“Did he not say unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.”
Genesis 20:5 is part of the narrative in which Abraham, who is travelling in the land of Gerar, tells Abimelech, the king of Gerar, that Sarah, his wife, is actually his sister. This passage provides insight into the circumstances surrounding Abraham’s deception and raises important moral and ethical questions.
Abraham’s action of presenting Sarah as his sister instead of his wife is not an isolated incident. He had previously done the same thing in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20). This deception was driven by fear for his own safety, as Abraham believed that if the local people knew that Sarah was his wife, they might kill him to take her.
In Genesis 20:5, Abraham justifies his deception by explaining that Sarah herself had referred to him as her brother. He claims that his intentions were pure and that he acted with integrity and innocence. However, this does not excuse his deceitful behaviour.
While it is true that Abraham had been promised by God that he would become a great nation through Sarah, and he might have been concerned about the potential threat to his life, it is clear from the narrative that Abraham’s actions lacked faith in God’s protection and provision. Instead of relying on God’s promises, Abraham resorted to deception, which ultimately put both himself and Sarah in a compromising situation.
This passage teaches us several important lessons:
- Honesty and integrity are crucial:Abraham’s attempt to deceive Abimelech demonstrates the consequences of dishonesty. Honesty is a fundamental value in relationships, and deception can lead to unintended negative consequences.
- Trusting in God’s promises:Abraham’s lack of faith in God’s protection and provision is evident in his decision to deceive others. As believers, we should trust in God’s faithfulness and rely on His promises, even in difficult circumstances.
- Accountability and repentance:Following this incident, God confronts Abimelech in a dream and warns him of the consequences of taking Sarah as his wife. Abimelech, upon learning the truth, acknowledges his innocence and takes steps to rectify the situation. Similarly, when we recognise our mistakes, we should take responsibility, seek forgiveness, and make amends.
Ultimately, the narrative in Genesis 20 serves as a reminder of the importance of trust, honesty, and faithfulness in our relationships with others and in our walk with God. It encourages us to rely on God’s promises and to act with integrity, even in challenging circumstances.
