Genesis 23 (KJV) tells the story of the death and burial of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Sarah passed away at the age of 127 in Hebron, and Abraham mourned her deeply. Seeking a proper burial place, Abraham approached the Hittites, the local inhabitants, to negotiate the purchase of a burial site.
Abraham met with the Hittite leaders and expressed his desire to buy a cave called Machpelah, located in a field near Mamre. The Hittites showed respect for Abraham and offered him the choice of any of their burial sites, but he insisted on purchasing the cave from Ephron, a Hittite, at its full price.
Ephron offered to give Abraham the cave, but Abraham insisted on paying for it. The negotiation continued, and Abraham agreed to pay 400 shekels of silver for the field and the cave. The transaction was witnessed by the Hittites, and the field of Machpelah became Abraham’s possession.
This chapter highlights Abraham’s respect for Sarah and his desire to provide her with a proper burial place. It also reveals the cultural customs and negotiations involved in acquiring property and burying the dead during that time.
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