Why does God tell Amibelech that he innocently abducted Sara. One of the commentators (Rava?) says that in Abimelech's mind, he thought he was honoring Sarai by making her his Queen.
Why does Abimelech's merit a dream visit from God and why does God declare him innocent?
Bereshit 20:6 "And God said to him in a dream, "I too know that you did this with the innocence of your heart, and I too have withheld you from sinning to Me; therefore, I did not let you touch her."
Surely Pharoah's behavior was less bad based on these differences below and he doesn't try to weasel to save face.
When Pharoah Abducts Sarai 1. He doesn't initiate the abduction. 2. He give Abram gifts before being punished 3. When he is punished, he rants a bit that he is innocent, but Abraham doesn't need to explain himself to him. <4. Pharoah's whole household was punished.>
When Abimelech Abducts Sarai 1. He do initiates the abduction. 2. He give Abram gifts only after being punished 3. When he is punished, he rants a bit that he is innocent, but and Abraham feels like he has to justify his actions to Abimelech. <4. Only Abimelech, his wife, and his maids (no men) were punsihed.> 5. He should have known that abducting Sarai was bad after what happened to Phaorah.