Genesis 23:14

¹³and said to Ephron in their presence, “If you will please listen to me, I will pay you the price of the field. Accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there.”¹⁴Ephron answered Abraham, ¹⁵“Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

Sermons

(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5

Chuck Smith

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Summary

In this verse, Abraham insists on paying full price for the field he desires to bury his wife Sarah, demonstrating his respect for the Hittite landowners and his desire to honor Sarah in death. This act reflects Abraham's integrity and his willingness to abide by local customs and laws, even though he was a foreigner in the land. Abraham's actions serve as an example of conducting oneself with honesty, fairness, and respect towards others, showcasing his character as a man of faith and honor.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron,.... He agreed at once to give him the sum proposed, judging it to be a moderate price between man and man, and he was satisfied with it, and well content to pay him the money: and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver: for in those times money had no mark or stamp upon it to show its value, and therefore was not told by pieces, but weighed, by which its full worth was known; and that Ephron might have his whole and just demand, the silver was weighed to him: which he had named, in the audience of the sons of Heth; who were witnesses of the bargain, of the price set by Ephron, and of the payment of it by Abraham: four hundred shekels of silver: the sum before mentioned, Gen 23:15, current money with the merchant; such as was used by merchants in buying and selling; such as they would receive, who knew the value of it, and were careful not to take any that was bad; wherefore such as would pass, with them would go anywhere, was current money; how all this is consistent with what Stephen says; See Gill on Act 7:16.