John Calvin Commentary Genesis 20:11

"And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place. And they will slay me for my wife`s sake." — Genesis 20:11 (ASV)

And Abraham said. There are two points contained in this answer. First, he confesses that he had been induced by fear to conceal his marriage. He then denies that he had lied to excuse himself. Now, although Abraham truthfully declares that he had not concealed his marriage with any fraudulent intent, nor to injure anyone, yet he was worthy of censure because, through fear, he had submitted, as far as he was concerned, to the prostitution of his wife.

Therefore, not much can be said to excuse him, since he should have been more courageous and resolute in fulfilling the duty of a husband by vindicating the honor of his wife, whatever danger might threaten him. Besides, it was a sign of distrust to resort to an unlawful subtlety.

Regarding his suspicion, although he had perceived everywhere that monstrous licentiousness prevailed, it was nevertheless unjust to form such an unfavorable judgment of a people whom he had not yet known, for he assumes them all to be homicides. But as I have treated these subjects at some length in the tenth chapter (Genesis 10:1), it may now be enough to have alluded to them in passing.

Meanwhile, we conclude that Abraham does not contend for the justice of his cause before God but only shows his earnestness to appease Abimelech. His particular phrasing, however, should be noted: for wherever the fear of God does not reign, people easily rush into every kind of wickedness, so that they neither spare human blood nor restrain themselves from plunder, violence, and insults.

Undoubtedly, it is the fear of God alone that unites us in the bonds of our common humanity, keeps us within the bounds of moderation, and represses cruelty. Otherwise, we would devour each other like wild beasts.

Indeed, it will sometimes happen that those who lack the fear of God may cultivate an appearance of equity.

For God, to preserve mankind from destruction, holds in check with His secret rein the lusts of the ungodly. It must, however, always be taken into account that the door is opened to all kinds of wickedness when piety and the fear of God have vanished.

Proof of this is all too evident today in the horrible deluge of crime that almost covers the whole earth. For from what other cause than this do such a variety of deceptions and frauds, such treachery and cruelty, arise, that all sense of justice is extinguished by contempt for God?

Now, whenever we struggle with the corruptions of our own age, let us reflect on the times of Abraham, which, although they were filled with impiety and other crimes, still did not divert the holy man from his course of duty.