Lying To Abimelech (Genesis 20)

Is a half-truth still a lie if the intent is to deceive? Do even God’s leading servants occasionally sin out of weakness? Is God merciful to our weaknesses? Let’s examine Genesis 20.

Did Abraham lie again about his wife as he had previously done in Egypt?

Abraham moved south to the Negev and lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur, and then he moved on to Gerar. While living there as a foreigner, Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace. (Genesis 20:1-2 NLT)

Did God warn Abimelech? Did God allow Abimelech to touch Sarah?

But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man, because of the woman whom you have taken; for she is a man’s wife.” Now Abimelech had not come near her. He said, “Lord, will you kill even a righteous nation? Didn’t he tell me, ‘She is my sister’? She, even she herself, said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.” God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld you from sinning against me. Therefore I didn’t allow you to touch her. Now therefore, restore the man’s wife. For he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live. If you don’t restore her, know for sure that you will die, you, and all who are yours.” (Genesis 20:3-7 WEB)

Did he confront Abraham in public? Is it right to publicly confront church leaders for their sins?

Abimelech got up early in the morning and summoned all of his servants. When he told them everything that had happened, the men were terrified. Then Abimelech summoned Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? What sin did I commit against you that you have brought this terrible sin to me and my kingdom, by doing to me something that simply isn’t done?” Abimelech said to Abraham, “What were you thinking when you did this thing?” (Genesis 20:8-10 CEB)

What was Abraham’s excuse for his deception? What did Abimelech do?

Abraham answered: I did it because I didn't think any of you respected God, and I was sure that someone would kill me to get my wife. Besides, she is my half sister. We have the same father, but different mothers. When God made us leave my father's home and start wandering, I told her, “If you really love me, then tell everyone that I am your brother.” After Abimelech had given Abraham some sheep, cattle, and slaves, he sent Sarah back and told Abraham he could settle anywhere in his country. Then he said to Sarah, “I have given your brother 1,000 pieces of silver as proof to everyone that you have done nothing wrong.” (Genesis 20:11-16 CEV)

What did God do? Had He prevented Abimelech’s women from getting pregnant?

Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they could bear children, for the Lord had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. (Genesis 20:17-18 HCSB)

Is a half-truth still a lie if the intent is to deceive? Do even God’s leading servants occasionally sin out of weakness? Is God merciful to our weaknesses? You decide!