Abimelech Restores Sarah to Abraham

The Old Testament story of Abimelech returning Sarah to Abraham comes from the Book of Genesis (20: 1-16). While traveling in the valley of Gerar, Abraham was so afraid of losing his young wife to King Abimelech that he introduced her as his sister. Despite Abraham’s efforts to protect his wife, Abimelech abducted Sarah and made her part of his harem. In a dream, the king later learns Sarah’s true identity. To atone for his actions, Abimelech reunites the couple and offers them monetary compensation.

The gesture of the crowned figure’s pointing to a plate filled with coins (at the lower left of the painting) is alluded to in the biblical text (Genesis 20:14-16). It is one of three related moments in the story that are compressed by the artist into the single picture. The return of Sarah, the principal subject, is graphically indicated by Abraham’s taking his wife’s right hand as she tenderly places her left on his shoulder. The third moment accounts for Abimelech’s questioning expression and the gesture of his left hand pointing to himself. This refers to the passage of time immediately preceding Sarah’s restoration (Genesis 20:9-10).