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Genesis 20-21 I. Abraham's Lapse of Faith A. His Half-Truth Concerning

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Genesis 20-21 I. Abraham's Lapse of Faith A. His Half-Truth Concerning Genesis 20-21 I. Abraham’s lapse of faith A. His half-truth concerning Sarah 1. It had happened in Egypt, Gen 12. 2. In Gen 20 it happened to Abimelech, king of Gerar. a. Abraham likely wanted to get away from ruin of Sodom, esp. since he didn’t know Lot’s fate. b. He assumed that all men in the area were like those of Sodom. (1) Apparent in statement of 20:11. (2) Assumed knowledge is often incorrect. c. Gerar was Philistine area but relations with covenant people were peaceful at the time. 3. It reflected doubt on God’s ability to protect him. a. It showed a poor attitude toward Sarah. b. If God had promised an heir, could He not protect Abraham and Sarah until heir was born? c. Promise that God would be with His people was stated often in OT; repeated for us in Heb 13:5. 4. If intent is to deceive, even a half-truth is a lie. B. God’s kindness to Abimelech 1. The warning 2. God’s restraining hand a. God had kept Abimelech from touching Sarah. (1) Sarah was 90 and pregnant; probably not overly attractive. (2) Abimelech’s motive perhaps was to form an alliance (Adam Clarke). (3) Such alliances were common in Renaissance Europe. b. Mercy was extended outside of the covenant people. (1) Melchizedek was priest of God Most High although not of covenant line. (2) God recognized that Abimelech was honorable man. (3) Abimelech’s question mirrored Abraham’s question over slaying righteous with wicked in Sodom. 3. The promise of recovery a. It was conditioned upon restitution. b. It would come as result of prayer. c. Abraham was prophet in that he spoke for God. C. Abimelech’s acceptance of blame 1. He probably seems blameless to us. a. He was victim of deceit. b. He had not had intercourse with Sarah. c. He quickly approached Abraham after learning the truth. 2. He did not contest Abraham’s explanation. a. Abraham lied out of fear, because they were godless people, he thought. b. Explanations that impugn the character of others generally wouldn’t be well received; Abimelech seems a more godly man than Abraham. 3. He made his acceptance public. a. Gave animals and servants to Abraham b. Restored Sarah to Abraham (1) Lavish gifts were to demonstrate his penitence, but... (2) “Your brother Abraham” was implied rebuke. (3) Lies are often used to try to get out of bad situation, and they linger. c. Told Abraham to live wherever he wanted 4. God removed the barrenness of Abimelech’s household. II. Birth of the promised heir A. Parents’ joy could not be overstated. 1. Sarah spoke of her laughter. 2. Abraham obeyed God. a. The chosen name, from 17:19 th b. Circumcision on 8 day 3. Others rejoiced with them. B. Sarah’s dislike for Hagar and Ishmael reappeared. 1. What Ishmael may have done is unclear, but Sarah was incensed. a. “Cast out this bondwoman and her son….” b. Intent was to be rid of their physical presence and also to remove from inheritance; seems vindictive. c. Paul quoted, Gal 4:30. 2. God told Abraham to listen to Sarah because Isaac was chosen one. a. Fact that God would provide for Hagar and Ishmael was likely evident to Abraham. b. Although the casting out is often regarded as cruel, it reflected his faith. 3. God heard Hagar’s cries after their water ran out. a. Her concern was for Ishmael, not herself. b. He was a late teen but must have been more dehydrated than Hagar. c. Angel spoke words of assurance. 4. The promise concerning Ishmael was reiterated. a. She apparently had forgotten it. b. Promise of many descendants first given in 16:10 when he was baby. c. This promise went farther: God would make of him a great nation. III. Covenant request A. Abimelech asked for it, although must have been the stronger party. 1. He wanted Abraham to deal kindly with him. a. Abraham obviously was man of power and status. b. In addition to Abraham’s physical resources, Abimelech recognized that God was with him. 2. Abraham accepted, evidently to Abimelech’s relief. B. Dispute over a well was resolved with an oath. 1. Abraham’s men had dug it, and Abimelech’s men had seized it. 2. Abraham gave seven lambs to Abimelech as witness. a. Acceptance by Abimelech evidently reflected his acceptance that well originally belonged to Abraham. b. We often feel obligated to a person when accept gift from them. 3. The place was named Beersheba. a. Meaning reflected three features of the covenant: well, seven, swear. b. It was used to denote the southern extremity of Israel: “from Dan even to Beersheba.” 4. Eternal nature of God is first mentioned here. .
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