Genesis:23

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* Verse 1-13 - The longest life must shortly come to a close . Blessed be God that there is a world where sin , death , vanity , and vexation cannot enter . Blessed be his name , that even death cannot part believers from union with Christ . Those whom we most love , yea , even our own bodies , which we so care for , must soon become loathsome lumps of clays , and be buried out of sight . How loose then should we be to all earthly attachments and adornments ! Let us seek rather that our souls be adorned with heavenly graces . Abraham rendered honour and respect to the princes of Heth , although of the ungodly Canaanites . The religion of the Bible enjoins to pay due respect to all in authority , without flattering their persons , or countenancing their crimes if they are unworthy characters . And the noble generosity of these Canaanites shames and condemns the closeness , selfishness , and ill-humour of many that call themselves Israelites . It was not in pride that Abraham refused the gift , because he scorned to be beholden to Ephron ; but in justice and in prudence . Abraham was able to pay for the field , and therefore would not take advantage of Ephron 's generosity . Honesty , as well as honour , forbids us to take advantage of our neighbour 's liberality , and to impose , upon those who give freely . * Verse 14-20 - Prudence , as well as justice , directs us to be fair and open in our dealings ; cheating bargains will not bear the light . Abraham , without fraud or delay , pays the money . He pays it at once in full , without keeping any part back ; and by weight , current money with the merchant , without deceit . See how anciently money was used for the help of trade , and how honestly it should be paid when it is due . Though all the land of Canaan was Abraham by promise , yet the time of his possessing it not being come , what he had occasion for he bought and paid for . Dominion is not founded in grace . The saints ' title to an eternal inheritance does not entitle them to the possessions of this world , nor justify them in doing wrong . Ephron honestly and fairly makes a good title to the land . As that which is bought , must be honestly paid for , so that which is sold , must be honestly delivered and secured . Let us manage our concerns with punctuality and exactness , in order to avoid contention . Abraham buried Sarah in cave . or vault , which was in the purchased field . It would tend to endear the land to his posterity . And it is worth noting , that a burying-place was the only piece of the land which Abraham possessed in Canaan . Those who have least of this earth , find a grave in it . This sepulchre was at the end of the field ; whatever our possessions are , there is a burial-place at the end of them . It was a token of his belief and expectation of the resurrection . Abraham is contented to be still a pilgrim while he lives , but secures a place where , when he dies , his flesh may rest in hope . After all , the chief concern is , with whom we shall rise . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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