Abimelech: The King of Gerar and the Patriarchs’ Deceptions. Abimelech appears in Genesis as the king of Gerar who interacted with both Abraham and Isaac. His encounters with the patriarchs highlight both the failings of God’s chosen men and the protective hand of God over His covenant line. Abimelech’s story also raises an interesting question: were Abraham and Isaac dealing with the same king, or with different rulers sharing the same dynastic title?