Genesis 23:1-20 – A Burial Ground

No one is exempt from death, and Sarah, though she has lived long and has seen much of God’s goodness, dies at last in Canaan. Abraham is truly sad for the loss of his good wife whom he has loved.

Abraham humbly asks his neighbours for a burying place. Because God is his inheritance, he is not ashamed to admit that he is a stranger in Canaan. We are all strangers on earth; it is not our home, our home waits for us after death.

The Hittites respect Abraham. God has made his name great to them, so they generously offer Abraham their best burial grounds. Abraham requests the cave of Machpelah. Ephron is willing to give it to Abraham as a present, but Abraham refuses to take advantage of Ephron’s generosity. He can pay for it, and he will, and no one will ever be able to dispute his title to it. Like Ephron, we should care more for helping others than for our own wealth.

The property is bought in the sight of all. Abraham pays the full price without hesitation. God has not given this land to his family yet, so he is willing to pay. This burial ground is the first and only piece of land Abraham possesses in Canaan. He is content with a heavenly country and the promises of God.