3. But God came to Abimelech in a dream and said, “You have taken a married woman, and for this you will die!”
4-5. Abimelech said to the Lord, “Don't kill me! I haven't slept with Sarah. Didn't they say they were brother and sister? I am completely innocent.”
6. God spoke to Abimelech in another dream and said:I know you are innocent. That's why I kept you from sleeping with Sarah and doing anything wrong.
7. Her husband is a prophet. Let her go back to him, and his prayers will save you from death. But if you don't return her, you and all your people will die.
8. Early the next morning Abimelech sent for his officials, and when he told them what had happened, they were frightened.
9. Abimelech then called in Abraham and said:Look what you've done to us! What have I ever done to you? Why did you make me and my nation guilty of such a terrible sin?
10. What were you thinking when you did this?
11. Abraham answered:I did it because I didn't think any of you respected God, and I was sure that someone would kill me to get my wife.
12. Besides, she is my half-sister. We have the same father, but different mothers.