genesis-20:1-13-nlt

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:7

He is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee - The word prophet, which we have from the Greek προφητες , and which is compounded of προ , before, and φημι , I speak, means, in its general acceptation, one who speaks of things before they happen, i.e., one who foretells future events. But that this was not the original notion of the word, its use in this place sufficiently proves. Abraham certainly was not a prophet in the present general acceptation of the term, and for the Hebrew נביא... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:8

Abimelech rose early, etc. - God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and we find as the day broke he arose, assembled his servants, (what we would call his courtiers), and communicated to them what he had received from God. They were all struck with astonishment, and discerned the hand of God in this business. Abraham is then called, and in a most respectful and pious manner the king expostulates with him for bringing him and his people under the Divine displeasure, by withholding from... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:11

And Abraham said - The best excuse he could make for his conduct, which in this instance is far from defensible. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:12

She is my sister - I have not told a lie; I have suppressed only a part of the truth. In this place it may be proper to ask, What is a lie? It is any action done or word spoken, whether true or false in itself, which the doer or speaker wishes the observer or hearer to take in a contrary sense to that which he knows to be true. It is, in a word, any action done or speech delivered with the intention to deceive, though both may be absolutely true and right in themselves. See note on Genesis... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:13

When God caused me to wander - Here the word אלהים Elohim is used with a plural verb, ( התעו hithu , caused me to wander), which is not very usual in the Hebrew language, as this plural noun is generally joined with verbs in the singular number. Because there is a departure from the general mode in this instance, some have contended that the word Elohim signifies princes in this place, and suppose it to refer to those in Chaldea, who expelled Abraham because he would not worship... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:1

Verse 1 1.And Abraham journeyed from thence. What Moses related respecting the destruction of Sodom, was a digression. He now returns to the continuation of his history, and proceeds to show what happened to Abraham; how he conducted himself, and how the Lord protected him; till the promised seed, the future source of the Church, should be born unto him. He also says, that Abraham came into the South country; not that he traveled beyond the limits of the inheritance given to him, but left his... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:2

Verse 2 2.And Abraham said of Sarah his wife. In this history, the Holy Spirit presents to us a remarkable instance, both of the infirmity of man, and of the grace of God. It is a common proverb, that even fools become wise by suffering evil. But Abraham, forgetful of the great danger which had befallen him in Egypt, once more strikes his foot against the same stone; although the Lord had purposely chastised him, in order that the warning might be useful to him, throughout his whole life.... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:3

Verse 3 3.But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night. Here Moses shows that the Lord acted with such gentleness, that in punishing his servant, he yet, as a father, forgave him: just as he deals with us, so that, while chastising us with his rod, his mercy and his goodness far exceed his severity. Hence also we infer, that he takes greater care of the pious than carnal sense can understand; since he watches over them while they sleep. This also is to be carefully noticed; that however we may... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:4

Verse 4 4.But Abimelech had not come near her. Though Abraham had deprived himself of his wife, the Lord interposed in time to preserve her uninjured. When Moses previously relates, that she was taken away by Pharaoh, he does not say whether her chastity was assailed or not; but since the Lord then also declared himself the vindicator of her whom he now saved from dishonor, we ought not to doubt that her integrity was preserved both times. For why did he now forbid the king of Gerar to touch... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:6

Verse 6 6.Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart. We infer from this answer of God, (as I have lately remarked,) that Abimelech did not testify falsely concerning his own integrity. Yet, while God allows that his excuse is true, He nevertheless chastises him. Let us hence learn, that even they who are pure, according to human judgment, are not entirely free from blame. For no error may be deemed so excusable, as to be without some deteriorating admixture. Wherefores it... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:7

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:11

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:12

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 20:6

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