Genesis 20:8

8 Avimelekh got up early in the morning, called all his servants and told them these things; and the men became very afraid.

Genesis 20:8 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 20:8

Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning
Awaking upon the dream, could sleep no more, his thoughts running upon what had been said to him by the Lord in it: wherefore as soon as it was light he rose from his bed, and called all his servants;
his household servants, and particularly his courtiers and counsellors, who had advised him to take Sarah for his wife, and had been assisting in it: and told all those things in their ears:
how that God appeared to him in a dream, and told him that Sarah, whom he had taken into his house, was another man's wife, and that if he did not immediately return her to her husband, he would die, and all that belonged to him: and the men were sore afraid;
lest they should be struck with death; and perhaps they might call to mind the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah for their sins, they had lately heard of, and might fear that some such calamity would befall them.

Genesis 20:8 In-Context

6 God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know that in doing this, your heart has been pure; and I too have kept you from sinning against me. This is why I didn't let you touch her.
7 Therefore, return the man's wife to him now. He is a prophet, and he will pray for you, so that you will live. But if you don't return her, know that you will certainly die - you and all who belong to you."
8 Avimelekh got up early in the morning, called all his servants and told them these things; and the men became very afraid.
9 Then Avimelekh called Avraham and said to him, "What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you to cause you to bring on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done things to me that are just not done."
10 Avimelekh went on, asking Avraham, "Whatever could have caused you to do such a thing?"
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.