B25-bible

Genesis 20

1 Abraham journeyed on from there in the direction of the Negev, and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was living as a foreigner in Gerar, 2 Abraham described his wife Sarah as his sister; and King Abimelech of Gerar summoned Sarah. 3 Then God came to him one night in a dream, and said, ‘You are as good as dead because you have taken this woman. She has a husband.’ 4 However, Abimelech had not gone near her; so he said, ‘Lord, will you destroy people who are innocent? 5 Did he not tell me himself, “She is my sister”? She herself added, “He is my brother.” So I did this with integrity and a clear conscience.’ 6 Still in the dream, God replied, ‘Yes, I know you did this with integrity; which is why I kept you from sinning against me, and did not let you touch her. 7 Now then, return the man's wife, for he is a prophet. He will pray and your life will be saved. If you do not restore her, you and all your people will surely die.’

8 Early next morning, Abimelech got up, summoned his servants and told them everything. They were horrified! 9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, ‘What have you done to us? How have I wronged you, that you have brought such great guilt on me and my people? You have treated me intolerably! 10 What was in your mind for you to do this thing?’ 11 Abraham answered, ‘I did it because I thought there was no fear of God here and I would be killed because of my wife. 12 Anyway, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father but not the daughter of my mother. That is why I was able to marry her. 13 Therefore, when God made me journey away from my father's house, I told to her, “You must show me this loyalty; wherever we go, tell people that I am your brother.”’

14 Then Abimelech gave Sarah back to Abraham and also presented him with sheep and oxen, and male and female servants. 15 Abimelech said, ‘Here is all my land; settle wherever you like.’ 16 He said to Sarah, ‘I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver on your behalf, to show everyone of your people that you are completely innocent.’

17 Then Abraham prayed to God; and Abimelech was healed together with his wife and female servants. 18 For because of Abraham's wife Sarah, the Lord had stopped anyone in Abimelech’s household from bearing children, and now they became fertile again.