4. But Abimelech had not come near her, and he said, “Lord, I am innocent! Would you destroy me and my people?
5. Abraham himself said that she was his sister, and she said the same thing. I did this with a clear conscience, and I have done no wrong.”
6. God replied in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did it with a clear conscience; so I kept you from sinning against me and did not let you touch her.
7. But now, give the woman back to her husband. He is a prophet, and he will pray for you, so that you will not die. But if you do not give her back, I warn you that you are going to die, you and all your people.”
8. Early the next morning Abimelech called all his officials and told them what had happened, and they were terrified.
9. Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, “What have you done to us? What wrong have I done to you to make you bring this disaster on me and my kingdom? No one should ever do what you have done to me.
10. Why did you do it?”
11. Abraham answered, “I thought that there would be no one here who has reverence for God and that they would kill me to get my wife.
12. She really is my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not of my mother, and I married her.
13. So when God sent me from my father's house into foreign lands, I said to her, ‘You can show how loyal you are to me by telling everyone that I am your brother.’ ”
14. Then Abimelech gave Sarah back to Abraham, and at the same time he gave him sheep, cattle, and slaves.