Genesis 23
1645EABGenesis 23:1
THese were the yeares] Or so long lived she; it is noted as a speciall honour to Sarah, that her age is so exactly set down in the Scripture, as is not observed of any other woman.
Genesis 23:2
Kiriath-arba] This Citie had three names, the ancientest was Mamre, Genesis 13:18. & vers. 19. of this Chapter, after that Kiriath-arba in this place, so called from Arba, a great man among the Anakims, Joshua 14:15. and last of all Hebron, which name Moses might give it by the Spirit of Prophecie, for it was given after his time; or it might be added by him who penned a great part of, if not all, the last Chapter of Deuteronomy.
came to mourne] That may be began or addressed himselfe to mourning for the death of Sarah; or the phrase may signifie that he came from his own Tent into Sarahs, for they had their Tents apart, Genesis 24:67. Besides, it may note great or solemne mourning as for a person much esteemed, 2 Samuel 1:17. 2 Chronicles 35:24. Acts 8:2. and this was lawfull, if done without distrust in God, or too much affection or confidence in man. See John 11:35-36. Some by Abraham his coming to mourne, understand that Sarah died from home (to wit, in Hebron) whither from Beersheba he went to bewaile her death, and to take order for her buriall, and therefore he contracts for a buriall place, which in the place of his accustomed abode, he needed not to bargaine for with any man.
Genesis 23:3
stood up] After his mourning, which was usually done by the corps, or at the grave of the dead, John 11:31. and that in some lower posture then standing is: but the excesse of mourning is to be reproved as hurtfull to the living, or dishonourable to the dead; as if they were hopelesse, 1 Thes. 4. 13. nor doth it argue more love, but lesse wit, or grace to be immoderate in mourning: for the Egyptians mourned for Jacob seventy dayes, but Joseph, who in wisdome, religion, and true love farre exceeded them, mourned but twentie seven dayes, Genesis 50:3,10.
Genesis 23:4
burying place] (Genesis 47:30.) Separate from other Inhabitants of the Land, because they were Infidels without beliefe, or hope of the resurrection of the dead.
Genesis 23:6
a mightie Prince] Heb. Prince of God. The Hebrews speake so of all things that are notable, Exodus 3:1. & Exodus 4:27. Psalms 46:4. because all excellencie cometh of God: but the sonnes of Heth were Heathens, and they called him a Prince, not by an Hebraisme, but because of the greatnesse of his family, and estate; and if they called him a Prince of God, it was because they might observe that God was with him in all that he did, as Abimelech said, Genesis 21:22.
Genesis 23:7
stood up] That is, addressed himselfe, for the phrase (as the word came, vers. 2.) may be so taken; and it is said before, vers. 3. that he stood up, or having sate and treatd with them before, now he stood up that he might bow downe unto them who so kindly condescended unto him.
Genesis 23:9
cave of Macpelah] That is, a double cave, either one for men, another for women, or one within another.
for a possession] They offered him the free use of their buriall places, vers. 6. saying, none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead; but he had rather pay for a propriety, then hold such a communitie with them; for he was desirous in buriall to be separated from them, who did not beleeve the resurrection with him.
Genesis 23:13
I will give] Ephron and Abraham strive to gratifie one another; A good example of kindnesse, among friends, and of justice among bargainers; The like of contestation is betwixt David and Araunah, 2 Sam. 23. vers. 22, 23, 24.
Genesis 23:15
shekels of silver] There are very different opinions concerning the shekel, some make three sorts; the royall shekel valued to fifteene pence, the shekel of the Sanctuary twice as much, and the common shekel betwixt them both, valued at five groats; yet the learned more generally resolve, that the shekel of the Sanctuary was the common shekel valued at two shillings six pence, Josephus Antiq. lib. 3. cap 9. but called the shekel of the Sanctuary, because the exact measure by which other shekels were to be examined, and to which as the standard the were to be reduced, was kept in the Sanctuary.
Genesis 23:16
Abraham weighed] Money was paid in those times not by tale, but by weight: see Genesis 43:21. & Jeremiah 32:10. thence is this coyne called shekel of Schakal to weigh.
current money] Not onely just in quantitie, but in qualitie, pure and not adulterate, such as Merchants who are cunning in Coynes, will receive and returne in any Countrey. In this bargaine the seller doth not aske too much, nor the buyer bid too little, onely one price is pitched, and paid; and so Abraham as a purchaser had some Land in Canaan, but not as possessed of it by Gods gift; and so Saint Steven is to be understood, Acts 7:5.
Genesis 23:17
Macpelah] See the Annot. on Gen. 49 30. & on 5: 9. of this Chapter.
Genesis 23:20
made sure] By witnesses without any interchangeable Indentures, or writings betwixt them, for ought we read of; such was the simplicitie, and sinceritie of those times: afterwards men became more cunning to deceive, and more bold to deny the bargaines they had made, and then there was need of writing: see Jeremiah 32:12. Now in our age craft, and falshood is so increased, that it requireth great skill and caution to make a sure bargaine, though with writings; A great sinne, and shame that in such light of the Gospel men should so addict themselves to deeds of darkenesse.
for a possession] This Cave was the repository or resting place of the bodies of Sarah, vers. 19. and of Abraham afterwards, Genesis 25:9. after them of Isaac, and Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah, Genesis 49:31. and though Jacob died in Egypt, he gave order, and tooke an oath of his sonne Joseph for his buriall in that place, Gen. 49. 29, 30. & 50. vers. 5. as professing their faith for the performance of Gods promise of Canaan to their posteritie; and withall as desirous to sleepe with those in the bed of dust, with whom they hope to awake to eternall rest.