20Genesis 20

Abraham and Sarah at Gerar

1Abraham moved to the Southern Desert, where he settled between Kadesh and Shur. Later he went to Gerar, and while thereSelect Genesis 20:1

2he told everyone that his wife Sarah was his sister. So King Abimelech of Gerar had Sarah brought to him.Select Genesis 20:2

3But God came to Abimelech in a dream and said, “You have taken a married woman into your home, and for this you will die!”Select Genesis 20:3

5Abimelech said to the Lord, “Don't kill me! I haven't slept with Sarah. Didn't they say they were brother and sister? I am completely innocent.”Select Genesis 20:5

6Then God continued: I know you are innocent. That's why I kept you from sleeping with Sarah and doing anything wrong.Select Genesis 20:6

7Her husband is a prophet. Let her go back to him, and his prayers will save you from death. But if you don't return her, you and all your people will die.Select Genesis 20:7

8Early the next morning Abimelech sent for his officials, and when he told them what had happened, they were frightened.Select Genesis 20:8

9Abimelech then called in Abraham and said: Look what you've done to us! What have I ever done to you? Why did you make me and my nation guilty of such a terrible sin?Select Genesis 20:9

10What were you thinking when you did this?Select Genesis 20:10

11Abraham 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.Select Genesis 20:11

12Besides, she is my half sister. We have the same father, but different mothers.Select Genesis 20:12

13When 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.”Select Genesis 20:13

14After Abimelech had given Abraham some sheep, cattle, and slaves, he sent Sarah backSelect Genesis 20:14

15and told Abraham he could settle anywhere in his country.Select Genesis 20:15

16Then he said to Sarah, “I have given your brother 1,000 pieces of silver as proof to everyone that you have done nothing wrong.”Select Genesis 20:16

18Meanwhile, God had kept Abimelech's wife and slaves from having children. But Abraham prayed, and God let them start having children again.Select Genesis 20:18