Genesis 20:17

So Abraham prayed, &c.— See Genesis 20:7 and God accepted his prayer: and the punishment, which he had graciously inflicted on Abimelech to deter him from guilt, was removed. Hence we learn, that affliction from the hand of Heaven is often so far from an evil, that it is the greatest good. The disease inflicted on Abimelech and his house was a mean of preventing him from a defilement of the marriage-bed, see Genesis 20:6 and perhaps it might serve to other good and instructive purposes.

REFLECTIONS.—Abraham's unreasonable fears are farther rebuked by Abimelech's kindness.

1. He restores Sarah, and with her makes a noble present, as a reparation of his mistake: and he adds a warning to Sarah against the like prevarication. Note; (1.) When we find a good man, he is worth making our friend. (2.) Let Sarah's daughters remember, their eyes and their affections should be covered to all but their own husbands.

2. We have Abraham's return for Abimelech's favours. He prayed for him, and God healed the family. Note; The prayers of God's people for us, are the best returns they can make us.