Genesis 23:5-6 The Hittites replied to Abraham, “Sir, listen to us. You are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead.”
My normal commentary had precious little to say about today’s verses, so I pulled up a different commentary, and it was really interesting. That commentary talks about the process of grief and mourning–how it is necessary, it is honoring those we have lost, but we have to keep grief from overwhelming us, from consuming us. For Abraham, that shift came when he began looking for a burial place for Sarah.
Genesis 23:7 Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites.
Commentary also talks about death as a reminder that this world is not our home, that physical death is not our end, that because of Jesus, we have the hope of heaven, we have the promise of eternity. Physical death, physical separation is so very hard, but it’s not the end. This world is not our home. That’s definitely worth remembering.
Genesis 23:8 He said to them, “If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf
Precious Savior, You know how I struggle with death, with losing those I love. It is so very hard. Thank You for the hope of heaven, for the promise of eternity that can only come from You. Death is a part of life. Draw us close when it touches us, help us to feel Your love and peace, help us to remember this earth is not our home. Help us in our grief. Amen.
Genesis 23:9 so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you.”
Have a blessed day.