Genesis 20:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe how God unveils the integrity of the righteous man, referring to him as a prophet, as though the king himself were inclined to seek his forgiveness. "He will pray," it is said, "for you, and you will live." Fearing the king's wrath, he has contrived such a scheme and has unwittingly played a part in Sarah's dishonor. Yet, understand that his intercession will safeguard your life. To prevent the king, moved by desire and captivated by Sarah's allure, from disregarding this mandate, God instills fear within him and warns him of impending consequences. "And if you do not return," He declares, "know that surely you and all your household shall perish." Not only will you face punishment for your transgression, but your entire family will suffer death because of you.

The term נביא, which may derive from either נוב meaning to bear fruit in a metaphorical sense of expressing words (Proverbs 10:31) or more likely from the Arabic نبا meaning to declare, typically refers to a messenger or interpreter. In this context, Aaron is designated as the prophet of Moses (Exodus 7:1). Abraham is recognized as a prophet primarily because God chose to hear Abimelech's plea through him as an intercessor. Subsequently, the prophets served as conduits of God’s will to humanity and as advocates of humanity’s prayers before God; prayer was regarded as the measure of authenticity for true prophets (Jeremiah 14:11, Jeremiah 27:18).

In what ways does Abraham act as a prophet? Initially, he addresses Sarah as they journey to Egypt, saying, "You are a beautiful woman, and if the Egyptians see you, they will kill me and take you for themselves" (cf. Gen. 12:12). Later, as he prepares to offer Isaac on the altar, he instructs the young men, "Stay here, but I and the boy will go up to the mountain; and we will worship, and we will return to you" (cf. Gen. 22:5). Ultimately, he is acknowledged as someone unique—one of the few who truly understood the knowledge of God, with the Lord declaring of him, "Abraham desired to see My day" (cf. Jn. 8:56), referencing the vision of the Lord he received through prophecy. It is also important to recognize that one who engages in wrongdoing must turn away from such actions, and through the prayers of the righteous, they can find deliverance from judgment.