Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Genesis 20

We are here returning to the story of Abraham; yet that part of it which is here recorded is not to his honour. The fairest marbles have their flaws, and, while there are spots in the sun, we must not expect any thing spotless under it. The scripture, it should be remarked, is impartial in relating the blemishes even of its most celebrated characters. We have here, I. Abraham’s sin in denying his wife, and Abimelech’s sin thereupon in taking her, Genesis 20:1, 20:2. II. God’s discourse with Abimelech in a dream, upon this occasion, wherein he shows him his error (Genesis 20:3), accepts his plea (Genesis 20:4-20:6), and directs him to make restitution, Genesis 20:7. III. Abimelech’s discourse with Abraham, wherein he chides him for the cheat he had put upon him (Genesis 20:8-20:10), and Abraham excuses it as well as he can, Genesis 20:11-20:13. IV. The good issue of the story, in which Abimelech restores Abraham his wife (Genesis 20:14-20:16), and Abraham, by prayer, prevails with God for the removal of the judgment Abimelech was under, Genesis 20:17, 20:18. MHBCC 21.1