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A great deal has happened to Abraham. God reaffirms His covenant. He assures Abraham that he will have a son by his wife Sarah. God protects Abraham as Abraham rescues Lot and the other inhabitants of Sodom. God visits Abraham personally, and they talk about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
1. Verse 1 states that Abraham moved on. Where did he go?
Can you locate any of these places on a map?
2. We do not know exactly what happened, but obviously, Abraham found himself in a difficult position once again. What does he decide to do?
Keeping in mind all that had happened to Abraham, how do you explain his decision?
What do you think Sarah was thinking?
3. According to these verses, why did Abimelech send for Sarah?
Why was this such a dangerous situation for Abraham? For Sarah? For Abimelech?
From these verses, do you think Abimelech knew the LORD? Please explain.
4. God displays His infinite mercy on all involved. What does God do in order to stop Abimelech?
Look closely at what God says to Abimelech. Why would God warn the king using such strong language?
How does the king react to this admonition from the LORD?
Why do you think the LORD did not visit Abraham?
5. Verse 4 tells us that Abimelech had not gone near Sarah. Why?
Then we read that Abimelech responded to God. What does this mean to you?
What did Abimelech say to God?
Is it wrong for Abimelech to be so bold? Please explain.
Upon whose shoulders does Abimelech put the blame? (Read carefully verse 5.) Is he justified?
6. God shows great mercy here in not allowing Abimelech to sin. How would you define God’s mercy?
What does this show you about God and His desire to be a part of our lives?
Can you remember a time when God intervened to keep you from sinning? If so, would you mind sharing a little?
7. For what reasons did God keep Abimilech from sinning with Sarah?
What does it mean to you that God was looking out for Abimelech as well as for Sarah?
8. Look at verse 7. What does the LORD tell Abimelech to do? What does God call Abraham?
This is the first time this word is used in the Old Testament. How would you define a prophet?
In what way was Abraham a prophet?
What does this have to do with God’s instructions to Abimelech that Abraham would pray for him so that Abimelech could live?
Therefore, what was Abraham’s first prophetic act? What odes this mean to you?
What is the connection between intercession and prophecy?
Now, Abraham caused this situation by giving his wife away. Why would God continue to use him as a prophet?
9. What did Abimelech do the next morning?
Why do you think he told all of his officials?
Then, Abimelech sends for Abraham. What is the first thing he says to Abraham?
What exactly did Abimelech accuse Abraham of doing?
How would you feel having to go to Abraham for prayer knowing Abraham was responsible for the situation?
10. This was a humbling situation for both men. In what way was Abimelech humbled?
In what way was it humbling for Abraham?
How do you think Abraham felt listening to all that Abimelech said?
Remember, God never said anything to Abraham, yet Abimelech does. What can you learn about God’s discipline from this?
If you were Abraham, what would you consider the most important lesson?
Sometimes we might wonder why God allows certain situations instead of removing them. How did God use this situation to teach Abraham and Sarah?
11. What question does Abimelech ask Abraham in verse 10?
What is Abraham’s answer in verse 11?
Why might Abraham think that there would be no fear of God in Abimelech’s kingdom? (Remember what had just happened.)
Do you agree with his belief that there was no fear of God in that place? Please explain.
What can we learn about judging people or peoples from this?
12. Abraham continues his answer in verse 12 with the word “besides….” Why do you think Abraham uses this word?
What does it mean to you to justify your actions?
Is that what Abraham is doing here? Please explain.
Abraham says he was really telling the truth, but he was deceiving Abimelech. How can you reconcile this? In other words, how can telling the truth really be a form of deception?
Can you think of an example?
13. What does Abimelech do in verse 14?
Originally, all God told Abimelech to do was to return Sarah. Why do you think he chooses to do more?
What exactly does Abimelech do?
What offer does he make to Abraham?
14. Next, Abimelech turns to Sarah. Why do you think he choose to address her personally?
What does he say to her?
When speaking to Sarah, how does he refer to Abraham?
If you were Abraham and you heard this, how would it make you feel?
This is interesting. The King James Version for verse 16 reads, “And unto Sarah he said ‘Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other’: thus she was reproved.” What do you think is meant by a “covering of the eyes”?
15. After this, Abraham prays for Abimelech. What had God done to Abimelech and his household because of Sarah?
What did God do as a result of Abraham’s prayer?
Why do you think we are not told what Abraham prayed?
16. What did you learn from this episode with Abimelech?
What happens when people outside the church act more honorably that people inside the church?
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