Genesis 23

This chapter of Genesis narrates the death of Sarah, Abraham's wife, and Abraham's purchase of a burial site in the land of Canaan. The account highlights the importance of securing a proper burial for Sarah and Abraham's interaction with the Hittites, the people of the land. It also shows Abraham's faith in God's promise to give his descendants the land, as he takes steps to secure a small part of it for his family. This event marks the first recorded purchase of land by Abraham in Canaan, underscoring his intent to make this land his family's home.

Genesis 23:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah.
2 So Sarah died in Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.
3 Then Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying,

Sarah’s life of 127 years marks the end of a significant era in Abraham's family. She had journeyed alongside Abraham through many trials and was the mother of Isaac, the promised son. Her death in Hebron, located in the land of Canaan, is notable because it occurs in the land God promised to Abraham's descendants. Abraham’s mourning reflects his deep love and respect for her, but it also transitions into a practical matter as he seeks to acquire a burial site. His engagement with the "sons of Heth," the Hittites, shows his respect for local customs.

Genesis 23:4-6 (NKJV)
4 “I am a foreigner and a visitor among you. Give me property for a burial place among you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”
5 And the sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him,
6 “Hear us, my lord: You are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our burial places. None of us will withhold from you his burial place, that you may bury your dead.”

Abraham acknowledges his status as a foreigner in the land, showing humility and respect toward the Hittites. Although he has received promises from God about the land, he still negotiates with the locals. The Hittites respond to Abraham with great respect, referring to him as a "mighty prince," a reflection of his reputation and the favor he had with them. They offer him the best burial sites, signifying their willingness to honor him and Sarah, even though he was a foreigner in their land.

Genesis 23:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Then Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the land, the sons of Heth.
8 And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me,
9 that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he has, which is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me at the full price, as property for a burial place among you.”

Abraham bows in a gesture of respect, demonstrating his humility once again. Though the Hittites offered him any burial place he wanted, Abraham specifies the cave of Machpelah owned by Ephron. His insistence on purchasing it at full price shows his desire to formalize the transaction, ensuring that he legally owns the land. This act reflects Abraham's integrity and his long-term view, as the cave would not only serve as Sarah’s resting place but also for future generations of his family.

Genesis 23:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Now Ephron dwelt among the sons of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the presence of the sons of Heth, all who entered at the gate of his city, saying,
11 “No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field and the cave that is in it; I give it to you in the presence of the sons of my people. I give it to you; bury your dead.”
12 Then Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land.

Ephron offers to give both the field and the cave to Abraham as a gift, in the presence of witnesses. This act of generosity in a public setting underscores Ephron’s respect for Abraham, as well as the cultural importance of hospitality and honor. Abraham’s bowing again highlights his ongoing humility and courtesy, but he remains determined to pay for the land to secure an unchallenged legal right over it, demonstrating his wisdom and foresight.

Genesis 23:13-15 (NKJV)
13 And he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, “If you will give it, please hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me and I will bury my dead there.”
14 And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him,
15 “My lord, listen to me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver. What is that between you and me? So bury your dead.”

Abraham’s insistence on paying for the land shows his integrity and his desire to have a legitimate claim on the property. Ephron suggests a price of four hundred shekels of silver, a significant amount, but frames it as a trivial matter in the context of their relationship. This response from Ephron shows his attempt to maintain a tone of generosity, even while mentioning the high price. The negotiation is conducted with mutual respect and honor, reflective of the cultural norms of the time.

Genesis 23:16-18 (NKJV)
16 And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out the silver for Ephron which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, currency of the merchants.
17 So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded
18 to Abraham as a possession in the presence of the sons of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city.

Abraham agrees to the price and promptly pays Ephron the four hundred shekels of silver, ensuring that the transaction is carried out publicly and legally. The detailed description of the field, cave, and surrounding trees emphasizes the significance of the purchase, marking it as Abraham's first piece of owned land in Canaan. This public exchange ensures that there would be no dispute over the land’s ownership in the future. It becomes a legally binding transaction, securing Abraham’s possession of the land for his family.

Genesis 23:19-20 (NKJV)
19 And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan.
20 So the field and the cave that is in it were deeded to Abraham by the sons of Heth as property for a burial place.

The chapter concludes with Abraham burying Sarah in the cave he had purchased, fulfilling his initial intention. The repetition of the details about the location and the legal status of the property reinforces the importance of this land as part of God’s promise. This act also highlights Abraham’s faith in God’s future fulfillment of giving the land to his descendants. Sarah’s burial in Canaan, rather than in their homeland, reflects the family's deep connection to the promised land, which would become central to Israel’s history.