Genesis 20

8–13 Abimelech had done no wrong; he had been deceived. God had even kept him from touching Sarah (verse 6). It was Abraham who had wronged Abimelech. Here we see Abimelech, a non-Hebrew, a Gentile, a man who was outside of God’s covenant, and yet his behavior was more righteous than that of Abraham, God’s chosen prophet. Indeed, Abraham had falsely judged Abimelech and his people when he said there was no fear of God⁸³ among them (verse 11).

This illustrates an important truth. We have already seen that God’s chosen people are not totally righteous; here we see that people outside God’s covenant are not totally evil. All people have the capacity to respond to God, and many of them do so to varying degrees. It is not our place to judge another person’s inner character (Matthew 7:1); God alone is the Judge.

14–18 Abimelech demonstrated maturity and forthrightness in resolving his conflict with Abraham. He first stated that Abraham had wronged him, and he said it to Abraham’s face and not behind his back. Then he asked Abraham for an explanation; he was willing to listen to his adversary. After Abraham had given a reasonable explanation (though it didn’t justify telling half-truths or putting Sarah at risk), Abimelech accepted it immediately. Furthermore, in order to fully repair their relationship, Abimelech not only returned Sarah but also offered generous gifts⁸⁴ to Abraham, including grazing rights for his herds. In return, Abraham prayed that God might remove the temporary infertility He had inflicted on Abimelech’s family.

Thus we are given an example of how we, God’s people, are to relate to the non-believers all around us. We must treat them with respect and integrity—no deception. If they respond to us in the same manner, then the way is open for us to be channels of blessing to them (verse 17) and for them to be channels of blessing to us (verses 14–15).