ABIMELECH, signifying Father of the King, the name of the Philistine king of Gerar, in the time of Abraham; but from its recurrence among that people it was perhaps rather a titular distinction than a proper name, like Pharaon among the Egyptians. After the destruction of "the cities of the plain," Abraham removed into his territory; and fearing that the beauty of Sarah might bring him into difficulties, he declared her to be his sister: whereupon Abimelech, in virtue of the royal prerogative to appropriate any unmarried female that pleased him, placed Sarah in his harem. But, in obedience to a divine warning, he forthwith restored her to her husband, with a strong and merited reproof for the deceit he had practised. Abimelech, however, made a league of peace and amity with Abraham, the first recorded in the Scriptures, and confirmed by a mutual oath. (Gen. xx.)