39. Abraham Buried Sarah in Canaan (Gen 23:1-20)

Though they offered him to use their tombs, Abraham insisted to have his own burial place. He wanted to make Canaan his homeland.

Please Read Gen 23:1-20

In those days, people buried their dead in their native homelands. Sarah’s burial in Canaan indicates Abraham’s thought of Canaan as his new [                ]. (not in the Bible)

After Sarah died, Abraham went to the residents of that land and said, “I am a (                        ). Grant me (                    ) of a burial site among you.”

But they had wanted Abraham to bury his wife in their tombs (verses            ). But Abraham wanted to own it and requested the cave of Machpelah (verses            ). Then, the cave owner wanted to sell both the field and the cave (verses           ). Abraham bought it for 400 silver pieces, which was very expensive.  (verses          ).

Find four verses saying the purchase was made before many witnesses, so thus was official.

Answers & Meditation

Homeland

Abraham regarded Canaan, a foreign land for him, as his homeland because God had promised so.

Is the kingdom of God your homeland? What deeds of yours tell that?

Foreign resident, ownership

They offered Abraham to use their burial places. This meant Abraham would become part of their tribe. This seemed an easy solution. Also, God didn’t say anything about Sarah’s burial, thus, it was totally left to Abraham’s decision.

However, Abraham wanted to own the land.  This shows the longing for God's promise.

5-6, 7-9, 10-11, 14-16

10, 13, 16, 18

The Bible emphasizes that Abraham made the purchase an official transaction and secured it as his property. (verses 16-20)

Paying 400 silver pieces show Abraham’s longing for the promised land. Though God promised it would be given to him, he wanted to secure it by all means.

Isn’t it a waste if we spend time and money for things that will be given to us? Because it's ours anyway. However, if we adore it, we will try to get it any earlier. Think of the Zacchaeus who climbed up the mulberry tree without waiting the Lord to come.

The blessing we get from the Lord’s presence is much greater than the time and money that we spend to come to the Lord. Jesus said in Matthew 11:12, “the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.”

Though we are given the promise of the kingdom of God and the Lord's presence, we would use all resources to get it. Such a heart is faith. Maranatha! (Lord, come quickly!)

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