And vnto Sarah hee said, Behold, I haue giuen thy brother a thousand pieces of siluer: behold, he is to thee a couering of the eyes, vnto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus shee was reproued. Genesis 20:16 (KJV)
Genesis 20:16 records a moment in the account of Abraham’s encounter with Abimelech, king of Gerar. Abraham, fearing for his life, had told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister. As a result Sarah was taken into the king’s household. God intervened in a dream, warning Abimelech that Sarah was in fact Abraham’s wife. Abimelech, described as a righteous man, returned Sarah to Abraham and confronted him about the deception.
In verse 16 Abimelech addresses Sarah directly: “Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.” This statement contains four distinct elements that reveal Abimelech’s response.
“I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver.” Abimelech presents a gift of a thousand pieces of silver to Sarah, referring to Abraham as her brother. The gesture functions as restitution for any harm or distress caused to Sarah during her temporary separation from her husband, demonstrating Abimelech’s desire to make things right and to appease any potential grievances.
“He is to thee a covering of the eyes.” Abimelech acknowledges that Abraham’s presence and protection serve as a covering for Sarah’s honor and well‑being. By returning her to Abraham, he ensures that she is under the care and guardianship of her rightful husband, hoping to safeguard her reputation and preserve her dignity.
“Unto all that are with thee, and with all other.” The king extends this gesture of protection and honor not only to Sarah but also to anyone associated with her—her household and others who might have been affected. He makes clear that he recognizes Sarah’s rightful position as Abraham’s wife and seeks to restore her honor in the eyes of the community.
“Thus she was reproved.” This phrase signifies the conclusion of the incident and indicates that Sarah’s situation has been rectified. Abimelech’s actions, together with God’s intervention, serve as a reproof to Abraham for his deceptive claim about Sarah being his sister.
The passage teaches the importance of honesty, trusting in God’s providence, and the need to rectify wrongs when they occur. It reminds believers that deception can bring trouble, but God’s protection and a sincere effort to make amends can restore honor and peace.
