His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. His sons Isaac and IshmaelThis phrase highlights the unity between Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of Abraham, despite their earlier separation and the tensions between their mothers, Sarah and Hagar. The Hebrew names Yitzchak (Isaac) and Yishmael (Ishmael) carry significant meanings: Isaac means "he will laugh," reflecting the joy and surprise of his birth to Sarah in her old age, while Ishmael means "God hears," signifying God's response to Hagar's distress. Their coming together to bury their father signifies reconciliation and respect for their shared heritage. This moment foreshadows the potential for peace and unity among descendants, despite past conflicts. buried him
The act of burial is a profound expression of respect and honor in ancient Near Eastern cultures. In Hebrew, the word for "buried" is קָבַר (qabar), which implies a careful and deliberate act of laying someone to rest. This act by Isaac and Ishmael demonstrates their reverence for Abraham, acknowledging his role as the patriarch of their lineage and the father of faith. It also reflects the importance of burial practices in maintaining family and tribal connections, as well as the hope of resurrection and eternal life, themes that resonate throughout Scripture. in the cave of Machpelah
The cave of Machpelah, located in Hebron, is a significant burial site purchased by Abraham as a family tomb. The Hebrew word מַכְפֵּלָה (Machpelah) suggests "double" or "portion," possibly indicating a double cave or a field with a cave. This site becomes the burial place for the patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel, including Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob. The purchase of this cave, recorded in Genesis 23, underscores the importance of having a permanent inheritance in the Promised Land, symbolizing God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. near Mamre
Mamre is an ancient site associated with Abraham's life and God's covenantal promises. It is near Hebron and is often linked with significant events, such as the appearance of the three visitors to Abraham in Genesis 18. The name Mamre may derive from an Amorite chief or mean "vision" or "strength," reflecting the spiritual and physical significance of the location. This geographical reference situates the burial within the broader narrative of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through Abraham's lineage. in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite
Ephron the Hittite is the original owner of the field and cave of Machpelah, which Abraham purchased for 400 shekels of silver. The Hittites were a significant people in the ancient Near East, known for their advanced culture and legal systems. The mention of Ephron and his father Zohar provides historical context and authenticity to the narrative, emphasizing the legal and public nature of the transaction. This purchase not only secured a burial site for Abraham's family but also served as a tangible sign of God's promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants, a promise that would be fulfilled in the generations to come. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is the child of promise through whom God's covenant with Abraham would continue. He is a central figure in the lineage of the Israelites. 2. IshmaelThe son of Abraham and Hagar, Ishmael is considered the ancestor of many Arab nations. His presence at Abraham's burial signifies a moment of reconciliation and respect. 3. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, Abraham is a key figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. His death marks the end of an era and the continuation of God's promises through his descendants. 4. Cave of MachpelahThis burial site, purchased by Abraham, is significant as the first piece of the Promised Land owned by Abraham's family. It symbolizes the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants. 5. Ephron son of Zohar the HittiteThe original owner of the field and cave, Ephron's transaction with Abraham is a testament to Abraham's integrity and God's provision. Teaching Points Reconciliation and UnityThe joint burial of Abraham by Isaac and Ishmael serves as a powerful example of reconciliation and unity within a family. Despite past conflicts, they come together to honor their father, reminding us of the importance of family unity and forgiveness. Faith and LegacyAbraham's life and death underscore the importance of living a life of faith. His burial in the Promised Land is a testament to his unwavering belief in God's promises, encouraging us to trust in God's plan for our lives. The Significance of PlaceThe cave of Machpelah is more than a burial site; it represents the beginning of God's tangible promises to Abraham's descendants. This teaches us about the importance of spiritual heritage and the places that hold significance in our faith journey. God's Sovereignty and ProvisionThe purchase of the burial site and the peaceful resolution between Isaac and Ishmael highlight God's sovereignty and provision. We are reminded to rely on God's timing and provision in our own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the burial of Abraham by both Isaac and Ishmael reflect the theme of reconciliation, and how can we apply this to our own family relationships? 2. In what ways does the purchase of the cave of Machpelah demonstrate Abraham's faith, and how can we exhibit similar faith in God's promises today? 3. How does the account of Isaac and Ishmael's relationship throughout Genesis inform our understanding of God's plan for unity among His people? 4. What significance does the cave of Machpelah hold in the broader account of the Bible, and how does it encourage us to value our spiritual heritage? 5. How can we see God's provision and sovereignty in the events surrounding Abraham's death, and how can this perspective influence our trust in God's plan for our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 23This chapter details the purchase of the cave of Machpelah by Abraham, establishing it as a family burial site and a tangible piece of the Promised Land. Genesis 16The account of Hagar and Ishmael's birth provides background on Ishmael's relationship with Abraham and the complex family dynamics. Genesis 21The birth of Isaac and the subsequent events highlight the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah, setting the stage for Isaac's role in God's plan. Hebrews 11This chapter in the New Testament reflects on the faith of Abraham, emphasizing his trust in God's promises, which is foundational to understanding his legacy. People Abraham, Abida, Abidah, Adbeel, Aram, Asshurim, Asshurites, Bethuel, Dedan, Dumah, Eldaah, Enoch, Ephah, Epher, Ephron, Esau, Hadad, Hadar, Hagar, Hanoch, Havilah, Heth, Hittites, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Jacob, Jetur, Jokshan, Kedar, Kedemah, Keturah, Laban, Letushim, Letushites, Leummim, Leummites, Mamre, Massa, Medan, Mibsam, Mishma, Naphish, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah, Sarah, Shuah, Tema, Zimran, Zoar, ZoharPlaces Assyria, Beer-lahai-roi, Egypt, Machpelah, Mamre, Paddan-aram, Shur DesertTopics Buried, Bury, Cave, East, Ephron, Facing, Field, Hittite, Hollow, Isaac, Ishmael, Ish'mael, Machpelah, Mach-pe'lah, Mamre, Opposite, Rest, Rock, Sons, Zoar, ZoharDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 25:9 1651 numbers, 1-2
4218 cave Genesis 25:7-11 5076 Abraham, life of Genesis 25:8-10 9050 tombs Genesis 25:9-10 5241 burial
7258 promised land, early history Library Pottage Versus Birthright
Esau despised his birthright'--GENESIS xxv. 34. Broad lessons unmistakable, but points strange and difficult to throw oneself back to so different a set of ideas. So I. Deal with the narrative. Not to tell it over again, but bring out the following points:-- (a) Birthright.--What? None of them any notion of sacred, spiritual aspect of it. To all, merely material advantages: headship of the clan. All the loftier aspects gone from Isaac, who thought he could give it for venison, from Esau, and from …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Jacob and Esau
(Second Sunday in Lent.) GENESIS xxv. 29-34. And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Every Believer's Birthright.
On every hand a lack of something is being felt and expressed by God's people. Their Christian experience is not what they expected it would be. Instead of expected victory, it is oft-recurring, dreaded defeat; instead of soul satisfaction, it is soul hunger; instead of deep, abiding heart rest, it is disquiet and discontent; instead of advancing, it is losing ground. Is this all Christ meant when He said, "Come unto Me"? Is this life of constant disappointment the normal life of the Bible Christian? …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Lost Son. ^C Luke XV. 11-32. ^c 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons [These two sons represent the professedly religious (the elder) and the openly irreligious (the younger). They have special reference to the two parties found in the first two verses of this chapter --the Pharisees, the publicans and sinners]: 12 and the younger of them [the more childish and easily deceived] said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
From these prerogatives there will arise to the elect in heaven, five notable effects:-- 1. They shall know God with a perfect knowledge (1 Cor. i. 10), so far as creatures can possibly comprehend the Creator. For there we shall see the Word, the Creator; and in the Word, all creatures that by the Word were created; so that we shall not need to learn (of the things which were made) the knowledge of him by whom all things were made. The most excellent creatures in this life, are but as a dark veil …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life 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 Links Genesis 25:9 NIVGenesis 25:9 NLTGenesis 25:9 ESVGenesis 25:9 NASBGenesis 25:9 KJV
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