Genesis 23

Matthew Poole’s English Annotations on the Bible on Genesis Chapter 23

Introduction

Gen. 23
Sarah’s age and death; Abraham mourns,
Gen. 23:1–2
.
He speaks to the sons of Heth for a burying-place,
Gen. 23:3–4
.
They offer him the choice of their sepulchres,
Gen. 23:5–6
.
Abraham desires to purchase a field of Ephron,
Gen. 23:8–9
.
Ephron would give it him,
Gen. 23:10–15
.
Abraham purchases it, and weighs the silver,
Gen. 23:16
.
The field made sure to Abraham for a possession before witnesses,
Gen. 23:17–20
.

Genesis 23:1

This is the peculiar honour of Sarah the mother of the faithful,
1 Pet. 3:6
, to have the years of her life numbered in Scripture.

Genesis 23:2

Kirjath-arba, or, the city of Arba; so called probably from a giant or great man called Arba, who lived and ruled in those parts. See
Josh. 14:15
,
Josh. 15:13
. It is objected against this scripture, that this city was not called Hebron till Joshua’s time,
Josh. 14:15
; but this is a mistake, Joshua doth not say so, but only that the name of Hebron before, ( or in old time), as this very particle is rendered,
Deut. 2:20
, and elsewhere. So the sense is, the most ancient name of it was Kirjath-arba. Nor doth Joshua there give any account or reason of this change of the name at that time, or upon that occasion, as the sacred writers used to do in such cases, but rather supposeth that Hebron was the name of it before he came thither; and how long before that time he doth not express. Abraham came into Sarah’s tent, (see
Gen. 18:6–9
)
to weep for her, according to the laudable custom of all ages and nations, to manifest their sense of God’s hand upon them, and of their own loss. See
Gen. 50:3
,
Deut. 34:8
;c.

Genesis 23:3

To show his moderation in sorrow, and to take care for her burial, according to his duty.

Genesis 23:4

The privilege of burial hath been always sought and prized by all nations, whom nature and humanity teacheth to preserve the bodies of men, which have been the temples of reasonable and immortal souls, from contempt and violation; so especially by Christians, as a testimony and pledge of their future resurrection. See
Num. 33:4
,
Deut. 31:23
,
Job 5:26
. For which cause Abraham desires a distinct burying-place separated from the pagan people.
With you, in Canaan. There he, and after him other patriarchs, earnestly desired to be buried, upon this account, that it might confirm their own and their children’s faith in God’s promise, and animate their children in due time to take possession of the land. See
Gen. 25:9
,
Gen. 47:29–30
,
Gen. 50:13
,
Gen. 50:25
,
Ex. 13:19
,
Heb. 11:22
.
That I may bury my dead out of my sight; so she that before was the desire of his eyes,
Ezek. 24:16
, is now, being dead, become their torment.

Genesis 23:6

Hear us, my lord: here is a conjunction of the plural and singular number, because though but one person spake, yet he spake in the name of the whole community.
A mighty prince; Heb. a prince of God. Great and excellent persons or things are oft expressed by adding the name of God. See
Gen. 13:10
. Or, by prince of God, they understand a prince favoured and beloved of God.
In the choice of our sepulchres; for each family had a distinct sepulchre.

Genesis 23:7

i.e. Showed a civil respect to them in testimony of his thankfulness. Religion allows and requires civility, and those gestures which express it.
To the people of the land; to the governors of the people, who managed all public affairs in the people’s name and stead, and for their good.
The children of Heth, so called from Heth the son of Canaan,
Gen. 10:15
.

Genesis 23:8

Heb. If it be with, i.e. agreeable to, your soul, that is, your will, or good pleasure; for so the soul is sometimes taken, as
Deut. 23:24
,
Ps. 27:12
,
Ps. 41:2
.

Genesis 23:9

Machpelah, which seems to be the proper name of the place,
Gen. 23:17
,
Gen. 23:19
, so called from its duplicity, because the cave was double, either one for men, and another for women; or the one served only for an entrance into the other, which was the burying-place.
For as much money as it is worth; Heb. for full money,
1 Chron. 21:22
,
1 Chron. 21:24
; i.e. for money of full weight, answerable to its worth.

Genesis 23:10

Ephron dwelt, Heb. did sit, to wit, at that time, as one of the chief or rulers of the people; for so the word sitting is oft used, as we shall see hereafter.
His city; either where he was born, or at least where he lived.

Genesis 23:13

But if thou wilt give it; it is a short speech, and something must be supplied; either if thou wilt give or resign it to me; or, if thou be the man of whom I speak; for though Abraham knew his name, he might not know him by face, nor that he was then present. He prudently chose rather to buy it than to receive it as a gift, partly because it would be the surer to him and his,
Gen. 23:17
,
Gen. 23:20
, and partly because he would not have too great obligations to his pagan neighbours.

Genesis 23:15

He speaks of the common shekel, which many value at fifteen pence of English money; but others, more probably, at two shillings and sixpence, rightly, as I conceive, supposing that this was of the same weight and value with the shekel of the sanctuary, which was so called, not as if that were double to the former, but only because all shekels were to be examined by that standard which was kept in the sanctuary.
What is that betwixt me and thee? both friends, and rich men; it is not worth any words or trouble between us.

Genesis 23:16

In those times silver was paid by weight,
Gen. 43:21
,
Jer. 32:10
.
Current money with the merchant, i.e. right for quality as well as weight in the judgment of merchants, whose frequent dealing in it makes them more able to judge of it.
Genesis 23