Bible Discussion Thread

Hello again,

This is the account of the death of Sarah at age 127 and how Abraham purchased "the cave of the patriarchs" In Mamre, Hebron (known by other names in other times) also called Kirjath Arba. This territory was known for the Philistines (who later warred with the Israelites up unto David's days. At this time, Abraham lived peaceably as a visitor and foreigner in this land, so he may not owned any land at this time. He negotiated to buy the cave in the field of Ephron, a Hittite. At first it seemed that Ephron was going to give the land to Abraham, but Abraham insisted on paying a fair price for it. He was wise to do so. He wanted to do business above board with his neighbors. Ephron finally named a price and Abraham weighed out the silver in the presence of Ephron and the sons of Heth. Notice that Abraham had only wanted to buy the cave, but Ephron threw in the field it lay in as well. That was his way of honoring Abraham as a "prince" among them. It is apparent that Abraham lived an upright life among these people and they had great respect for him as well as congenial relationships. Abraham did not have any extended family to share his grieving with except for Isaac, it seems. However, the sons of Heth meet with him as he stayed by Sarah's body and supported him in his grief. It is unknown how many of the people in Canaan shared his faith in the True God. This time is still fairly close to the time of Noah as people spread out from Mesopotamia. It is not stated how long the Canaanites had lived in this land, perhaps since Canaan (Noah's grandson) set out with his clan to settle there. I think it is reasonable to think that they were there a few hundred years, since Canaan had to be born and reached adulthood to migrate. there. So, Abraham buried Sarah in peace.

It must have been customary to bury dead in caves. Perhaps it protected the bodies from being disturbed by wild animals and also allowed for kin to be buried in the same cave.