Genesis 20:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe how he, instructed by the just man and believing his words, refers to him as her brother. He asks, "I have given to your brother, ‘Behold, this is a covering for the eyes before all who are with you, and before all you are made righteous.’" What does it signify, 'For the eyes before all,... and before all you are made righteous'? Due to my ignorance in trying to bring you, the spouse of a just man, into my home, having inadvertently become the cause of your disgrace, I offered a thousand didrachms, wishing to compensate for the wrong done to you. But 'before all you are made righteous.' What does it mean, 'before all you are made righteous'? Let them know through you, he says, that I have not committed any offense and that you have left my dwelling untainted.

Abimelech spoke to Sarah, saying that he had provided a thousand pieces of silver to her brother and was returning her along with gifts because she had obscured the understanding of everyone around him and had publicly rebuked him. Abimelech acknowledged that she had shamed all those with him, openly calling him to account. When a startling dream revealed to Abimelech that God was aiding Sarah, she boldly declared to him in front of everyone that it was inappropriate for him to pursue another woman while abandoning his wife, thereby engaging in adultery.

Abimelech behaved differently than Pharaoh, who after initially agreeing, ultimately rejected Moses, disregarding God's command and failing to act in obedience. In contrast, the king swiftly summoned Abraham, restored his wife to him, acknowledged his fault, and sought to atone for the disrespect caused by having looked upon another man's wife.

This serves as a veil for your eyes, as referenced in Genesis 24:65 and 1 Corinthians 11:10. The phrase originates from the tradition in which women donned a veil over their faces, symbolizing modesty and a willingness to honor their husbands. Abimelech's statement, open to multiple interpretations yet requiring little further analysis, likely conveys the following: “Look, this is what has unfolded—your devotion to your spouse despite personal risk, miraculous acts for your protection, the triumphant end of temptation—this is your covering of the eyes, the finest ornament and proof of your purity and commitment in marriage, now clearly evident to all.”