Abraham and Abimelech

Abraham was dwelling in the territory of the Philistines. The large number of servants entering into the formation of his household, filled Abimelech, the Philistine chieftain, with grave misgivings. He saw in this pastoral prince a likely foe, able to strike and to strike hard if so minded. Abraham's prosperity had been interpreted by him as a sign that the Lord was with him, so that out of any conflict Abraham would be sure to emerge the victor, the invincible foe. Abime­lech, then, was...