TRV
Translation
King James Version
And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;
Complete Jewish Bible
Yitz'chak and Yishma'el his sons buried him in the cave of Makhpelah, in the field of 'Efron the son of Tzochar the Hitti, by Mamre,
Berean Standard Bible
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.
American Standard Version
And Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;
World English Bible Messianic
Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And his sonnes, Izhak and Ishmael buryed him in the caue of Machpelah, in the fielde of Ephron sonne of Zohar the Hittite, before Mamre.
Young's Literal Translation
And Isaac and Ishmael his sons bury him at the cave of Machpelah, at the field of Ephron, son of Zoar the Hittite, which is before Mamre--
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Commentary on Genesis 25 verses 1–10
1 ¶ Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.
2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
3 And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.
4 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
5 And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.
6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.
7 And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years.
8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;
10 The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.
Abraham lived, after the marriage of Isaac, thirty-five years, and all that is recorded concerning him during the time lies here in a very few verses. We hear no more of God's extraordinary appearances to him or trials of him; for all the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not eminent days, some slide on silently, and neither come nor go with observation; such were these last days of Abraham. We have here,
I. An account of his children by Keturah, another wife whom he married after the death of Sarah. He had buried Sarah and married Isaac, the two dear companions of his life, and was now solitary. He wanted a nurse, his family wanted a governess, and it was not good for him to be thus alone. He therefore marries Keturah, probably the chief of his maid-servants, born in his house or bought with money. Marriage is not forbidden to old age. By her he had six sons, in whom the promise made to Abraham concerning the great increase of his posterity was in part fulfilled, which, it is likely, he had an eye to this marriage. The strength he received by the promise still remained in him, to show how much the virtue of the promise exceeds the power of nature.
II. The disposition which Abraham made of his estate, Gen 25:5, Gen 25:6. After the birth of these sons, he set his house in order, with prudence and justice. 1. He made Isaac his heir, as he was bound to do, in justice to Sarah his first and principal wife, and to Rebekah who married Isaac upon the assurance of it, Gen 24:36. In this all, which he settled upon Isaac, are perhaps included the promise of the land of Canaan, and the entail of the covenant. Or, God having already made him the heir of the promise, Abraham therefore made him heir of his estate. Our affection and gifts should attend God's. 2. He gave portions to the rest of his children, both to Ishmael, though at first he was sent empty away, and to his sons by Keturah. It was justice to provide for them; parents that do not imitate him in this are worse than infidels. It was prudence to settle them in places distant from Isaac, that they might not pretend to divide the inheritance with him, nor be in any way a care or expense to him. Observe, He did this while he yet lived, lest it should not be done, or not so well done, afterwards. Note, In many cases it is wisdom for men to make their own hands their executors, and what they find to do to do it while they live, as far as they can. These sons of the concubines were sent into the country that lay east from Canaan, and their posterity were called the children of the east, famous for their numbers, Jdg 6:5, Jdg 6:33. Their great increase was the fruit of the promise made to Abraham, that God would multiply his seed. God, in dispensing his blessings, does as Abraham did; common blessings he gives to the children of this world, as to the sons of the bond-woman, but covenant-blessings he reserves for the heirs of promise. All that he has is theirs, for they are his Isaacs, from whom the rest shall be for ever separated.
III. The age and death of Abraham, Gen 25:7, Gen 25:8. He lived 175 years, just 100 years after he came to Canaan; so long he was a sojourner in a strange country. Though he lived long and lived well, though he did good and could ill be spared, yet he died at last. Observe how his death is here described. 1. He gave up the ghost. Hes life was not extorted from him, but he cheerfully resigned it; into the hands of the Father of spirits he committed his spirit. 2. He died in a good old age, an old man; so God had promised him. His death was his discharge from the burdens of his age: an old man would not so live always. It was also the crown of the glory of his old age. 3. He was full of years, or full of life (as it might be supplied), including all the conveniences and comforts of life. He did not live till the world was weary of him, but till he was weary of the world; he had had enough of it, and desired no more. Vixi quantum satis est - I have lived long enough. A good man, though he should not die old, dies full of days, satisfied with living here, and longing to live in a better place. 4. He was gathered to his people. His body was gathered to the congregation of the dead, and his soul to the congregation of the blessed. Note, Death gathers us to our people. Those that are our people while we live, whether the people of God or the children of this world, are the people to whom death will gather us.
IV. His burial, Gen 25:9, Gen 25:10. Here is nothing recorded of the pomp or ceremony of his funeral; only we are told, 1. Who buried him: His sons Isaac and Ishmael. It was the last office of respect they had to pay to their good father. Some distance there had formerly been between Isaac and Ishmael; but it seems either that Abraham had himself brought them together while he lived, or at least that his death reconciled them. 2. Where they buried him: in his own burying-place, which he had purchased, and in which he had buried Sarah. Note, Those that in life have been very dear to each other may not only innocently, but laudably, desire to be buried together, that in their deaths they may not be divided, and in token of their hopes of rising together.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 25:9 records the solemn occasion of Abraham's burial, a poignant moment where his estranged sons, Isaac and Ishmael, unite to inter their father in the Cave of Machpelah. This act not only signifies the peaceful conclusion of the patriarch's long and faithful life but also underscores the enduring significance of the land God had promised Abraham, as his final resting place becomes a tangible marker of that divine covenant.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Narrative Economy is evident in its concise yet information-rich statement, efficiently summarizing a significant event. The inclusion of both Isaac and Ishmael creates a powerful moment of Symbolism, representing familial reconciliation and the enduring, albeit complex, nature of Abraham's legacy. The burial in the Cave of Machpelah, the first legally owned piece of the promised land, serves as a tangible Symbol of God's faithfulness to His covenant, even in death. Furthermore, the meticulous geographical details and naming of individuals like Ephron and Zohar lend Verisimilitude and historical grounding to the narrative, reinforcing its authenticity and importance within the broader biblical account.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The burial of Abraham by both Isaac and Ishmael in the Cave of Machpelah is rich with theological significance. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, as Abraham, the patriarch of faith, is laid to rest in the very land that was the subject of divine pledge. This act also serves as a poignant testament to the enduring power of family, demonstrating that even deep-seated conflicts and estrangement can be temporarily set aside in moments of shared grief and filial duty. It underscores the importance of legacy, as Abraham's death marks not an end, but a transition of God's unfolding plan through his descendants.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 25:9 offers timeless insights into the enduring power of family, even amidst fractured relationships. The image of Isaac and Ishmael, once at odds, standing side-by-side at their father's grave, serves as a powerful reminder that common ground, especially in moments of shared grief or significant life events, can bridge deep divides. It underscores the importance of honoring one's parents and acknowledging the legacy they leave behind, recognizing that even imperfect families can find moments of unity. For believers, this verse also reinforces the faithfulness of God; Abraham, the "father of faith," is laid to rest in the very land that was the subject of God's initial covenant promise, affirming that God's plans unfold across generations, even beyond an individual's lifetime. This quiet but profound conclusion to Abraham's earthly journey emphasizes God's continuous work through his chosen lineage and the certainty of His promises, calling us to trust in His long-term faithfulness even when circumstances seem fragmented.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Ishmael present at Abraham's burial, given his earlier expulsion?
Answer: Ishmael's presence signifies a moment of familial reconciliation or at least a temporary setting aside of past conflicts for the shared purpose of honoring their father. Despite the painful history of his and Hagar's expulsion, as detailed in Genesis 21:14, the enduring bond of fatherhood and shared grief brought the half-brothers together. This demonstrates the powerful and often complex nature of family ties, where duty and respect can transcend long-standing divisions.
What is the significance of Abraham being buried in the Cave of Machpelah?
Answer: The Cave of Machpelah was the first piece of the promised land that Abraham legally owned, acquired through a meticulous transaction described in Genesis 23. His burial there, alongside Sarah, underscores the tangible beginning of God's promise of land to him and his descendants, as first articulated in Genesis 12:7. It served as an ancestral tomb, solidifying his claim to the land and providing a physical link for future generations to God's covenant, symbolizing the certainty of God's word.
Does this verse imply a complete and lasting reconciliation between Isaac and Ishmael?
Answer: While the verse highlights a profound moment of unity and shared purpose, it does not explicitly state a complete and lasting reconciliation between Isaac and Ishmael. It rather portrays a specific act of shared familial duty and respect for their deceased father. The text focuses on the immediate act of burial, leaving the long-term nature of their relationship open to interpretation. However, it certainly suggests a significant moment of peace and a temporary setting aside of past grievances, united by their common bond to Abraham.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The burial of Abraham in the promised land, facilitated by the unity of his two sons, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ. Abraham's rest in the Cave of Machpelah points to the secure and eternal inheritance that believers receive in Christ, who is the true "seed" of Abraham (as affirmed in Galatians 3:16) through whom all nations are blessed. The temporary reconciliation between Isaac and Ishmael, disparate sons of Abraham, hints at the far greater reconciliation and unity that Christ brings between all peoples—Jew and Gentile—into one body, the Church, by breaking down the dividing wall of hostility through His sacrifice (as taught in Ephesians 2:14-16). Just as Abraham's death marked the transition of God's promise to his descendants, Christ's death and resurrection secured the spiritual inheritance and eternal life for all who believe, ensuring a lasting peace and an unfading inheritance in the true promised land, the new heavens and new earth, where God's people will dwell with Him forever (revealed in Revelation 21:1-4).