Then Abimelech called for Abraham. “What have you done to us?” he demanded. “What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? … 11 Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘This is a godless place. They will want my wife and will kill me to get her.’ 12 And she really is my sister, for we both have the same father, but different mothers. And I married her. 13 When God called me to leave my father’s home and to travel from place to place, I told her, ‘Do me a favor. Wherever we go, tell the people that I am your brother.’” 14 Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he presented them to Abraham. He also returned his wife, Sarah, to him. 15 Then Abimelech said, “Look over my land and choose any place where you would like to live.” 16 And he said to Sarah, “Look, I am giving your ‘brother’ 1,000 pieces of silver[a] in the presence of all these witnesses. This is to compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any claim against me, and your reputation is cleared.” Gen 20:9, 11–16
There is an important truth about reading scripture: we are allowed to question what we read. Want to find a miserable Christian? Look for one afraid to ask questions.
The joy and beauty of learning God’s nature through His word comes in part from the ability to debate, to ask Him and each other about what we read, to sit metaphorically over coffee with the Lord and ask hard, insightful or sometimes silly questions. Jewish scholars throughout history consider this a normal part of biblical study.
For example, one would think Abraham would have learned his lesson the first time doing this, back in Genesis 12: 10-16. Is it possible he and Sarah were working a scam on poor Abimelech? After all, how did this sordid affair (pun intended) work out for them? Abraham walked away with new livestock, servants, land and a lot of extra cash.
Just like the time years before when he told Pharaoh Sarah was his sister. Might Abraham and Sarah have used their station with God to build wealth and standing, by pulling a grift on some wealthy men? It’s an interesting question, and one that likely won’t earn me a bolt of lightning when I go outside later.
Next question: if this is true, why didn’t God stop it? His ways are far above ours, and His plan for the nation of Israel and our own redemption was priority. Perhaps – again, conjecture – He let this transpire while making sure nothing untoward happened to Sarah. Maybe Abimilech needed to get knocked down a few notches, and God used this moment to humble him.
Another question: let’s say it wasn’t a scam. We learned in an earlier chapter that Sarah was close to ninety years old. What would Abimelech see in her that had Abraham so worried? Rabbinical scholars of the Torah have debated this: was Abimelech trying to forge an alliance with the influential Abraham, or was God’s miracle of Sarah’s pregnancy in part that Sarah was made youthful again? By her own admission, her body had gone through menopause long ago. How could she bear a son unless she’d been restored to her previous youth and beauty?
There is nothing in these passages that answer, but there is plenty to prompt questions. When you read God’s word and find yourself scratching your head, or skimming past uncomfortable moments, stop a moment. Look again. Ask questions. Debate with other believers. You might learn something new, grow in appreciation for someone else’s opinions, or even strengthen your own relationship with God. You won’t be punished for wondering aloud. In fact, you might even find the answer you’re looking for.
Prayer
Lord, reading Your word is a beautiful experience when we are allowed to be honest with our reaction to what’s in front of us. Thank you for letting us muddle through the tough parts and ask questions.
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