Verses 1-18

Abraham deceives Abimelech (20:1-18)

From Hebron Abraham moved into the territory of the Philistine king Abimelech. As a result of Abraham's deceit concerning Sarah, Abimelech took Sarah as a wife and brought God's threat of death upon him (20:1-7). Upon discovering the truth, Abimelech acted quickly and honourably. He restored Sarah's honour in the eyes of the people, gave gifts to Abraham, and invited Abraham to settle in his land (8-16). Humbled by these events, Abraham turned again in faith to God and asked his blessings on Abimelech and his people (17-18).

The failure of Abraham and Sarah at a time so close to the birth of Isaac showed once more that the fulfilment of God's covenant promise of an heir depended on divine grace, not on human merit.