Genesis 23:8

And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,

And he communed {H1696} with them, saying {H559}, If it be {H3426} your mind {H5315} that I should bury {H6912} my dead {H4191} out of my sight {H6440}; hear {H8085} me, and intreat {H6293} for me to Ephron {H6085} the son {H1121} of Zohar {H6714},

and spoke with them. "If it is your desire to help me bury my dead, then listen to me: ask 'Efron the son of Tzochar

“If you are willing for me to bury my dead,” he said to them, “listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf

And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,

Commentary

Genesis 23:8 records a pivotal moment in Abraham's life after the death of his beloved wife, Sarah. This verse highlights his respectful and strategic approach to securing a burial place for her in the land of Canaan, where he was a sojourner.

Context

Following the passing of Sarah in Kirjath-arba (Hebron), Abraham rises from his mourning to address the local inhabitants, the Hittites. He had already expressed his desire for "a possession of a buryingplace" (Genesis 23:4) and received their gracious offer of their choicest sepulchres. However, Abraham had a specific plot in mind, likely known to be owned by Ephron, and thus sought their mediation.

Key Themes

  • Grief and Proper Burial: Abraham's immediate concern is to "bury my dead out of my sight," reflecting the deep human need for a dignified resting place for loved ones and the closure that comes with proper burial rituals.
  • Diplomacy and Respect: Abraham, despite being a man of great wealth and standing, approaches the Hittites with humility and respect, asking them to "hear me, and intreat for me." This demonstrates his wisdom in navigating cultural protocols and seeking local assistance.
  • First Land Acquisition: This verse sets the stage for Abraham's first tangible acquisition of land in the Promised Land. Although God had promised the entire land to his descendants (Genesis 12:7), this purchase of the Cave of Machpelah becomes a significant down payment on that divine promise.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "he communed with them" comes from the Hebrew word דָּבַר (dabar), which means "to speak, to converse." It implies a purposeful and thoughtful discussion. The word "intreat" (Hebrew: פָּגַע, paga) signifies "to meet, to encounter, or to intercede." Abraham is asking the Hittites to approach Ephron on his behalf, acting as intermediaries in the negotiation for the burial site.

Practical Application

Genesis 23:8 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Honoring the Deceased: It underscores the universal human desire to provide a respectful and proper burial for those who have passed, a practice deeply rooted in many cultures and faiths.
  • Wisdom in Dealings: Abraham's example teaches us the value of respectful negotiation and seeking wise counsel or mediation when dealing with significant transactions or sensitive situations.
  • Patience in God's Promises: While God promised Abraham the entire land, the process began with a single burial plot. This reminds us that God's great promises often unfold through smaller, practical, and sometimes challenging steps, requiring faith and persistence.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 2:17 (2 votes)

    And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.

  • 1 John 2:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

  • 1 John 2:2 (2 votes)

    And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

  • Genesis 25:9 (2 votes)

    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;

  • Luke 7:3 (2 votes)

    And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

  • Luke 7:4 (2 votes)

    And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

  • Hebrews 7:26 (2 votes)

    For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;