Genesis 20:9 - King's moral challenge to Avraham

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 20:9) occurs after Avimelekh, king of Gerar, took Sarah into his household, believing her to be Avraham's sister rather than his wife. Hashem appeared to Avimelekh in a dream, warning him of the grave sin he was about to commit. Upon awakening, Avimelekh confronts Avraham with strong words, expressing his dismay at being placed in a situation where he nearly transgressed a severe moral and spiritual boundary.

Avimelekh's Accusation

Avimelekh's words, "מֶה־עָשִׂיתָ לָּנוּ" ("What have you done to us?"), reflect his shock and distress. Rashi explains that Avimelekh is not merely speaking for himself but for his entire kingdom, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of Avraham's deception. The phrase "חֲטָאָה גְדֹלָה" ("a great sin") refers to the severe transgression of adultery, which would have brought divine retribution upon Gerar (Rashi on Bereishit 20:9).

The Nature of the Sin

Avimelekh's statement "מַעֲשִׂים אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יֵעָשׂוּ" ("deeds that ought not to be done") underscores the gravity of the situation. The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that Avraham's concealment of Sarah's true identity endangered Avimelekh and his people, as they were unwittingly drawn into a severe moral failing. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:5) adds that Avimelekh was particularly aggrieved because he prided himself on his kingdom's righteousness, yet Avraham's actions nearly caused its downfall.

Avraham's Justification

While the verse focuses on Avimelekh's rebuke, the surrounding narrative reveals Avraham's reasoning. Earlier (Bereishit 20:11), Avraham explains that he feared for his life, believing there was "no fear of G-d in this place." The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56b) discusses how Avraham's concern was rooted in the moral state of Gerar, where he suspected that its inhabitants would kill him to take Sarah. The Sforno notes that Avraham's actions were a form of דינא דמלכותא (the law of the land), where he adapted his behavior to survive in a hostile environment.

Lessons from the Incident

• Moral Responsibility: Avimelekh's protest highlights the importance of avoiding actions that may lead others to sin, even unintentionally (see Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 6:1).
• Trust in Hashem: While Avraham had legitimate fears, the episode ultimately demonstrates that Hashem protects His righteous ones without the need for deception (Malbim on Bereishit 20:9).
• Repentance and Rectification: Avimelekh's immediate response—returning Sarah and compensating Avraham—shows the importance of correcting wrongdoing once it is recognized (Talmud, Yoma 86b).