarah is Abraham's wife and warning Abimelech that he will die if he doesn't return her. This highlights God's protection over Sarah and his disapproval of Abimelech taking another man's wife.
Consequences: Abimelech is understandably upset and confronts Abraham about his deception. Abraham defends his actions, explaining his fear. Abimelech restores Sarah to Abraham and gives him gifts as compensation.
In conclusion: Genesis 20:2 is a verse that initiates a complex narrative about deception, protection, and divine intervention. It reveals a flawed side of Abraham, underscores the importance of truthfulness, and demonstrates God's protection of Sarah and his covenant with Abraham.
Genesis 20:2 - Abraham said about Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
What does "Genesis 20:2" mean?
This verse from Genesis 20:2 is part of a story where Abraham, while sojourning in Gerar, once again uses a deception to protect himself. Let's break down what it means:
"Abraham said about Sarah his wife, 'She is my sister.'": This is the key part. Abraham is lying. He's telling Abimelech (the King of Gerar) that Sarah is his sister, when in reality, she is his wife. He uses this deception to make himself less vulnerable. The underlying fear is that someone might kill him to take Sarah, who was renowned for her beauty.
"Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.": Abimelech, believing Sarah to be Abraham's sister and therefore available for marriage, takes her into his harem or palace. In ancient times, it was common for powerful rulers to take women they found attractive into their household.
In essence, the verse means:
Abraham lied about his relationship with Sarah to protect himself. His lie led Abimelech, the King of Gerar, to take Sarah into his household, believing she was available for marriage.
Important Context and Implications:
This is not the first time Abraham has done this. He pulls the same deception in Genesis 12:10-20 while in Egypt. The repeated nature of this deception is important for understanding Abraham's character.
Moral Ambiguity: The story raises questions about Abraham's morality. While he's a pivotal figure in the Bible, he's not presented as flawless. His flaws and moments of moral weakness are part of the narrative.
Divine Intervention: The story continues with God intervening. God appears to Abimelech in a dream, revealing that Sarah is Abraham's wife and warning Abimelech that he will die if he doesn't return her. This highlights God's protection over Sarah and his disapproval of Abimelech taking another man's wife.
Consequences: Abimelech is understandably upset and confronts Abraham about his deception. Abraham defends his actions, explaining his fear. Abimelech restores Sarah to Abraham and gives him gifts as compensation.
In conclusion: Genesis 20:2 is a verse that initiates a complex narrative about deception, protection, and divine intervention. It reveals a flawed side of Abraham, underscores the importance of truthfulness, and demonstrates God's protection of Sarah and his covenant with Abraham.