Genesis 20:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the same manner, assured of your spiritual hunger, we do not hesitate to continually share our humble fare, believing it will nourish you in love. The wise proverb states, “Better is a dish of greens, and with it love, than a fatted ox, and with it hatred” (Proverbs 15:17), emphasizing that love alters perception, making even the scant seem luxurious and the little appear great.

What could be more blessed than our state of dialogue amid such a multitude of eager listeners who express fervent love for us? Nothing is more vital for a speaker than the goodwill of their audience. Witnessing your earnest enthusiasm bolsters my own resolve, as I realize that the more generously I share this spiritual food, the more I benefit as well. In this regard, the spiritual realm differs fundamentally from the physical; in the latter, abundance can lead to a loss of value for the host, while in the former, the more partakers there are, the more our treasure increases. This is because we do not relay our own insights but rather share what the grace of the Lord imparts for your growth.

If you are listening with such delight and attentiveness, let us proceed with elucidating the Scriptures we recently examined, drawing from them benefits for our own souls. The significant command of Christ, “Search the Scriptures” (John 5:39), indicates that the Scriptures are rich with hidden treasures; hence, diligent exploration is essential for uncovering their profound insights. The grace of the Spirit has graciously inscribed the virtues of the righteous within the Scriptures for our perpetual guidance, so that by following their example, we may align our lives accordingly.

Let us now consider what the sacred text reveals today regarding our forefather Abraham. It states, “Abraham went up from there to the south, and dwelt between Kadesh and Sur; and was for a time in Gerar.” The Scripture notes that “Abraham went up,” prompting the question: from where did he depart? He left the place where he lived in a tent and was honored to receive the Lord alongside angels. Abraham’s journey is depicted as simple yet remarkable, showcasing the righteous life he led—comfortably wandering and residing as an alien, frequently setting up camp as if his existence were entirely in a foreign land.

In contrast, we dwell as if in our homeland, constructing grand edifices complete with porches and galleries, acquiring estates, and erecting lavish baths, among countless other comforts. Observe how the righteous holds his fortunes in livestock and familial bonds, possessing no permanent residence; he pitches his tent at Bethel or under the oak of Mamre, even relocating to Egypt, then to Gerar, all while maintaining a spirit of gratitude to his Lord for these provisions.

Despite the weighty circumstances and various trials he faces, Abraham remains steadfast and unwavering, displaying an unyielding piety amidst difficulties. Look now, beloved, at the trial that awaits him in Gerar, and marvel at how the integrity of this righteous man shines amidst hardship. The temptation he encounters is strenuous, but he bears it without distress, refraining from demanding answers from the Lord, which is often the inclination of those burdened by sin. Such individuals, when faced with difficulties, quickly become anxious and question: Why has this happened? Why has God permitted such things? But the righteous man’s response is different; he accepts divine aid in silence, showcasing true servitude by receiving all from God with heartfelt gratitude.

Notice, too, how the righteous man’s virtue becomes increasingly evident during trials, as God reveals it through each circumstance. Previously, when he arrived in Egypt as a stranger, he left with great honor; similarly, upon settling in Gerar, he initiates what is within his control and then receives tremendous support from God, such that the king and the residents of the land serve him diligently.

At Isaac's birth, Abraham had already settled in Gerar, in the realm of the Philistines, where he lived for an extended period. Thus, the journey to Gerar can be accurately placed in the interval between Sodom's devastation and Isaac's birth. Given this timeframe is about a year, the events that transpired in Abimelech's household would have occurred shortly before or right after Isaac's conception, when Sarah's appearance would not have easily revealed her pregnancy. Understanding the timing of Abraham's relocation to Gerar sheds light on his motivation for the move: the terror following Sodom's destruction and the noxious odor emanating from that place of judgment compelled Abraham to depart. This indicates he left from the oaks of Mamre to Gerar, one of the ancient Philistine towns situated along the southern edge of Canaan.