Genesis 20:15

KJV

And Abimelech said, Behold, my land [is] before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abimelech {H40} said {H559}, Behold, my land {H776} is before thee {H6440}: dwell {H3427} where it pleaseth {H2896}{H5869} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Avimelekh said, "Look, my country lies before you; live where you like."

Berean Standard Bible

And Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.”

American Standard Version

And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 20:15 records King Abimelech's magnanimous offer to Abraham, inviting him to settle anywhere in his land. This gesture of profound hospitality and reconciliation follows a tense confrontation where Abimelech discovered Abraham's deception regarding Sarah, yet it highlights Abimelech's integrity and God's protective providence over His covenant people despite their failings.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Read Genesis chapter 20"), a narrative detailing Abraham's sojourn in Gerar under King Abimelech. Driven by fear for his life due to Sarah's beauty, Abraham repeated a previous deception from [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Read about Abraham's similar deception in Genesis 12") by presenting his wife as his sister. However, God directly intervened, warning Abimelech in a dream not to harm Sarah, as she was a married woman. Abimelech, acting with integrity, had taken Sarah in his innocence. After this divine warning and realizing Abraham's deceit, Abimelech confronts Abraham. [Genesis 20:15](/genesis/20-15 "Read Genesis 20:15") represents Abimelech's remarkably generous and peace-seeking response, demonstrating his character despite Abraham's flawed behavior.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Abimelech's declaration, "Behold, my land [is] before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee," is a powerful statement of unreserved hospitality and a desire for peace. This is not merely an offer of temporary lodging but an invitation for Abraham and his large household to establish a permanent dwelling within Abimelech's territory.

* **Unqualified Generosity:** The phrase "my land [is] before thee" (Hebrew: *l'faneykha*) literally means "before your face" or "at your disposal," emphasizing the complete availability of his domain. This signifies an extraordinary level of openness, especially considering Abraham's recent deception.
* **Freedom of Choice:** The command "dwell" (Hebrew: *shev*) is followed by "where it pleaseth thee" (Hebrew: *b'eyneykha tov*), meaning "what is good in your eyes." This grants Abraham full autonomy to select any location within Abimelech's realm that he deems suitable, underscoring the sincerity and breadth of the king's welcome.
* **Abimelech's Integrity:** Throughout the narrative, Abimelech emerges as a figure of remarkable righteousness and integrity. He sought divine guidance ([Genesis 20:6](/genesis/20-6 "See God's intervention in Genesis 20:6")), acted justly, and pursued reconciliation even when wronged. His response contrasts sharply with Abraham's fear-driven deceit, highlighting God's ability to work through unexpected channels to protect His covenant.
* **Divine Providence:** Underlying Abimelech's actions is God's unwavering protection of His covenant promises. Despite Abraham's lack of faith and the potential threat to Sarah's purity, God intervened to preserve the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Abimelech's offer inadvertently serves God's purpose, ensuring Abraham's continued well-being in the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Sovereignty Over Human Flaws:** This passage powerfully illustrates that God's covenant promises and protective care are not contingent on human perfection but on His own faithfulness and sovereign will. He preserves His people and their lineage even when they falter.
* **The Nature of True Righteousness:** Abimelech, a Gentile king, displays a moral integrity and a sensitivity to divine warning that, in this instance, surpasses Abraham's faith. This challenges assumptions about who can embody righteousness and highlights God's justice extending beyond the covenant people.
* **Reconciliation and Peacemaking:** The king's initiative to offer peace and hospitality despite being wronged serves as a profound example of pursuing reconciliation rather than retribution, laying a foundation for future amicable relations.
* **Hospitality as a Virtue:** Abimelech's open invitation to Abraham exemplifies the ancient Near Eastern virtue of hospitality, extending beyond mere politeness to a genuine offer of security and settlement.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abimelech's response in [Genesis 20:15](/genesis/20-15 "Reflect on Genesis 20:15") offers profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of grace and hospitality, even towards those who may have wronged us, prioritizing reconciliation over resentment. Abraham's fear-driven deception, though met with God's unwavering protection, reminds us that our security is found not in our cleverness or control, but in God's steadfast providence and His [everlasting covenant](/genesis/17-7 "Learn about God's everlasting covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:7"). We are called to trust His faithfulness, even when circumstances seem daunting, and to actively pursue peace and restoration in our relationships, mirroring Abimelech's initiative.

### FAQ
**Why did Abimelech offer Abraham land after being deceived?**

Answer: Abimelech's offer demonstrates his remarkable integrity, desire for peace, and perhaps a recognition of Abraham's divine favor. Having been warned by God in a dream and realizing Abraham's deception was born of fear, Abimelech chose reconciliation over retribution. His actions reflect a just character and a desire to maintain good relations, possibly also out of respect for the God who intervened on Abraham's behalf.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 20:15](/genesis/20-15 "Consider Genesis 20:15 in light of Christ") does not directly prophesy Christ, it beautifully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His sovereign protection of the messianic line. Even when Abraham, the patriarch through whom Christ would come, displayed fear and deceit, God intervened to preserve Sarah's purity, ensuring the lineage remained unblemished. Abimelech's unexpected integrity and generous offer, prompted by divine intervention, foreshadow the broader truth that God uses all circumstances—even human failings and the actions of those outside the covenant—to advance His redemptive plan, ultimately culminating in the perfect hospitality and eternal dwelling offered to all believers through Christ Jesus.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.