Abraham and Abimelech
Genesis 20, verse 1. Now Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned among the Gerarites. Genesis 20, verse 2. Then Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” lest at a given time the men of the city should kill him because of her. Now Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. Genesis 20, verse 3. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed, you are a dead man because of the woman you have taken, for she is a man's wife.” Genesis 20, verse 4. Now Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “O Lord, will You destroy an ignorant and just nation? Genesis 20, verse 5. Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister,’ and did she not say to me, ‘He is my brother’? I did this thing with a clean heart and righteous hands.” Genesis 20, verse 6. Then God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know you did this with a clean heart, and I spared you that you might not sin against Me; therefore, I did not allow you to touch her. Genesis 20, verse 7. Now therefore, restore the man's wife, for he is a prophet; and he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, rest assured you shall die, you and all who are yours.” Genesis 20, verse 8. So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid. Genesis 20, verse 9. Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.” Genesis 20, verse 10. Again Abimelech said to Abraham, “What possessed you to do this thing?” Genesis 20, verse 11. Abraham replied, “Because I thought, surely the worship of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. Genesis 20, verse 12. But indeed, she truly is my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not of my mother; and she became my wife. Genesis 20, verse 13. So it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, I said to her, ‘This righteousness shall you do for me: in every place we enter, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” Genesis 20, verse 14. Then Abimelech took one thousand pieces of silver, sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife to him. Genesis 20, verse 15. Thus Abimelech said to Abraham, “See, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” Genesis 20, verse 16. Then to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver, which will vindicate your honor before all those with you. But tell the truth in all things.” Genesis 20, verse 17. So Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; Genesis 20, verse 18. for the Lord closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.