Genesis 20:14–18 (ESV)

Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him. And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated.” Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

Abimelech would have been justified in putting Abraham to death for his cheap trick duplicity. Instead, just to put an exclamation point on how Abraham has misjudged him, Abimelech magnanimously blesses Abraham with many gifts.

So, Abraham is completely outclassed and schooled. That’s the point. God is mocking Abraham to remind him of his sin.

Then Abraham prays for Abimelech. This isn’t just for show either; God responds with dramatic blessings for Abimelech and his whole house.

Abraham has learned his lesson.

This moment is perfectly orchestrated for maximum embarrassment. Abraham’s face has to be burning.

Imagine what was going through his mind as he prayed. He’s desperate for the curse on Abimelech to be lifted. Imagine how awful it would be if it isn’t.

But the kicker is that Abraham can’t be certain how this will turn out. God has been tight with Abraham, but He always has His own plans, and we don’t always know what they are.

So Abraham should be sweating. Good. This is meant to be a teaching moment.

Except that it isn’t just a moment.

Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

The reference to bearing children means it took months for this to play out. The whole time Abraham is sweating.

And thinking. And praying.

God regularly uses some of the strongest teaching methods imaginable to hammer His lessons home.

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These weekday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. Saturdays' by Matt Richardson. Subscribe here: https://www.ailbe.org/resources/community

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NASB stands for the New American Standard Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.