1. Abraham deceived Abimelech (vs. 1-2)
 a) Abraham was settled at Hebron (18:1). He pulled up the tent pegs and journeyed south into the desert area 
     (Negev). He eventually settled in Gerar (SW of Hebron, nearby water supply)
 b) As with Pharaoh almost 25 years earlier (12:13), Abraham lied to Abimelech (“my father is king”), King of 
     Gerar, saying Sarah was his sister. Abimelech took her into his harem (resurgent beauty at 90 OR to create an 
     alliance with this powerful nomad). This was a major threat to the promised child to be born of Abraham & Sarah 
     (18:14 “at this time next year”).
2. God confronted Abimelech (vs. 2-7)
 a) God came to Abimelech in a night dream warning that he would die for taking her into his harem since she was 
     married (to Abraham). The death penalty for adultery was accepted throughout the ancient world (Lev. 20:10).
 b) We are told Abimelech had not come near her (sexually). In the dream, he responded to God as “Lord/Master.” 
     “slay a nation”- understanding this small nation would go down with its king. He appealed to being blameless/ 
     righteous in the situation (18:23-25). Abraham & Sarah only claimed to be brother & sister. Abimelech declared 
     he took her in integrity/uprightness of heart/mind and innocence with his hands/action.
 c) God confirmed that Abimelech acted with integrity of heart, which is why He kept Abimelech from sinning 
     against Him by committing adultery (sin against the spouse & God). Apparently God intervened with some 
     plague/ illness, which closed the wombs of Abimelech’s harem & kept him from approaching Sarah sexually. 
     God then charged Abimelech to restore Sarah to Abraham. Then Abraham as God’s prophet (even though he did 
     not act godly, Ps. 105:14-15) would pray for Abimelech so he would live. Otherwise he would “surely die” 2:17).
3. Abimelech confronted Abraham (vs. 8-13)
 a) Abimelech acted quickly. “early/morning” (17:23,19:27), “called all his servants” and told them what God did 
     and said. Their response was they “were greatly frightened.” Not every nation/ruler in the promise land was like 
     Sodom. Here is a group that was God-fearing. Don’t write everyone off.
 b) Abimelech confronted Abraham with 2 questions, a charge and another question, which was open to fault on his 
     part (v9-10): “What…?”, “How…sinned against your…brought on my/my kingdom a great sin (adultery)?” 
     Charge- “You have done…”  Maybe after a pause, “What…?”
 c) Abraham offered flimsy excuses: he thought there was no fear of God in that place & they would kill him to have 
     Sarah (so why stay there?); the half-truth that she actually was his sister through a common father (Hurrian 
     custom- adopt your wife as a sister to give her added status & protection, this action was still deceptive); “when 
     God caused me to wander” (putting blame on God ?); It was an agreement between Abraham & Sarah since they 
     left their father’s house. He was still not above resorting to such worldly measures that didn’t trust God.
4. Abimelech vindicated Sarah (vs. 14-16)
 a) Abimelech to Abraham: gave sheep, oxen, servants and Sarah back to Abraham, and unlike Pharaoh (12:19) 
     invited him to stay anywhere in his land. 
 b) Abimelech to Sarah: the 1,000 piece of silver could be taken as the value of what was given OR in addition. 
     “Your brother”- accepting Abraham’s explanation. These gifts served as a “covering of the eyes” to vindicate & 
     compensate for any wrong doing or misunderstanding before Abraham & Abimelech’s people.
5. Abraham prayed for Abimelech (vs. 17-18)
 a) In contrast to Abraham’s prayer for the righteous in Sodom (Gen. 18), he prays for a king/people for whom he 
     has much to blame for the problem.
 b) God heard the prayer and healed Abimelech, his wife & maids so they could bear children again. This is against 
     the backdrop of Sarah’s womb being closed for many years, which was soon to change.
 c) This lapse of faith on the brink of God’s soon fulfillment of the promised son created a near disaster. God 
     intervened and saved the day. Guard against such lapses.