³ But God came to Abimelek^(A) in a dream^(B) one night and said to him, “You are as good as dead^(C) because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman.”^(D)

⁴ Now Abimelek had not gone near her, so he said, “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation?^{(E) 5} Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister,^(F)’ and didn’t she also say, ‘He is my brother’? I have done this with a clear conscience^(G) and clean hands.^(H)”

⁶ Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept^(I) you from sinning against me.^(J) That is why I did not let you touch her. ⁷ Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet,^(K) and he will pray for you^(L) and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all who belong to you will die.”^(M)