The Death of Sarah and Abraham’s Mourning (Genesis 23:1-2)

Genesis 23 begins with the solemn account of Sarah’s death:

“And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. 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.” (Genesis 23:1-2, KJV)

Sarah’s age at death, 127 years, underscores the fullness of her life, especially as the mother of Isaac, the child of promise (Genesis 17:17; 21:5). She dies in Kirjatharba, later known as Hebron, a key city in the land of Canaan and a central location in Abraham’s life (Genesis 13:18).

Abraham’s mourning reveals the depth of his love and respect for Sarah. Mourning customs in the ancient Near East included weeping and lamentation, expressing grief openly (Genesis 37:34; Job 1:20). This episode marks a transition in the narrative, highlighting themes of legacy, death, and the importance of a proper burial.

Abraham Negotiates to Purchase a Burial Site (Genesis 23:3-9)

After mourning, Abraham approaches the Hittites, the people of the land, to negotiate a burial place for Sarah. His request is straightforward:

“I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a burying place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” (Genesis 23:4)

Abraham’s identification as a “stranger and sojourner” reflects his outsider status in Canaan, emphasizing that despite God’s promises, he and his descendants do not yet own the land (Genesis 15:13-16). This claim underscores the reality of Abraham’s faith journey, living as a pilgrim awaiting fulfillment.

The Hittites respond respectfully, offering to give Abraham the land or a burial site without payment (Genesis 23:5-6). Abraham insists on purchasing the land at full price, demonstrating his integrity and desire to possess the land legitimately (Genesis 23:7-9).

This negotiation highlights the importance of covenantal land ownership and sets a precedent for future land transactions by the patriarchs. It also illustrates Abraham’s respect for local customs and lawful dealings.

The Cave of Machpelah Purchased (Genesis 23:10-20)

Abraham requests the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre, as a burial place for Sarah. The owner, Ephron the Hittite, offers the cave and the surrounding field for free, but Abraham insists on paying the full price of 400 shekels of silver (Genesis 23:10-16).

The transaction is formalized before the Hittite witnesses, ensuring legal ownership:

“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.” (Genesis 23:16)

This purchase is significant for several reasons:

• It establishes Abraham’s first legal ownership of land in Canaan, the land God promised to his descendants (Genesis 12:7; 15:7).
• The cave of Machpelah becomes the family burial site, where Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah are later buried (Genesis 25:9; 49:29-31).
• It symbolizes the beginning of God’s covenantal promise being physically realized in the possession of land.

The formal nature of the purchase sets a precedent for respecting property rights and lawful dealings, contrasting with later instances of land acquisition by conquest or inheritance.

Theological Themes and Cross References

Respect for the Dead and Burial Customs

Proper burial was a significant aspect of ancient Near Eastern culture, reflecting respect for the deceased and concern for legacy (Genesis 50:25; Matthew 8:22). Abraham’s care for Sarah’s burial honors her status and their covenant relationship.

Abraham’s Faith and Pilgrimage Identity

By calling himself a “stranger and sojourner,” Abraham acknowledges his faith journey as one of pilgrimage (Hebrews 11:13-16). His possession of land by purchase rather than inheritance reflects a temporary dwelling awaiting God’s ultimate fulfillment.

Covenant and Land Ownership

The purchase of Machpelah is a tangible milestone in God’s promise to Abraham regarding land (Genesis 15:18-21). This site serves as a physical anchor for the Abrahamic covenant.

Integrity and Legal Transactions

Abraham’s insistence on paying the full price demonstrates integrity and respect for local customs, underscoring the biblical value of honest and fair dealings (Proverbs 11:1; Leviticus 19:35-36).

Practical Lessons from Genesis 23

1. Honor Loved Ones with Respectful Burial
   Proper care in death reflects love and respect, as seen in Abraham’s actions for Sarah.
2. Live as a Pilgrim in Faith
   Believers are encouraged to view their earthly life as temporary, trusting in God’s promises beyond the present.
3. Respect Legal and Ethical Norms
   Abraham’s dealings with the Hittites model integrity in business and respect for others’ property.
4. Possess God’s Promises with Faith
   The land purchase symbolizes active participation in God’s covenant, encouraging believers to steward what God entrusts to them.

Cross-References and Related Scripture

• Mourning and Burial Practices: Genesis 37:34; Job 1:20; 1 Samuel 25:1
• Strangers and Sojourners: Hebrews 11:13-16; Psalm 39:12
• Land and Covenant: Genesis 12:7; 15:7; 17:8; Joshua 24:32
• Integrity in Transactions: Proverbs 11:1; Leviticus 19:35-36
• Family Burial Sites: Genesis 25:9; 49:29-31