King Abimelech Character Analysis in Genesis

King Abimelech is the ruler of Gerar. When Abraham claims that Sarah is his sister, he takes her for himself, but is warned by God in a dream not to touch her. A generation later, a similar thing happens when Isaac and Rebekah settle in Gerar. He later makes a covenant with Isaac.

King Abimelech Character Timeline in Genesis

The timeline below shows where the character King Abimelech appears in Genesis. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Mistrust, Disobedience, and Death Theme Icon

Covenants and Faith in God’s Promises Theme Icon

...way to the Negeb. While there, Abraham pretends that Sarah is his sister, and King Abimelech of Gerar takes Sarah for himself. But God warns Abimelech in a dream that he... (full context)

Meanwhile, Abimelech asks Abraham to swear loyalty to him, since God has made Abraham prosper, and Abimelech... (full context)

There is a famine in the land, so Isaac goes to King Abimelech of the Philistines in Gerar. The LORD warns Isaac not to go to Egypt, but... (full context)

...reaps a great harvest in his new land, becoming wealthy. The Philistines become envious, so Abimelech tells Isaac to move away. Isaac moves into the nearby valley of Gerar, and after... (full context)