Genesis 23:17 So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field—was deeded
Both commentaries mentioned business practices that we see Abraham engage in. According to these verses, business dealings should be courteous, fair, and prudent; fair, open, and above-board. I’m not convinced that everyone in business these days subscribes to these practices. It’s definitely something that everyone needs to examine in their own dealings.
Genesis 23:18 to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city.
One commentary also mentions that Sarah’s burial plot is the first land that Abraham owns and that that fact should help ground us all and keep us focused on our impact in this life and not on collecting physical possessions. As the saying goes, “None of us are going to make it out of here alive.” And we can’t take anything with us when we go. So it makes sense to focus on the good we can do while we are here.
Genesis 23:19 Afterward Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre (which is at Hebron) in the land of Canaan.
Precious Savior, Once again I am reminded of the Ram Dass quote, “We are all just walking each other home.” This world is not our home, and we can’t take anything with us when we go. Help us to focus on relationships with others, on being your hands and feet, on doing all the good that we can while we are here. Help us, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 23:20 So the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site.
Have a blessed day.