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ANOTHER MIS-STEP

Text: Genesis 20
18 October 2011

(I) ANOTHER MIS-STEP

1. Abraham journeyed to the South (Genesis 20:1a)

2. Stayed in Gerar (Philistine territory) (Genesis 20:1b)

3. Sarah was spoken of as Abraham’s sister (Genesis 20:2a)

a) The episode in Egypt was probably forgotten (Genesis 12)

b) Abraham was not perfect

c) He could still be badly overcome by fear

(II) GOD’S PROTECTION

1. God’s protection

a) This was already promised (Genesis 15:1)

b) God fulfilled His promise (Genesis 20:3)

2. Interesting exchange between God and Abimelch

a) God’s Word of warning to Abimelech (in a dream)

He would slay because he had taken Abraham’s wife (Genesis 20:3)

b) Abimelech’s plea

Both Abraham and Sarah had declared that they were siblings (Genesis 20:4-5)

c) God’s instructions to Abimelech

i) He is to return Sarah to Abraham (Genesis 20:7a)

ii) Abraham was to be regarded as a prophet (Genesis 20:7b)

iii) Abraham would pray for Abimelech (Genesis 20:7c)

iv) If Abimelech disobeyed he would be slain (Genesis 20:7d)

(III) ABIMELECH CONFRONTS ABRAHAM

1. He first informs his servants concerning his dream from God (Genesis 20:8)

2. He confronts Abraham

a) Why did Abraham put Abimelech and his tribe in mortal danger? (Genesis 20:9)

b) What was he thinking? (Genesis 20:10)

3. Abraham’s lame answer

a) He was afraid he would be killed in Gerar (Genesis 20:11)

b) Sarah was indeed a half-sister of Abraham (Genesis 20:12)

c) Game-plan agreed on by Abraham and Sarah

They would identify themselves as brother and sister (Genesis 20:13)

4. Response of Abimelech

a) Return of Sarah to Abraham (Genesis 20:14)

b) Compensation paid to Abraham (Genesis 20:14)

5. Humiliation of Sarah

a) The term “brother” was used derisively (Genesis 20:16a)

b) This was a public insult to Sarah (Genesis 20:16b)

(IV) ABRAHAM’S INTERCESSION FOR ABIMELECH

1. Abraham prayed to God on behalf of Abimelech (Genesis 20:17a)

2. Abimelech and family members were healed (Genesis 20:17b)

3. God had closed all the wombs of the women-folk (Genesis 20:17c)