Take Two: Genesis 23, Proverbs 14

Gen 23 details the death of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Sarah was 127 at her death. Abraham went to the people of the land in Hebron, the sons of Heth, and asked to purchase a grave for his wife (Gen 23:1-4). The people told him that he was well respected and could have the choicest place. Abraham asked for a specific location which belonged to Ephron, the son of Zohar (Gen 23:9).

Ephron wanted to give the cave and the land near it to Abraham, but Abraham asked to pay full price for it (Gen 23:11-13). After some negotiation, Ephron named the value of the land and Abraham paid it, in full, without negotiation in the presence of all of the people (Gen 23:15-16).

This parcel of land became a possession for Abraham. In fact, it is the only piece/parcel of land that Abraham owned in Canaan, the land which he was promised as an inheritance (Acts 7:5).

Two observations that I saw as significant:

First, the cultural practice of the day would have dictated that a person bury family in their homeland. It would have been natural to return to whatever place Abraham would call home to bury his wife. He chose to bury her in Canaan, the land which God had promised him. This implied that Abraham still believed in the covenant promise of God as if it were already so. (it is closely akin to praying for rain with an umbrella in one's hand.) Canaan was Abraham's land even though he was only a wanderer in it (by every measure of the standard of man.)

Second, while the "back and forth" on the price of the land would have been culturally normal, it is significant to me that Abraham would not accept the land without paying full price. His act of respect and love toward his wife in her burial was not a cheap act. Had he been given the cave or given the land, the value of his act would have been somewhat cheapened. In the same manner, our act of worship to God should be one of value to us. God is not pleased in the value of the gift as much as the value of the gift to the one who gave it. In other words, God is not one who respects one's sacrificed lamb more highly than another's sacrificed lamb because the lamb cost more or had a better pedigree. Jesus affirmed the widow's offering over the plentious offerings of the wealthy because the widow gave from her poverty while the wealthy gave from their overflow (Mark 12:42-43). Our service to God...our worship of God...should demonstrate how we value Him. That demonstration is seen in the price we are willing to pay...the sacrifice we will make...to worship Him. Whether one "tips" God in their giving or their living...demonstrates how much they value Him.

Abraham loved Sarah. This is seen, not only in his devotion to her throughout his life, but also in the honor he showed her in her burial.

Proverbs 14:2 is the takeaway today. You can tell more about a person's heart toward God by his actions than his words. Many can profess to love God. Less people possess a love for God. The way to know is to see how they live their life.

Grace,