Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. She is my sister] See the parallel account, chap. 12., and the notes there. Sarah was now about ninety years of age, and probably pregnant with Isaac. Her beauty, therefore, must have been considerably impaired since the time she was taken in a similar manner by Pharaoh, king of Egypt; but she was probably now chosen by Abimelech more on the account of forming an alliance with Abraham, who was very rich, than on account of any personal accomplishments. A petty king, such as Abimelech, would naturally be glad to form an alliance with such a powerful chief as Abraham was: we cannot but recollect his late defeat of the four confederate Canannitish kings. See note on ""Genesis xiv. 14"", &c.
This circumstance was sufficient to establish his credit, and cause his friendship to be courted; and what more effectual means could Abimelech use in reference to this than the taking of Sarah, who he understood was Abraham's sister, to be his concubine or second wife, which in those times had no kind of disgrace attached to it?
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - Crooked policy will not prosper: it brings ourselves and others int danger. God gives Abimelech notice of his danger of sin, and his dange of death for his sin. Every wilful sinner is a dead man, but Abimelec 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 wil 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 doe 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.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 אברהם85 אל413 שׂרה8283 אשׁתו802 אחתי269 הוא1931 וישׁלח7971 אבימלך40 מלך4428 גרר1642 ויקח3947 את853 שׂרה׃8283
