Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
The death of Sarah, Abraham applies for a (1–13)
burying-place.
Sarah's burying-place. (14–20)Verses 1–13
The longest life must shortly come to a close. Blessed be God that there is a world where sin,
death, vanity, and vexation cannot enter. Blessed be his name, that even death cannot part believers
from union with Christ. Those whom we most love, yea, even our own bodies, which we so care
for, must soon become loathsome lumps of clays, and be buried out of sight. How loose then should
we be to all earthly attachments and adornments! Let us seek rather that our souls be adorned with
heavenly graces. Abraham rendered honour and respect to the princes of Heth, although of the
ungodly Canaanites. The religion of the Bible enjoins to pay due respect to all in authority, without
flattering their persons, or countenancing their crimes if they are unworthy characters. And the
noble generosity of these Canaanites shames and condemns the closeness, selfishness, and ill-humour
of many that call themselves Israelites. It was not in pride that Abraham refused the gift, because
he scorned to be beholden to Ephron; but in justice and in prudence. Abraham was able to pay for
the field, and therefore would not take advantage of Ephron's generosity. Honesty, as well as honour,
forbids us to take advantage of our neighbour's liberality, and to impose, upon those who give
freely.
Verses 14–20
Prudence, as well as justice, directs us to be fair and open in our dealings; cheating bargains
will not bear the light. Abraham, without fraud or delay, pays the money. He pays it at once in full,
without keeping any part back; and by weight, current money with the merchant, without deceit.
See how anciently money was used for the help of trade, and how honestly it should be paid when
it is due. Though all the land of Canaan was Abraham by promise, yet the time of his possessing
it not being come, what he had occasion for he bought and paid for. Dominion is not founded in
grace. The saints' title to an eternal inheritance does not entitle them to the possessions of this world,
nor justify them in doing wrong. Ephron honestly and fairly makes a good title to the land. As that
which is bought, must be honestly paid for, so that which is sold, must be honestly delivered and
secured. Let us manage our concerns with punctuality and exactness, in order to avoid contention.
Abraham buried Sarah in cave. or vault, which was in the purchased field. It would tend to endear
the land to his posterity. And it is worth noting, that a burying-place was the only piece of the land
which Abraham possessed in Canaan. Those who have least of this earth, find a grave in it. This
sepulchre was at the end of the field; whatever our possessions are, there is a burial-place at the
end of them. It was a token of his belief and expectation of the resurrection. Abraham is contented