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Book of Genesis - Chapter 20 - Verse 7

20:7
Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

Meaning

In this verse, the message is clear and straightforward. The speaker is instructing Abimelech to return Sarah to her husband, Abraham, because he is a prophet. The significance of Abraham being a prophet is that he has a special connection with God and can intercede on behalf of others through prayer. By returning Sarah to Abraham, Abimelech and his household will be spared from harm. However, if Abimelech chooses not to obey this instruction, he and all those associated with him will face dire consequences. This verse highlights the importance of respecting the prophets of God and following their guidance to avoid facing God's judgment. It serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the consequences of disobeying God's commands.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the theological interpretation highlights the importance of honoring God's servants and the consequences of mistreating them. Here, Abraham is referred to as a prophet, emphasizing his close relationship with God and his ability to intercede on behalf of others through prayer. The word study of 'prophet' reveals that it comes from the Hebrew word 'nabi,' which means spokesperson or messenger. This sheds light on the role of a prophet as someone who communicates God's message to others and stands as a representative of God's will. The verse underscores the power of prayer and the authority given to prophets to intercede for others. It also serves as a warning to Abimelech that failure to heed Abraham's counsel would result in dire consequences for him and his household. Ultimately, this verse showcases the significance of respecting God's chosen messengers and the blessings that come from aligning oneself with His will.

American Standard Version

Now therefore restore the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
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