Genesis:20

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* Verse 1-8 - Crooked policy will not prosper : it brings ourselves and others into danger . God gives Abimelech notice of his danger of sin , and his danger of death for his sin . Every wilful sinner is a dead man , but Abimelech pleads ignorance . If our consciences witness , that , however we may have been cheated into a snare , we have not knowingly sinned against God , it will be our rejoicing in the day of evil . It is matter of comfort to those who are honest , that God knows their honesty , and will acknowledge it . It is a great mercy to be hindered from committing sin ; of this God must have the glory . But if we have ignorantly done wrong , that will not excuse us , if we knowingly persist in it . He that does wrong , whoever he is , prince or peasant , shall certainly receive for the wrong which he has done , unless he repent , and , if possible , make restitution . * Verse 9-13 - See here much to blame , even in the father of the faithful . Mark his distrust of God , his undue care about life , his intent to deceive . He also threw temptation in the way of others , caused affliction to them , exposed himself and Sarah to just rebukes , and yet attempted an excuse . These things are written for our warning , not for us to imitate . Even Abraham hath not whereof to glory . He cannot be justified by his works , but must be indebted for justification , to that righteousness which is upon all and unto all them that believe . We must not condemn all as hypocrites who fall into sin , if they do not continue in it . But let the unhumbled and impenitent take heed that they do not sin on , thinking that grace may abound . Abimelech , being warned of God , takes the warning ; and being truly afraid of sin and its consequences , he rose early to pursue the directions given him . * Verse 14-18 - We often trouble ourselves , and even are led into temptation and sin , by groundless suspicions ; and find the fear of God where we expected it not . Agreements to deceive generally end in shame and sorrow ; and restraints from sin , though by suffering , should be thankfully acknowledged . Though the Lord rebuke , yet he will pardon and deliver his people , and he will give them favour in the sight of those with whom they sojourn ; and overrule their infirmities , when they are humbled for them , so that they shall prove useful to themselves and others . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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