Genesis 20: Group Study Handout

Overview

In Genesis chapter 20, Abraham travels to Gerar and tells King Abimelech that Sarah is his sister, fearing for his life because she is beautiful. Abimelech takes Sarah into his palace, but God intervenes and warns him in a dream that Sarah is actually Abraham's wife. God tells Abimelech that he is a dead man unless he returns her to Abraham.

Key verse

“Now therefore, restore the man’s wife. For he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live. If you don’t restore her, know for sure that you will die, you, and all who are yours.”

Genesis 20:7 (WEB)

Outline

1. Genesis 20:1–2 Abraham's Journey to Gerar
2. Genesis 20:3–6 God's Warning in a Dream
3. Genesis 20:7–8 Abimelech's Response to God
4. Genesis 20:9–11 Confrontation Between Kings
5. Genesis 20:12–13 Abraham's Justification
6. Genesis 20:14–15 Restoration and Gifts
7. Genesis 20:16–18 God's Healing and Closure

Discussion questions

1. In v2, why does Abraham say about Sarah, 'She is my sister'?
2. What does God tell Abimelech in v3 about Sarah?
3. Abimelech's response in vv. 9-10: what does he imply about Abraham's actions?
4. Abraham's reasoning in v11: what does it suggest about his view of Gerar?
5. When have you acted out of fear like Abraham did in v11?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 20: Genesis 12, Genesis 26, James 5.

Before next time: read Genesis 21.