“But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.”
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis 20, where Abraham and Sarah journeyed to Gerar. Abraham, out of fear, tells the people of Gerar that Sarah is his sister, rather than his wife. Abimelech, the king of Gerar, takes Sarah into his household. However, before he could approach her, God intervenes through a dream to warn him about the consequences of his actions.
Context:The context of this verse is important to understand the events leading up to it. Abraham and Sarah were traveling through different regions, and they had encountered a similar situation earlier in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20). In both instances, Abraham feared for his life and portrayed Sarah as his sister rather than his wife.
Divine Intervention:In this verse, God comes to Abimelech in a dream, indicating that God actively engages with people through various means, including dreams. It is significant that God chooses to intervene in Abimelech’s actions to protect Sarah, who is destined to be the mother of nations.
Warning of Consequences:God’s message to Abimelech is a warning that he is as good as dead because Sarah is another man’s wife. This reveals God’s protection over the covenant He made with Abraham and Sarah. God ensured that Sarah remained untouched so that His promise of descendants through her would come to pass.
Preservation of the Covenant:God’s intervention highlights His commitment to protect His chosen ones and the covenant He established with Abraham. Despite Abraham’s deceitful actions, God still ensures that His plan unfolds as promised. This incident emphasizes God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.
Respect for Marriage:The verse underscores the sacredness and importance of marriage. God’s message to Abimelech makes it clear that taking another man’s wife is a severe offense and carries severe consequences. It serves as a reminder to respect the covenant of marriage and the sacred bonds it represents.
Overall, Genesis 20:3 illustrates God’s active involvement in the affairs of humanity, particularly in the lives of His chosen people. It demonstrates His faithfulness to His promises and His protection over His covenant. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of upholding the sanctity of marriage and respecting the commitments made within it.
