Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avimelekh ask Avraham 'What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?'
A: Avimelekh was questioning Avraham about why he said Sarah was his sister instead of his wife (Rashi on Genesis 20:10). Avimelekh wanted to understand Avraham's reasoning for this deception, which nearly caused him to sin unknowingly by taking a married woman.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's response to Avimelekh in this verse?
A: The verse teaches the importance of honesty and proper communication. While Avraham had concerns about being killed because of Sarah's beauty (as explained in Genesis 20:11), the situation shows how even well-intentioned omissions can create problems. The Talmud (Yevamot 65b) discusses when withholding complete truth may be permitted, but generally emphasizes truthfulness.
Q: How does this conversation between Avraham and Avimelekh relate to Jewish values?
A: This exchange highlights several Jewish values: 1) The importance of clarifying misunderstandings (as Avimelekh does here), 2) Taking responsibility for one's actions (which Avraham does in his response), and 3) Being careful not to cause others to stumble (as Avraham nearly did to Avimelekh). The Rambam discusses these ethical principles in Hilchot De'ot.
Q: Why is this dialogue important in the story of Avraham?
A: This conversation is significant because it shows Avraham interacting with a non-Jewish king and demonstrates how our forefathers represented Jewish values to the world. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:13) notes that this incident, like the similar one with Pharaoh, tested Avraham's faith and refined his character.
Q: What does Avimelekh's question teach us about confronting others?
A: Avimelekh's direct but respectful question ('What sawest thou...') models how to address concerns with others. Jewish ethics (based on Vayikra 19:17) teach that when we see someone doing something questionable, we should approach them respectfully to understand their perspective before judging, just as Avimelekh did here.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereishit 20:10) records Avimelekh's question to Avraham after discovering that Avraham had presented Sarah as his sister rather than his wife. This incident follows Avraham's similar actions in Egypt (Bereishit 12) and raises questions about Avraham's motivations and the moral implications of his actions.
Avimelekh's Question
Avimelekh asks Avraham, "מָה רָאִיתָ כִּי עָשִׂיתָ אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה" ("What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?"). Rashi explains that Avimelekh is questioning Avraham's reasoning—what did he perceive that led him to act in this deceptive manner? The phrasing implies astonishment at Avraham's behavior, given his reputation as a righteous man.
Avraham's Justification
In the subsequent verses (20:11-13), Avraham explains his fear that the lack of fear of G-d in the place would lead to his murder so that Sarah could be taken. Ramban (Nachmanides) comments that Avraham's concern was legitimate, as he had experienced similar danger in Egypt (Bereishit 12:12). However, Ramban also critiques Avraham for not fully trusting in Hashem's protection, especially after receiving divine promises.
Moral and Ethical Lessons
Avimelekh's Perspective
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that Avimelekh's question reflects the bewilderment of a worldly king encountering Avraham's seemingly inconsistent behavior. Avraham, as a prophet, was held to a higher standard, and his actions needed to align with his spiritual mission. Avimelekh's challenge thus serves as a divine test of Avraham's integrity.