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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 20:14–18.
Here is, I. The kindness of a prince which Abimelech showed to Abraham. See how unjust Abraham's jealousies were. He fancied that if they knew that Sarah was his wife they would kill him; but, when they did know it, instead of killing him they were kind to him, frightened at least to be so by the divine rebukes they were under. 1. He gives him his royal licence to dwell where he pleased in his country, courting his stay because he gives him his royal gifts (Gen 20:14), sheep and oxen, and (Gen 20:16) a thousand pieces of silver. This he gave when he restored Sarah, either, [1.] By way of satisfaction for the wrong he had offered to do, in taking her to his house: when the Philistines restored the ark, being plagued for detaining it, they sent a present with it. The law appointed that when restitution was made something should be added to it, Lev 6:5. Or, [2.] To engage Abraham's prayers for him; not as if prayers should be bought and sold, but we should endeavour to be kind to those of whose spiritual things we reap, Co1 9:11. Note, It is our wisdom to get and keep an interest with those that have an interest in heaven, and to make those our friends who are the friends of God. [3.] He gives to Sarah good instruction, tells her that her husband (her brother he calls him, to upbraid her with calling him so) must be to her for a covering of the eyes, that is, she must look at no other, nor desire to be looked at by any other. Note, Yoke-fellows must be to each other for a covering of the eyes. The marriage-covenant is a covenant with the eyes, like Job's, Job 31:1.
II.The kindness of a prophet which Abraham showed to Abimelech:
he prayed for him, Gen 20:17, Gen 20:18. This honour God would put upon Abraham that, though Abimelech had restored Sarah, yet the judgment he was under should be removed upon the prayer of Abraham, and not before. Thus God healed Miriam, when Moses, whom she had most affronted, prayed for her (Num 12:13), and was reconciled to Job's friends when Job, whom they had grieved, prayed for them (Job 42:8-10), and so did, as it were, give it under his hand that he was reconciled to them. Note, The prayers of good men may be a kindness to great men, and ought to be valued.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Behold, I have given a thousand pieces of silver to your brother; this will be a veil of the eyes to all who are with you, wherever you shall go; and remember that you have been discovered. While speaking playfully, because she herself had said that he was her brother, and he says that she was discovered when by pretending she covered the truth, saying that he who was her husband was her brother, and he encourages her to remember this in the future, lest she should incur the same disgrace by similar pretense henceforth. But if in this reading, where Sarah, with Abraham’s permission, is taken by kings, but, with God’s provision, is returned to her husband undefiled, it pleases to understand something allegorical, it signifies that the Church is often to be assailed by the temptations of worldly powers, certainly with God permitting, who is called her husband by the gift of heavenly protection and grace, so that being tested by adversities, it may become more evident with what firm faith, with what chastity devoted to God, with what great care of her Creator she is always to be protected from all the snares of enemies, and never corrupted from the simplicity of her faith. However, that the king, in returning Sarah to Abraham, likewise gave sheep and oxen, servants and handmaids, and much money, signifies the time when the kingdom of this world would submit its neck to the Christian faith, and hold in veneration that religion which once it strove to overthrow. That Sarah, being desired and taken by kings twice and yet was never defiled, first indeed as a young woman by Pharaoh, and now of more advanced age by Abimelech, signified that the Church, though always to be troubled by labors in this life, would yet experience two greater persecutions than the rest; one of the Roman Empire, which she endured, as it were, in her youth, and overcame most valiantly and gloriously with the help of the Lord; the other of the Antichrist, which she is to suffer, as it were, in old age, that is, at the impending end of her temporal life, and with the same merciful Lord’s help, she is to defeat. For that Sarah was of such great beauty that even in old age she could be loved for her grace of form, signifies that the Church, in that last time, will be adorned with such glory of virtues, that the fierce enemy with his satellites will greatly envy her, and therefore will strive to attack her with all his snares and forces; fulfilling the prophecy where it is said of her sons: They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing (Psalm 92:14), that is, that they may steadfastly declare the faith in which they glory among the evils they suffer. That each king was prevented by God’s provision from violating Sarah, signifies thus the rage of persecutors, with God’s mercy, being restrained, so that none of those who truly belong to the Church can be seduced from the chastity of faith and charity which is in Christ. That each king was compelled by plagues to restore Sarah to her husband and corrected the presumptuous abduction by giving money, signified that the persecutors are often restrained from harming the faithful by adversity and losses of temporal goods; and are to be changed to the reverence or companionship of the same faithful, which we know has happened in persecutions sometimes, and we believe will be eminently so in that last great persecution; and this by the prayers of spiritual leaders, and the indulgence and mercy of the Lord Savior, who has deigned to unite the holy Church to Himself by the bond of matrimony. For both the blessed Abraham, praying for Abimelech, aptly designates both the Lord Savior himself who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us, and the pastors and rulers of the same Church who, since they take care of her chastity, do not neglect to pray to the Lord even for her adversaries that they may not be able to defile her but may cease sooner from harmful undertakings. Nor should it be considered irrelevant that by Abimelech, a good man and fearing God, the persecutors of the good can be symbolized. For it is customary in Scriptures for both evils to be designated through good people and goods through bad people. For even the blessed Pope Gregory did not hesitate to place the most wicked kings Saul and Jehoiachin in the figure of the Lord Savior, and on the contrary, through the faithfulness of Uriah's deed, he says the faithlessness of the Jews is designated.
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Summary
Genesis 20:16 records King Abimelech's concluding address to Sarah, following Abraham's deceptive claim that Sarah was his sister. In this statement, Abimelech publicly declares that he has given Abraham a thousand pieces of silver, which serves as a substantial and public vindication for Sarah, removing any potential shame or suspicion from her reputation. This act and declaration effectively clarify her true status as a married woman and publicly affirm her honor and integrity in the eyes of all present, thereby clarifying or "reproving" the situation in her favor.
Context
Literary Context
This verse provides the resolution to the dramatic encounter between Abraham, Sarah, and King Abimelech in Gerar, detailed in Genesis 20. The narrative begins with Abraham's fear-driven deception, where he presents Sarah as his sister, mirroring a previous incident in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20). Unaware of Sarah's marital status, Abimelech takes her into his household, an act that could have severely jeopardized God's covenant promises regarding Abraham's offspring. God's direct intervention in a dream (Genesis 20:3-7) prevents Abimelech from touching Sarah, revealing her true identity as Abraham's wife. The subsequent confrontation between Abimelech and Abraham (Genesis 20:9-10) exposes Abraham's lack of faith and fear. Abimelech then returns Sarah to Abraham, along with lavish gifts, culminating in this verse where he addresses Sarah directly, ensuring her public vindication.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, a woman's honor and a family's reputation were paramount, especially concerning marital fidelity and purity. Any suspicion of sexual impropriety or concubinage could bring immense shame upon the woman and her family. Abraham's deception placed Sarah in a precarious position, risking her honor and potentially her life, as well as the integrity of the covenant line. Abimelech's actions in Genesis 20:14-16—returning Sarah, offering gifts, and making a public declaration—were culturally significant. The "thousand pieces of silver" (likely shekels) was a substantial sum, signifying not merely compensation but a public declaration of Sarah's innocence and a formal act of clearing her name. This public transaction, witnessed by the court, served to formally restore Sarah's reputation and ensure no lingering suspicion or gossip could attach to her.
Key Themes
The episode in Genesis 20, culminating in Genesis 20:16, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Foremost is God's divine providence and protection of His covenant people and promises, even when they falter due to fear or lack of faith. Despite Abraham's repeated deception, God supernaturally intervenes to protect Sarah and the integrity of the promised lineage, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His word (Genesis 12:2-3). The narrative also highlights the importance of reputation and honor in ancient society, with Abimelech's actions serving to publicly vindicate Sarah. Furthermore, it underscores God's sovereignty over earthly rulers, as He uses a pagan king to achieve His divine purposes and safeguard His chosen ones.
Exposition and Analysis
King Abimelech's words to Sarah in Genesis 20:16 are a carefully constructed public declaration designed to restore her honor and clarify her status after the deceptive incident.
Key Word Analysis
This word (H3198) is a primitive root meaning "to be right (i.e. correct)." Reciprocally, it can mean "to argue," and causatively, "to decide, justify or convict." While it can mean "rebuke" or "chasten," in this context, given Abimelech's actions to restore Sarah's honor, it is best understood as "vindicated," "clarified," or "proved right." Abimelech's declaration publicly established Sarah's innocence and confirmed her status as Abraham's wife, thereby correcting any potential misperception.
Derived from the root meaning "to cover," this word (H3682) refers to a garment or, figuratively, a veiling. In the phrase "covering of the eyes," it signifies the removal of public shame or the restoration of honor. The silver and the public declaration served to "cover" or obscure any suspicion regarding Sarah's brief stay in Abimelech's household, ensuring her reputation remained unsullied.
This term (H3701) refers to silver, often used as money. The "thousand pieces of silver" (H505, ʼeleph) was a substantial sum, serving as a public compensation and a clear, tangible indicator of Sarah's rightful status. It was not a payment for wrongdoing on Sarah's part, but a public acknowledgment of her purity and a means to clear her name, witnessed by all.
Verse Breakdown
"And unto Sarah he said"
This direct address to Sarah is significant. While the gifts were given to Abraham, Abimelech's words of vindication are spoken directly to Sarah, ensuring her personal and public restoration of honor. This highlights his concern for her reputation.
"Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand [pieces] of silver"
Abimelech publicly announces the substantial gift he has given to Abraham, whom Sarah had presented as her brother. This public act, involving a significant sum of money, served as a formal, tangible demonstration of Sarah's innocence and Abimelech's acknowledgment of her purity. It functions as a public compensation for the distress caused and a clear marker of her honorable status.
"behold, he [is] to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that [are] with thee, and with all [other]"
This is the core metaphorical statement. The "thousand pieces of silver" given to Abraham, and by extension, the public declaration accompanying it, served as a "covering of the eyes" for Sarah. This means it removed any potential shame, suspicion, or dishonor from her reputation. It publicly affirmed her purity and marital fidelity, ensuring that her name was cleared "unto all that are with thee" (her own household and servants) and "with all other" (the wider community and those who might have heard of the incident). It was a public statement of her honor and integrity.
"thus she was reproved"
The Hebrew verb yakach here is best understood as "she was vindicated" or "her situation was clarified/proved right." Abimelech's actions and words publicly established Sarah's innocence and confirmed her status as Abraham's wife, thereby correcting any potential misperception or accusation that might have arisen from the incident. It was not a personal rebuke of Sarah, but rather a public declaration of her honorable standing.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. Symbolism is prominent in the "thousand pieces of silver" and the phrase "covering of the eyes." The silver symbolizes not just wealth, but a public declaration of Sarah's worth and innocence, a tangible sign of her vindication. The "covering of the eyes" is a powerful metaphor for the removal of shame or the restoration of honor, suggesting that any lingering suspicion is now veiled or obscured from public view. The narrative also features irony, as Abraham's deceit, intended to protect himself, inadvertently places Sarah in jeopardy, yet God sovereignly uses a pagan king to protect His covenant promises and publicly restore the very person Abraham endangered. The direct address to Sarah, following the gifts to Abraham, provides a sense of closure and resolution to the tense episode.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This passage profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even in the face of human failure and fear. Despite Abraham's deceptive actions, which could have jeopardized the purity of the messianic lineage, God supernaturally intervened to protect Sarah and ensure the integrity of the covenant seed. This demonstrates that God's faithfulness is not contingent upon human perfection, but rather His sovereign will and power to accomplish His purposes. The incident also underscores the divine concern for human reputation and honor, as God orchestrates Sarah's public vindication through Abimelech's actions.
Reflection and Application
The narrative of Genesis 20:16 offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our flawless performance or unwavering faith. Even when we act out of fear, make mistakes, or succumb to deception, God remains true to His promises and continues to work His sovereign plan. This should bring immense comfort, knowing that our shortcomings do not derail God's ultimate purposes for our lives or for His kingdom. Furthermore, the passage highlights God's concern for our reputation and honor, demonstrating His ability to bring about vindication and clarity even from confusing or compromising situations. We are called to trust in His sovereign hand, believing that He can restore, clarify, and protect us, even when we stumble. This encourages us to live with integrity, but also to rest in His grace when we fall short, knowing He is the ultimate vindicator.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "a covering of the eyes" truly signify in this verse?
The phrase "a covering of the eyes" (Hebrew: kesut einayim) is best understood metaphorically as a public vindication or the removal of public shame. The thousand pieces of silver given to Abraham, along with Abimelech's accompanying declaration, served to publicly affirm Sarah's purity and marital fidelity. This act effectively "covered" or eliminated any suspicion or dishonor that might have attached to her reputation due to her brief stay in Abimelech's household. It was a clear and public statement of her honor, ensuring that her name was cleared in the eyes of all witnesses, both within her own household and among the wider community, as indicated by the phrase "unto all that are with thee, and with all other."
Was Sarah being "reproved" or "rebuked" by Abimelech?
The Hebrew verb yakach (H3198), translated as "reproved" in the KJV, can indeed carry various meanings, including to correct, rebuke, or even to argue. However, in the specific context of Genesis 20:16, given Abimelech's preceding actions of returning Sarah and offering lavish gifts, it is most accurately interpreted as Sarah being "vindicated" or "her situation being clarified and proved right." Abimelech's words and actions were designed to publicly establish Sarah's innocence and confirm her status as Abraham's wife, thereby correcting any potential misperception or accusation that might have arisen from the incident. It was not a personal rebuke directed at Sarah for any wrongdoing on her part, but rather a public declaration that her honor was intact and her status as a married woman was affirmed.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The divine protection of Sarah in Genesis 20:16, despite Abraham's deceptive actions, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, specifically the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. Sarah was the mother of Isaac, the son of promise, and her purity and ability to bear children were essential for the continuation of the line leading directly to Christ. This event foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of vindication and restoration for His people. Just as Sarah's honor was publicly restored and her shame "covered" by a king's declaration and generous gift, Christ, the King of Kings, fully vindicates His people. He is the ultimate "covering of the eyes," removing the reproach of sin and shame through His atoning sacrifice on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through faith in Him, believers receive a righteous standing before God, having their sins forgiven and their spiritual honor restored (Romans 3:21-26). He ensures their place in His eternal covenant, providing a perfect and lasting covering that far surpasses any earthly silver or human declaration, granting them access to the Father and an inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled (1 Peter 1:3-5).