Genesis 23:8
"If you are willing for me to bury my dead," he said to them, "listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf
He said to them
This phrase introduces Abraham's respectful and diplomatic approach to the Hittites. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often conveys not just speaking but a thoughtful or deliberate communication. Abraham's words are carefully chosen, reflecting his wisdom and the importance of the negotiation at hand. In the cultural context, speaking directly and respectfully was crucial in maintaining honor and establishing trust.

If you are willing
The phrase indicates a conditional request, showing Abraham's humility and respect for the customs of the land. The Hebrew word "יֵשׁ" (yesh) implies existence or presence, suggesting that Abraham is acknowledging the authority and goodwill of the Hittites. This reflects a deep understanding of social dynamics and the importance of mutual consent in ancient Near Eastern transactions.

for me to bury my dead
This phrase highlights the personal and emotional nature of Abraham's request. The Hebrew word for "bury" is "קָבַר" (qabar), which signifies not just the act of burial but also the cultural and religious significance of providing a proper resting place for the deceased. In ancient times, burial was a sacred duty, and securing a burial site was a way to honor the dead and ensure their legacy.

then listen to me
Here, Abraham is seeking the attention and cooperation of the Hittites. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) means to hear or listen, but it also implies understanding and obedience. Abraham is not just asking them to hear his words but to comprehend and act upon them. This reflects the importance of communication and agreement in reaching a peaceful resolution.

and plead with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf
Abraham requests intercession with Ephron, indicating the social structure and protocols of the time. The Hebrew word "פָּגַע" (paga) for "plead" suggests an earnest entreaty or negotiation. Ephron, identified as the son of Zohar, is a specific individual within the Hittite community, highlighting the personal nature of the transaction. This request underscores the importance of intermediaries in ancient negotiations and the value of personal relationships in achieving one's goals.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, who is seeking a burial place for his wife, Sarah, after her death.

2. Sarah
Abraham's wife, whose death prompts Abraham to seek a burial site.

3. Ephron son of Zohar
A Hittite landowner from whom Abraham wishes to purchase a burial site.

4. Hittites
The people living in the land of Canaan, among whom Abraham is residing as a foreigner.

5. Canaan
The land where Abraham is living, which God promised to his descendants.
Teaching Points
Faith in God's Promises
Abraham's actions demonstrate his faith in God's promise of the land to his descendants, even though he himself does not possess it fully.

Integrity in Dealings
Abraham's respectful negotiation with the Hittites shows the importance of integrity and respect in our interactions with others.

Respect for the Dead
The care Abraham takes in securing a burial place for Sarah highlights the importance of honoring and respecting our loved ones in death.

Community Relations
Abraham's interaction with the Hittites illustrates the importance of maintaining good relationships with those around us, even when we are in a foreign or secular environment.

Legacy and Heritage
The purchase of the burial site is a step in establishing a lasting heritage for Abraham's descendants, reminding us of the importance of thinking about the legacy we leave behind.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Abraham's negotiation for a burial site reflect his faith in God's promises, and how can we apply this faith in our own lives?

2. In what ways does Abraham's interaction with the Hittites demonstrate principles of integrity and respect, and how can we apply these principles in our daily interactions?

3. How does the purchase of the burial site in Canaan connect to the broader account of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants?

4. What can we learn from Abraham's actions about honoring and respecting our loved ones, both in life and in death?

5. How does the concept of legacy and heritage play a role in this passage, and what steps can we take to ensure we leave a positive legacy for future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:7
God's promise to Abraham about giving the land of Canaan to his descendants, which sets the context for Abraham's actions in seeking a permanent burial site.

Hebrews 11:9-10
Abraham's faith in God's promises, living as a foreigner in the land, looking forward to a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Acts 7:5
Stephen's speech, which references Abraham's lack of inheritance in the land during his lifetime, highlighting his faith and the promise of God.

Genesis 49:29-32
The burial of other patriarchs in the same cave, showing the significance of the site Abraham is negotiating for.

Matthew 5:37
The importance of integrity and straightforwardness in dealings, which can be related to Abraham's negotiation for the burial site.
Abraham At MachpelahW. M. Taylor, D. D.Genesis 23:3-20
Abraham Burying His DeadT. H. Leale.Genesis 23:3-20
Circumstances Connected with Sarah's BurialF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 23:3-20
CivilityMoral and Religious AnecdotesGenesis 23:3-20
CourtesyGenesis 23:3-20
Courtesy to EnemiesLittle's Historical Lights.Genesis 23:3-20
Death and BurialG. Gilfillan.Genesis 23:3-20
Ephron and Abraham -- a Life-Like PictureJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Genesis 23:3-20
Machpelah, and its First TenantF. B. Meyer, B.A.Genesis 23:3-20
Origin of MoneyJ. Cumming, D. D.Genesis 23:3-20
Sarah's TombJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Genesis 23:3-20
Sarah's TombC. Geikie, D. D.Genesis 23:3-20
Significance of Behaviour in the Presence of GriefJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 23:3-20
The Cave of MachpelahW. S. Smith, B. D.Genesis 23:3-20
The Purchased GraveHomilistGenesis 23:3-20
People
Abraham, Arba, Ephron, Heth, Hittites, Mamre, Sarah, Zoar, Zohar
Places
Beersheba, Canaan, Hebron, Kiriath-arba, Machpelah, Mamre
Topics
Approach, Behalf, Bury, Communed, Dead, Desire, Entreat, Ephron, Intercede, Listen, Meet, Mind, Request, Rest, Saying, Sight, Speaketh, Spoke, Talked, Willing, Wish, Zoar, Zohar
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 23:3-16

     5242   buying and selling

Genesis 23:3-20

     7258   promised land, early history

Genesis 23:6-16

     5077   Abraham, character

Genesis 23:8-9

     5913   negotiation
     8421   equipping, physical

Genesis 23:8-20

     4218   cave

Library
Yet it Follows not that the Bodies of the Departed are to be Despised...
5. Yet it follows not that the bodies of the departed are to be despised and flung aside, and above all of just and faithful men, which bodies as organs and vessels to all good works their spirit hath holily used. For if a father's garment and ring, and whatever such like, is the more dear to those whom they leave behind, the greater their affection is towards their parents, in no wise are the bodies themselves to be spurned, which truly we wear in more familiar and close conjunction than any of
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead.

Epistle iii. To Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari).
To Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari). Gregory to Januarius, &c. The most distinguished lady Nereida has complained to us that your Fraternity does not blush to exact from her a hundred solidi for the burial of her daughter, and would bring upon her the additional vexation of expense over and above her groans of sorrow. Now, if the truth is so, it being a very serious thing and far from a priest's office to require a price for earth that is granted to rottenness, and to wish to make profit
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Exhortations to those who are Called
IF, after searching you find that you are effectually called, I have three exhortations to you. 1. Admire and adore God's free grace in calling you -- that God should pass over so many, that He should pass by the wise and noble, and that the lot of free grace should fall upon you! That He should take you out of a state of vassalage, from grinding the devil's mill, and should set you above the princes of the earth, and call you to inherit the throne of glory! Fall upon your knees, break forth into
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial;
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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