Genesis 23:1-20

Abraham managed two camps - one in Hebron, one in Beersheba. Presumably, he was in Beersheba when Sarah died in Hebron. Abraham considered himself a foreigner and a visitor in the land, and Sarah’s death may have reinforced this: he had been promised all this territory but had to buy property for a burial place. While his neighbors never understood him, they deeply respected him, calling him a mighty prince and offering to give him the cave. Every believer is a stranger in this world (Eph. 2:19). Those who make a real impact realize that their ultimate home and meaning is in heaven (1 Chron. 29:15; Heb. 11:9, 13-16).

23:20 | When Abraham died, this property became his burial place too, as it would be for Isaac (35:27-29), Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah (49:31; 50:13). Only Rachel was not buried here (35:16-20).