Genesis 23:10 Ephron the Hittite was sitting among his people and he replied to Abraham in the hearing of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city.
The commentary that I have been using says that today’s exchange is common when it comes to the negotiation of price at that time. The party that owns the land offers to give it freely, knowing that the other party will refuse. Party two refuses, knowing that it is part of the negotiation process. Party one offers a price that is high as a starting point for negotiations, and party two negotiates from there.
Genesis 23:11 “No, my lord,” he said. “Listen to me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead.”
The commentary I pulled up yesterday had a completely different spin. It posited that Ephron offered to give Abraham the land because Ephron is generous and Abraham has been generous. This is a sign of respect for that generosity. Commentary says Abraham refused 1. out of a sense of justice. He wanted to be sure Ephron got the money he deserved for his land and 2. because Abraham didn’t want any future heirs of Ephron to contest Sarah’s right to be buried there.
Genesis 23:12 Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land
Precious Savior, Reading scripture can be confusing enough without completely different accounts in commentary. Thank You for the ability to see varying accounts as possibilities since none of us were there to really know. Thank You for the ability to read various accounts so that I can make up my own mind about a situation. Help me draw closer to You. Always. Amen.
Genesis 23:13 and he said to Ephron in their hearing, “Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead there.”
Have a blessed day.