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.

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.

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.

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

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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…

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.