Genesis 20:9
French (BDS) 2015 (La Bible du Semeur 2015)
Puis Abimélek fit venir Abraham et lui dit : Pourquoi nous as-tu fait cela ? Quel mal t’ai-je fait pour que tu nous aies exposés, moi et mon royaume, à commettre un si grand péché ? Tu as fait envers moi des choses qui ne se font pas.
What Does This Mean?
Abimelech, the king of Gerar, confronts Abraham for causing a great sin by pretending Sarah was his sister. He asks Abraham why he has done this and why he has brought trouble to his kingdom.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your friend took your favorite toy and said it was theirs, and then everyone thought you stole it. That's kind of what happened here. Abimelech is upset because Abraham made him look bad by pretending Sarah was just his sister, not his wife.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the book of Genesis, traditionally attributed to Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was written for the Israelites to provide a historical and spiritual foundation. The cultural setting reflects a time when polygamy and deception were common.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, this verse reminds us of the importance of honesty in relationships. For example, if a friend tells a lie about you, it can cause misunderstandings and damage trust. Being truthful, even when it's hard, is crucial.
Topics
honestydeceptiontrustrelationshipsconsequencessin
Related Verses
Genesis 12:10-20Genesis 26:7-111 Kings 11:1-8John 8:31-36James 3:1-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham pretend Sarah was his sister?
Abraham was afraid that because Sarah was very beautiful, the king would take her and kill him. This shows the fear and deception that can arise when people feel threatened.
What was the great sin that Abimelech mentions?
The great sin was that Abimelech and his people almost took Sarah as a wife without knowing she was already married, which would have been a serious violation of the covenant between them.
How does this verse teach about consequences?
This verse shows that when we deceive others, we can cause serious problems and guilt for ourselves and others, leading to negative consequences and loss of trust.
What can we learn about honesty from this story?
We can learn that honesty is important even when it seems difficult. Lying can lead to more problems and hurt the relationships we value most.