Book of Genesis - Chapter 20 - Verse 17

In this verse, we see Abraham praying to God on behalf of Abimelech and his household. The context of this verse is the aftermath of Abraham falsely passing off his wife Sarah as his sister, which led to Abimelech unknowingly taking Sarah into his harem. However, before he could touch her, God appeared to Abimelech in a dream and warned him of the consequences. Abimelech then returned Sarah to Abraham and sought God's forgiveness. When Abraham prayed for Abimelech and his household, God responded by healing them and opening their wombs so that they could bear children. This act of God's grace and mercy not only restored Abimelech's household but also highlighted Abraham's role as a faithful intercessor. As readers follow along with the bible verse by verse on our website, they can reflect on the power of prayer and the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration in their relationships both with God and with others.

In this verse, we see Abraham praying to God on behalf of Abimelech and his household. The word "prayed" in Hebrew is "palal," which means to intercede or mediate. Abraham's prayer was a form of intercession, where he acted as a mediator between God and Abimelech, asking for healing for him and his family. This demonstrates Abraham's role as a righteous and faithful servant of God, who cared for the well-being of others. The word "healed" in Hebrew is "rapha," which means to restore or to make whole. God's healing of Abimelech and his household not only physical but also spiritual, illustrating God's power to bring restoration and wholeness to those who seek Him. Through this act of healing, we see God's compassion and mercy towards those who turn to Him in faith. The result of God's healing was the ability for Abimelech and his family to bear children, symbolizing God's blessing and provision for them.