But God came to Abimelech, &c.— It is hence evident, as well as from other instances, that the Canaanites, in Abraham's time, were not all corrupted in religion. Abimelech and his servants appear to have been worshippers of the true God, see Genesis 20:8 as they were evidently regarded by God, who thus interposed for their welfare. God never left himself without witnesses; nor, though peculiarly kind to Abraham, was he a stranger to other nations. He spake to them in dreams and in visions, see Job 4:13; Job 33:14-15. and by other means manifested his power and Godhead; so that they who forsook his worship were without excuse.
Thou art but a dead man— That is, if thou perform not what I enjoin, if thou restore not the wife to her husband. It is obvious hence to remark (and from ch. 12:) how detestable and destructive the sin of adultery has been ever judged from the beginning of time, and indeed in all nations. Thou art but a dead man—for she is a man's wife!