Chapter Summary

Abraham's lapse at Gerar. Lying to Abimelech about his wife.

Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 20

1. Genesis 20 begins with Abraham and Sarah traveling and Abraham has Sarah lie again about only being his sister. This is the same mistake that Abraham makes in Egypt recorded in Genesis 12. Why do you think Abraham repeats the same mistake? Is there a mistake you make in your life that you seem to repeat? Why? God obviously does not pour out His complete judgement on us when we repeat our mistakes. How does this confirm His grace? How do we take His grace for granted?
2. God warns Abimelech that he will die if he sleeps with Sarah. Even though according to Genesis 19, Sarah is ninety years old and beyond child rearing but she is still attractive because Abimelech desires to sleep with her. What does this illustrate about the aging process during the time of Abraham and Sarah? Compare and contrast to the aging process in today's culture?
3. Genesis 20:6 says that God kept Abimelech from touching Sarah the night before and thus dying. How much do you think God keeps nonbelievers from causing harm to themselves? Beyond their eventual salvation, what are some other reasons God may protect a non-believer?
4. Abraham says in Gen. 20:11 that he had Sarah to lie again because he did not see any fear of God in the place. Obviously Abraham is wrong because Abimelech heeds God's warning concerning Sarah. How do you know if you have entered in a ungodly place as Abraham felt when he came to Abimelech? What are some of the signs you look for if a place is Godly? Have you been wrong about a place or person being Godly or ungodly? How did you find out?
5. Abimelech gives Abraham livestock and servants and permission to reside anywhere on his land. Why does Abimelech give Abraham an offering when obviously Abraham has wronged him? What does this illustrate about Abimelech's character?
6. Abimelech gives Abraham 3000 pieces of silver in sight of Sarah so everyone knows of her innocence and purity. Why wouldn't Sarah's own account of the events of the night be evidence enough? How are Abimelech and other members of society thoughts of a woman's word and sexuality compared to modern day society?
7. Abraham prays to God on behalf of Abimelech at the end of Genesis 20. God blesses Abimelech by allowing him to have children with his wife and female servants. Why couldn't Abimelech pray for these things himself? What does this demonstrate about intercessory prayer of a believer on the behalf of a nonbeliever? How should this illustration of intercessory prayer affect the relationships between believers and nonbelievers?
8. Based on the events in Genesis 20, how does fear impact our decisions and actions? How are some ways a believer can overcome fear?
9. In what ways does the interaction between Abimelech and God showcase God's mercy and justice? Why is God merciful to the believer and nonbeliever?
10. How does divine intervention affect events that take place in Genesis 20? If God didn't warn Abimelech, would God have been justified to take his life? Why or why not? Name a time you know your life was impacted by divine intervention. How did you know?

Key Words/Phrase

Sin, v. 9.

Characters

Abraham, Sarah, Abimelech.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 17.