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Commentary on Genesis 20 verses 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.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 20:18 serves as a pivotal explanatory statement, revealing the divine judgment enacted upon the household of Abimelech. It explicitly states that the LORD had supernaturally "fast closed up all the wombs" within Abimelech's house as a direct consequence of his unwitting act of taking Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his harem. This intervention underscores God's unwavering commitment to protect the sanctity of the covenant through which the promised heir, Isaac, was to be born, demonstrating His meticulous faithfulness even when His chosen servant, Abraham, faltered in his trust.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse provides the climactic explanation for the preceding events in Genesis 20. The narrative opens with Abraham's deceptive act of presenting Sarah as his sister to Abimelech, king of Gerar, a fearful maneuver previously employed in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20). Unbeknownst to Abimelech, Sarah was Abraham's wife. God's direct intervention, appearing to Abimelech in a dream (Genesis 20:3) and revealing Sarah's true marital status, averted a grave sin. Abimelech, upon learning the truth and asserting his blameless intent, immediately returned Sarah to Abraham. The preceding verses detail the confrontation between Abimelech and Abraham, the subsequent reconciliation, and the exchange of gifts. Genesis 20:18 clarifies the specific divine judgment that had already been in effect upon Abimelech's household, explaining the affliction that prompted Abraham's intercessory prayer for them in Genesis 20:17. This verse emphasizes God's meticulous protection of Sarah, who was essential for the birth of Isaac, the promised heir (Genesis 17:16).
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, fertility was considered a paramount blessing, often seen as a direct sign of divine favor. Conversely, barrenness or the inability to bear children was viewed as a severe curse or a mark of divine displeasure, bringing great shame upon a household and threatening its future lineage. Kings, in particular, sought to establish strong dynasties through numerous offspring. The concept of a king's harem was common, signifying power and prestige, and any woman entering it was expected to bear children for the king. Furthermore, the sanctity of marriage, though sometimes nuanced by cultural practices like concubinage, was generally upheld, especially concerning the wife of a respected elder or patriarch. God's direct intervention through a dream was also a recognized mode of divine communication in this period, lending authority to Abimelech's subsequent actions. The affliction of "closed wombs" would have been an undeniable and deeply unsettling sign to Abimelech's entire court that a powerful deity had been offended, demanding immediate rectification.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights God's sovereign faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a vast lineage to Abraham (Genesis 12:2). Despite Abraham's repeated failures and deceptions, God actively intervenes to protect Sarah, the chosen vessel for the promised heir, Isaac. This demonstrates God's providential care over His redemptive plan, ensuring its fulfillment regardless of human weakness. The narrative also underscores the sanctity of marriage as an institution divinely ordained and protected. Even unwitting threats to this institution, especially when they impede God's greater purposes, incur divine displeasure. Finally, it illustrates the far-reaching consequences of actions, even those performed in ignorance, and God's righteousness in addressing potential threats to His divine order.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
"For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife."
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Divine Intervention is central, highlighting God's direct and active role in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereignty over life and fertility. The use of the divine name LORD (Yahweh) underscores His covenant faithfulness and personal involvement in protecting His promises. Emphasis is achieved through the repetition of the Hebrew verb 'atsar ("closed up"), intensifying the severity and completeness of the divine action. The affliction of "closed wombs" functions as Symbolism, representing the spiritual barrenness and judgment that comes from unknowingly interfering with God's sacred plans and institutions. This specific judgment also serves as a form of Poetic Justice, as it directly relates to the threat against Sarah's ability to bear the promised heir, effectively mirroring the potential barrenness of God's covenant plan had Abimelech's actions gone unchecked.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 20:18 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His active involvement in human history to ensure His redemptive purposes are fulfilled. Even when His chosen instruments, like Abraham, display weakness and fear, God remains faithful, protecting His promises and the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This divine intervention underscores that God's plans are not contingent on human perfection but are secured by His own sovereign power and faithfulness. The affliction on Abimelech's household, though severe, was a protective measure, signaling the gravity of the threat to Sarah's purity and the sanctity of the marital covenant, which was foundational to God's plan for a blessed lineage.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 20:18 offers a powerful and sobering reflection on God's sovereignty and His profound investment in His redemptive purposes. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events to ensure His will is accomplished, even when His people falter. This verse instills confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, demonstrating that His plans are secure, not because of our strength, but because of His omnipotence and commitment. For believers today, this account serves as a call to trust in God's perfect providence, recognizing that He can use even our weaknesses and others' unwitting actions to advance His kingdom. It also compels us to respect and uphold the sacred institutions God has established, such as marriage, understanding that our actions carry spiritual weight and can have far-reaching consequences, even if unintended. Our lives should reflect a deep reverence for God's holiness and His purposes, aligning our choices with His divine will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God afflict Abimelech's entire household for his actions?
Answer: God's judgment on Abimelech's entire household highlights the collective nature of ancient societies and the far-reaching consequences of a leader's actions, especially when those actions threatened God's covenant plan. In the ancient Near East, the household (including servants and extended family) was seen as an extension of the head of the household. The affliction served as a clear, undeniable sign to Abimelech and his people that they had offended a powerful God, prompting immediate repentance and restitution. It also underscored the gravity of the threat to Sarah, whose purity was essential for the promised lineage. The widespread nature of the judgment ensured that the divine warning was unmistakable and impactful, leading to a swift resolution and the protection of God's covenant purposes.
Was Abimelech truly innocent if God still intervened with judgment?
Answer: Abimelech was innocent in his intent, as he acted without knowledge that Sarah was Abraham's wife (Genesis 20:4-5). God Himself affirmed Abimelech's integrity of heart in the dream, acknowledging that he acted "in the integrity of your heart." However, innocence of intent does not negate the objective danger or potential for sin that Abimelech's actions posed to God's covenant plan. God's intervention was not primarily punitive for a committed sin, but preventative, to avert a greater sin (adultery and the defilement of the matriarch) and protect His promises. The "closing of wombs" was a divine warning and a protective measure, signaling the severe spiritual consequences of interfering with God's chosen instruments and His sacred institutions, even unknowingly. It was a demonstration of God's holiness and His commitment to His redemptive purposes.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 20:18 powerfully foreshadows Christ by demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to protect the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. Sarah's preservation from defilement was critical for the birth of Isaac, the "son of promise," who served as a type of Christ, born supernaturally and central to God's covenant. God's faithfulness in protecting His covenant, even when Abraham, the human instrument, displayed weakness and deceit, points to Christ's perfect faithfulness. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, the "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed (Galatians 3:16). Unlike Abraham's faltering trust, Christ perfectly upholds God's covenant through His sinless life and atoning death. He is the one who brings true spiritual fruitfulness where there was barrenness, opening the way for all who believe to become children of God (John 1:12). Through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, Christ offers ultimate protection and ensures the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, establishing a new covenant that guarantees eternal life and spiritual blessing for all who are "in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:17).