MPV Commentary

Abraham journeyed from there and settled between Kadesh and Shur. This region was part of Canaan's southern border and featured a rich and well-watered pasture land near Gerar.

Abraham referred to his wife Sarah as his sister, likely due to fear of the people around him. However, this behavior was highly culpable, involving deliberate deceit rather than a sudden impulse. It was also a repeat offense (see Genesis 12:13), demonstrating Abraham's distrust of God and its potential harm to those around him.

Abimelech, the local king, took Sarah as one of his wives, exercising a privilege claimed by Eastern rulers (explained in Genesis 12:15).

God appeared to Abimelech in a dream to protect Sarah.

Then Abimelech summoned Abraham and asked, "What have you done?" The patriarch's situation was humiliating, with a heathen prince rebuking him for his actions.

Abraham replied, "I thought that God's fear was not present in this place." This statement suggests that Abraham had formed the impression that all cities of Canaan were corrupt, similar to Sodom. However, it is sad when those who do not know God show more honor and a greater aversion to crime than true worshipers.

Abraham claimed Sarah was his sister (see Genesis 11:31), but this defense only absolved him from direct falsehood; he had still intended to deceive. As the saying goes, "Honesty is always the best policy." Abraham's life would have been just as protected without the deception, and he would have avoided shame, distrust of God, and dishonor to his faith. The Bible reminds us, "Let each one speak truth with his neighbor" (Zechariah 8:16; Ephesians 4:25).