The Sojourner

Torah Study 2/5

Genesis 20:1-7
Abraham Now in the capital city of the Philistines and a sojourner
Abraham and Avimelach meet They discuss Sarah – Once again she is noted as Abraham’s sister
Verse 2 .. Avimelach saw Sarah and took her – many interpretations

Eli Munk. How did she preserve her beauty? Why did he take her
Nachum Sarna. She is now 90 what interest would he have in her?

Response to why.
Gen 18 she was told she would be a mother then her youth and beauty was returned. Then she was taken by Avimelach
Political reason.

God appeared to Avimelach as a dream in the night.
Dreams are a method of communication in Bible many times.

A fundamental laws of morality. Noahkite laws. Is there a moral absolutism?
Question of how morality needs to apply to all people vs those that just apply to Jews.
7 Noahkite laws and one added Justice systems must be set up within each culture is the guideline accepted by Jews.

Avimelach is guilty of kidnapping as well as possible adultery.

Even if he was unaware/innocent he is guilty!

Verse 4. God gives Avimelach the truth. Narrator says that Avimelach had not had sex with her.
Rashi asks why. The angel prevented him. Based on verse 6 he was not allowed to touch her.
Perhaps it was a case of being rendered impotent. Important because of Isaac.

Parallels to the Sodom & Gomorrah story:
Same question as Abraham asked in reference to Sodom and Gomorra.
Verse 5 Avimelach defense. Abraham told him she was his sister.
Extra word in the Hebrew. Implies that he made a personal investigation. Also Sarah verified this. Also an extra word in Hebrew. Rashi says the extra words implies that it also includes her entourage. Even the servants support her.( Reference to Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth's opinion is based on the servant's impression. )

Noted: Days of Heaven. Movie. Based on this story.

Next. The comeuppance