It may be difficult to understand this incident, but it helps to remember that Jesus’ disciples are now, as a body, counted as his sister during this time of endurance among the nations, as we look forward, to the coming of the bridegroom when the saints will be presented to him as his wife. (Ephesians 5:32).Ephesians 5:32XWaiting for response
Abraham saw the fear of the LORD was not in that city where the ruler, Abimelech, could take any woman he desired into his harem, so he said Sarah was his sister. That was true but she was also his wife. We may feel this was the wrong, but God defended him and warned Abimelech because the king acknowledged he was a man of integrity and prevented him abusing Sarah. God also told him to restore Sarah to Abraham, who could pray for him, and he would live and not die!
Abimelech did as God said and also gave Abraham abundant gifts of cattle and persons, while assuring him he could dwell safely anywhere in his land. He also gave him a large sum of money to compensate Sarah for the offence against her, figuratively a veil covering it. Thus was Sarah “vindicated” (Heb: be right) not “reproved” v.16.Genesis 20:16XWaiting for response
At the conclusion of this event Abraham prayed for Abimelech, and God removed the affliction he had brought upon the people, the wombs of the women being reopened. The king was saved by his integrity and Abraham, a righteous man, was protected and rewarded for his endurance, as he lived his life according to the instructions of the LORD.
This chapter shows how God protected faithful men and women as they moved from place to place (Psalm 105:11-15).Psalm 105:11-15XWaiting for response This applied especially to Abraham and Sarah as they moved about the Promised Land in obedience to his instructions (Genesis 13:17).Genesis 13:17XWaiting for response This included the land of the Philistines, on the coast of the Great Sea (Numbers 34:6),Numbers 34:6XWaiting for response of which Gerar was a major city and in which they sojourned – lodged as guests v.1Genesis 20:1XWaiting for response - while owning none of it but knowing that one day they will inherit it all with his Seed, which is Christ. (Galatians 3:16).Galatians 3:16XWaiting for response