The Hittites, an ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, played a significant role in the narrative of the patriarchs, particularly in the life of Abraham. The Hittites' offer is a notable event recorded in the book of Genesis, which highlights the interactions between Abraham and the Hittite people regarding the acquisition of a burial site for his wife, Sarah.

Biblical Context

The account of the Hittites' offer is found in Genesis 23. After the death of Sarah, Abraham sought to secure a burial place for her. At this time, Abraham was residing in the land of Canaan, specifically in Hebron, where the Hittites were among the inhabitants. Despite being a sojourner in the land, Abraham had established a reputation of respect and influence among the local people.

The Offer

Upon Sarah's death, Abraham approached the Hittites to request a burial site. Genesis 23:3-4 records Abraham's words: "Then Abraham got up from beside his dead wife and said to the Hittites, 'I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.'"

The Hittites responded with respect and generosity, acknowledging Abraham as a "mighty prince" among them. They offered him the choice of their tombs, saying, "None of us will withhold his tomb for burying your dead" (Genesis 23:6). This offer reflects the esteem in which Abraham was held and the cultural practices of hospitality and respect for the dead.

Negotiation and Purchase

Despite the generous offer, Abraham insisted on purchasing a specific piece of land, the cave of Machpelah, owned by Ephron the Hittite. This insistence on a legal transaction underscores Abraham's desire to establish a permanent and legitimate claim to the land, which would later hold significant ancestral importance.

Ephron initially offered the field and the cave to Abraham as a gift, but Abraham persisted in his wish to pay for it. The negotiation culminated in Abraham agreeing to Ephron's price of four hundred shekels of silver, a substantial sum, ensuring the transaction was conducted with integrity and transparency. Genesis 23:16 states, "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants."

Significance

The Hittites' offer and the subsequent purchase of the cave of Machpelah hold theological and historical significance. This event marks the first recorded acquisition of land in Canaan by Abraham, symbolizing the initial fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to his descendants. The cave of Machpelah became the family burial site, where Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob were later interred, establishing a tangible connection to the Promised Land.

The narrative also illustrates the importance of legal and ethical dealings, as Abraham's insistence on purchasing the land reflects a commitment to righteousness and justice. The respectful interaction between Abraham and the Hittites serves as an example of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between different peoples.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Hittites were part of the larger Hittite Empire, which was a prominent power in the ancient Near East. Their presence in Canaan during the time of the patriarchs is well-documented in both biblical and extrabiblical sources. The Hittites' offer to Abraham is consistent with the cultural norms of hospitality and respect for elders and foreigners, which were prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies.

In summary, the Hittites' offer to Abraham is a pivotal moment in biblical history, reflecting themes of faith, promise, and integrity. The transaction for the cave of Machpelah not only provided a burial site for Sarah but also laid the groundwork for the future inheritance of the land by Abraham's descendants.