Genesis 20:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the immense love of God for humanity. Understanding that the righteous man endured the unjust capture of Sarah out of trepidation for death, and recognizing that the king had taken her under the pretense of being the righteous man's sister, God reveals His sustaining grace. In doing so, He not only honors the righteous man further but also rescues Sarah from disgrace and prevents the king from sinning. "And God came to Abimelech by night in a dream." The Scriptures tell us that in His desire to safeguard the king from wrongdoing, God intruded upon his rest, unveiling hidden truths to his spirit and instilling profound fear through the impending threat of death.

As Sarah was previously enticed by Pharaoh while carrying Isaac, and Abraham's supplications were constant, it was shortly after Abimelech had settled into bed that he experienced a dream similar to Adam's temptation. In that dream, God declared to him, "Behold, thou art dying for this wife's sake, which thou hast taken: and this is the wife that dwelleth with her husband."

Any union between a man and a woman that is not established through a lawful marriage is sinful. You who yearn for the grace of baptism and seek to strengthen your faith should understand the essential principle of abstinence: no man is permitted to have relations with a woman who is not his spouse. The institution of marriage is ordained to prevent you from falling into the snares of sin with another man’s wife. If you are united to a woman in marriage, do not pursue a divorce; it is not right for you to marry another while she lives. Seeking another partner while still married is an even graver adultery, as it implies that your transgression ought to be sanctioned by the law. It is more bearable when guilt is concealed than when it asserts its legitimacy.

God visited Abimelech, demonstrating the undeniable influence of Divine Providence over those who place their faith in Him. In the natural unfolding of events, Abimelech lacked any prevention against wrongdoing, and Abraham was vulnerable to misfortune. Yet, in a remarkable act, God intervenes to safeguard one and to protect the other from transgression. "Behold, thou shalt die." Initially, these words seem to convey an irrevocable sentence of condemnation and death. However, shortly thereafter, God reveals that He has prevented Abimelech from sin and extends a choice of life and death based on how he treats Sarai.