Restoration and Blessing

Genesis 20:14–18 (NASB95) 

14Abimelech then took sheep and oxen and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored his wife Sarah to him. 15Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; settle wherever you please.” 16To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared.” 17Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maids, so that they bore children. 18For the Lord had closed fast all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. 

Abimelech acted swiftly to set things right. He gave Abraham sheep, oxen, and servants, and he returned Sarah to Abraham. He also offered him land to settle wherever he wanted. Additionally, Abimelech gave Sarah a large amount of silver, which served as a public proof of her innocence. This silver protected her honor and cleared her name of any suspicion. Abimelech’s actions repaired relationships and ended the conflict between him and Abraham. 

Abraham then prayed to God, who listened. He healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, opening their wombs once more. Prior to this, God had closed every womb in Abimelech’s household because of Sarah. Abraham’s prayer brought healing and blessing. God used Abraham as an intercessor, and through him, He restored what had been lost. The entire household experienced God’s mercy and power. 

God’s justice and mercy are evident. He did not leave the situation unresolved but worked through Abraham’s prayer to bring healing. God’s blessing flowed from Abraham to others. The conflict concluded with peace, honor, and new life. God’s promises to Abraham and Sarah remained firm. His faithfulness was clear to everyone. 

Today, we must value restoration and seek peace. When conflict occurs, we should act swiftly to make things right. This is even more important if we share responsibility for the wrong, just as Abraham did with Abimelech. Public acts of repentance and restitution protect the honor of everyone involved. God calls His people to pray for others, even those who have wronged them. He listens to the prayers of His people and brings healing. The church should be a place where God’s blessing flows through intercession, forgiveness, and the effort to restore relationships. Trust God to resolve conflicts and bring new life through His power.