Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the south, dwelling between Kadesh and Shur. He sojourned in Gerar.

As he traveled, Abraham introduced Sarah as his sister. The king of Gerar, Abimelech, took her for himself. But God appeared to Abimelech in a dream one night, saying, "You are doomed to die because you have taken the wife of another man."

Abimelech replied, "Lord, will you slay even a righteous nation? I had no idea she was married." He explained that Abraham told him Sarah was his sister, and she herself said he was her brother. Abimelech declared, "I've acted with integrity in my heart and innocence in my hands."

God spoke to him again in the dream, saying, "Yes, I know you have acted with integrity of heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against me." Then God instructed Abimelech, "Restore Sarah to her husband; he is a prophet and will pray on your behalf."

The next morning, Abimelech gathered all his servants and told them everything that had happened. The men were terrified. Abimelech then called Abraham and asked him, "What have you done to us? How have I offended you that you've brought such great sin upon me and my kingdom?"

Abimelech inquired, "What led you to do this thing?" Abraham replied, "I thought there was no fear of God in this place. If they found out she was my wife, they would slay me for her sake."

He explained the situation further: "She is indeed my sister, but not from the same mother. I asked her to say I was her brother wherever we went." Abimelech listened intently.

Abimelech decided to make amends and offered Abraham sheep, oxen, menservants, and womenservants. He also returned Sarah to her husband, saying, "Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you."

To Sarah, Abimelech gave a thousand pieces of silver, explaining, "This will serve as a covering for your eyes to all who see us. You are vindicated by this gift." Meanwhile, Abraham prayed to God on behalf of Abimelech and his household.

God answered Abraham's prayer and healed Abimelech, his wife, and their female servants. The Lord had previously shut up the wombs of Abimelech's household because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.