_A.M. 2144. B.C. 1860._ Here is, (1,) _ Abraham a mourner for the death of Sarah, Genesis 23:1._ (2,) Abraham a purchaser of a burying-place for Sarah. 1, The purchase proposed by Abraham, Genesis 23:3; Genesis 23:2, Treated of, and agreed, Genesis 23:5; Genesis 23:3, The purchase- money paid, Gen... [ Continue Reading ]
_The years of the life of Sarah_ Of all the women that had lived, it is the peculiar honour of Sarah, the mother of the faithful, 1 Peter 3:6, to have the number of the years of her whole life recorded in Scripture.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sarah died in Kirjath-arba_, or _city of Arba_ So called, it seems, from _Arba_, a giant, who lived and ruled in those parts, Joshua 14:15; Joshua 15:13. _Abraham came into Sarah's tent to mourn for Sarah._ He did not only perform the ceremonies of mourning according to the custom of those times, b... [ Continue Reading ]
_I am a stranger and a sojourner with you_ Therefore I am unprovided, and must become a suiter to you for a burying-place. This was one occasion which Abraham took to _confess_ that he was _a stranger and a pilgrim upon earth._ The death of our relations should effectually put us in remembrance, tha... [ Continue Reading ]
_The children of Heth answered_ From Abraham's treating with the people of Heth, and from many other transactions related in the Scriptures, it seems as if kings and magistrates in those days did nothing of a public nature, but in conjunction with the people; and that the people had a great share in... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou art a prince of God_ So it is in the original, not only _great_, but _good._ He called _himself a stranger_ and a _sojourner_, they call him a great prince; and well they might, considering his wealth, prosperity, and retinue, and the simple manners of those times.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abraham bowed himself_ Thus returning them thanks for their kind offer, with all proper decency and respect. Religion not only allows, but requires civility and good manners, and those gestures which express it, and every professor of it should carefully avoid rudeness and clownishness. “Love doth... [ Continue Reading ]
_The field I give thee_ Thus Ephron manifests his generosity. So far was he from needing to be entreated to _sell_ it, that, upon the first mention, he freely gives it. _In the presence of my people_ Grants, or contracts, were then made before all the people, or their representatives. And the gates... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will give thee money_ Abraham was rich in silver and gold, and therefore thought it unjust to take advantage of Ephron's generosity. Perhaps, also, there may be weight in Le Clerc's observation: “The orientals,” says he, “seem to have had the same notions about burying- places, which prevailed am... [ Continue Reading ]
_A burying-place_ It is worth noting, 1st, That a burying-place was the _first_ spot of ground Abraham was possessed of in Canaan. 2d, That it was the only piece of land he was ever possessed of, though it was all his own in reversion. Those that have least of this earth find a grave in it.... [ Continue Reading ]