The Cave of Machpelah
Genesis 23:3-20
And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying,…


I. ABRAHAM'S SORROW.

II. ABRAHAM'S PURCHASE. Strange possession to be the first portion in the land which was promised! A place to bury the dead in — yet observe how this very purchase is an act of faith and a pledge for the future fulfilment of God's promises.

III. ABRAHAM'S HOPE (Hebrews 11:13-16). We Christians to whom more light has been granted concerning the hopes of "the heavenly city" beyond this earthly life can see how, in Jesus Christ and His gospel, the sorrow for the dead and the fear of death are changed into thankfulness and hope. In Christ's death, burial, resurrection we trace an upward course to life eternal. Death is conquered. "Paradise" is the peaceful resting-place of those who "sleep in Jesus." Heaven is the final fulness of joy.

(W. S. Smith, B. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying,

WEB: Abraham rose up from before his dead, and spoke to the children of Heth, saying,




Significance of Behaviour in the Presence of Grief
Top of Page
Top of Page