Sarah’s Death

Genesis 23:1–20
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This chapter records the funeral of one of the most remarkable and most loved women in the Bible. It reveals Abraham’s grief, Sarah’s grave and Ephron’s gift. Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose age at death is recorded. She was 127 years old when she died and a good example of a woman who followed her husband to the end.

1. Abraham’s grief (vv. 1-6) - There is no doubt about it that Abraham loved his wife of over 60 years. Verse two says, “Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.” Abraham’s heart broke and tears ran freely from his eyes. If there is one time in particular that a believers testimony should really stand clear it is when death visits the home. Abraham’s testimony was “I am a stranger and a sojourner” (v. 4). A stranger is a person who finds himself in a place where he does not naturally belong. A sojourner is a temporary resident and one who is only staying for a little while.

2. Sarah’s grave (vv. 7-18) - Sarah’s grave is important because it was the only piece of land that Abraham ever personally owned on this earth. It is interesting to note that the only part of the promised land that Abraham ever owned, he bought, and it was a burial cave. The cave in the field of Machpelah before Mamre became the burial spot for Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah and Jacob.

3.. Nephron’s gift (vv. 19-20) - It appears that the tomb was offered to Abraham as an outright gift but we learn that Nephron never had any intentions of giving it to him. He knew exactly what he was going to ask for it. In fact the sons of Heth paid for it (v. 20).

Application

As Abraham, in hope, purchased a grave site in the land, so I, as a believer have a hope beyond this life. Death in this life, which is temporary, is only the beginning of eternal life which will last forever. I already know more people there than I know who are still living in this life.