1 And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: [these were] the years of the life of Sarah.
2 And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.
3 And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying,
4 I [am] a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.
5 And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,
6 Hear us, my lord: thou [art] a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.
7 And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, [even] to the children of Heth.
8 And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which [is] in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.
10 And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, [even] of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,
11 Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that [is] therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.
12 And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.
13 And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou [wilt give it], I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take [it] of me, and I will bury my dead there.
14 And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him,
15 My lord, hearken unto me: the land [is worth] four hundred shekels of silver; what [is] that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current [money] with the merchant.
17 And the field of Ephron, which [was] in Machpelah, which [was] before Mamre, the field, and the cave which [was] therein, and all the trees that [were] in the field, that [were] in all the borders round about, were made sure
18 Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.
19 And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan.
20 And the field, and the cave that [is] therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.
Summary of Genesis Chapter 23
Genesis Chapter 23 details the death of Sarah, the wife of Abraham, and the subsequent events surrounding her burial. This chapter is significant as it marks the first recorded death in the Bible and highlights themes of mourning, property ownership, and covenant promises between God and Abraham.
Death of Sarah
The chapter begins with the announcement of Sarah’s death at the age of 127 years. Her life is noted for its significance in the narrative of Abraham’s journey and the establishment of the Israelite lineage.
Mourning for Sarah
Abraham mourns and weeps for Sarah, demonstrating the deep emotional bond they shared. This moment underscores the human experience of loss and the importance of mourning in the grieving process.
Negotiation for Burial Site
Following his mourning, Abraham seeks to secure a burial site for Sarah. He approaches the Hittites, the people residing in the land of Canaan, to request a piece of land for her burial.
Key Points of the Negotiation
- Abraham identifies himself as a foreigner and a sojourner among the Hittites, emphasizing his status and the need for respect in the negotiation.
- The Hittites respond positively, offering Abraham any of their tombs for free, showcasing a willingness to honor him.
- Abraham insists on purchasing a specific cave, the Cave of Machpelah, owned by Ephron the Hittite, which signifies the importance of ownership and permanence in the land.
Purchase of the Cave
Abraham’s insistence on purchasing the cave rather than accepting it as a gift reflects his desire to establish a legitimate claim to the land, which is significant for the fulfillment of God’s promises to him regarding the land of Canaan.
Details of the Transaction
- Ephron offers to sell the cave at a price of 400 shekels of silver.
- Abraham agrees to the price without negotiation, demonstrating his commitment to the transaction and the importance of the land.
- The transaction is formalized in front of the Hittites, ensuring that it is recognized publicly and legally.
Significance of the Burial Site
The purchase of the Cave of Machpelah becomes a foundational moment for Abraham and his descendants. It symbolizes the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s offspring.
Thematic Elements
- Mourning and Grief: The chapter highlights the natural human response to death and the importance of honoring loved ones.
- Property and Legacy: The acquisition of land signifies the establishment of a lasting legacy for Abraham’s family in Canaan.
- Faith and Covenant: Abraham’s actions reflect his faith in God’s promises regarding the land and his commitment to establishing a home for his descendants.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 23 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Abraham. It encapsulates themes of love, loss, and the importance of land ownership within the context of God’s covenant with Abraham. The chapter sets the stage for the future of Abraham’s lineage and the fulfillment of divine promises.
