This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Genesis, the 1st book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 3rd December 2023.

About this book

Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and in its more than 1500 verses, there are over 50 prophecies, 100+ commands, over 70 promises, and almost 100 distinct messages from God. As well as recording the firsts of so many things — including the first marriage, sin, child, murder, death, laughs, tears — this book also explains God’s established order in all things; from creation to Israel, marriage to tithing, and all before the law is even mentioned. But ultimately, this book points to Jesus as our Saviour, not only in obvious ways, but in its smaller details too.

About this study

Chapter 20 takes place soon after the events of chapters 18 and 19, and we see Abraham fall into the same mistake as when he travelled to Egypt, in trying to pass of Sarah as his sister, when she was in fact his wife. And that decision leads Abimelech to unwittingly make moves towards marrying her, though thankfully for everyone’s sake, God intervenes, Abimelech listens and acts immediately, and Abraham and Sarah are rebuked. While this is sad to see in Abraham’s life, it gives us reason to consider our own decisions and integrity.

Application questions

• What are you doing to maintain a close relationship with God?
• Do you have integrity in all things, doing what is right when no-one is watching?
• How willing are you to respond to any correction from the Lord?