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PAGE 22
Abraham
Mourning the Death of Sarah
But in the meantime, we're also told about the passing of Abraham's wife Sarah. For we find, that she passes away, at the age of 127.
(Bible Study Online Article Covers : Genesis 22:20-24 / 23:1-20)
Short-Recap
In the last article, we'd discovered that the Lord had given Abraham another "faith challenge test." Know that this particular test dealt with Abraham being told by God to offer up Isaac as an offering unto Him. Keep in mind that Isaac is the only son that Abraham and Sarah had together. Know that Abraham would do what the Lord had asked of him, without hesitation.
For you must understand that for Abraham, this particular act would show that he had tremendous trust and faith when it came to the Lord. For we must not forget that Abraham had loved Isaac, with all his heart.
But despite this love that he had for Isaac, we eventually find that as Abraham was about to strike Isaac with the sacrificial fatal blow, the Lord stepped in and stopped him.
And because of this, the Lord would commend Abraham when it came to his obedience and faith: "Do not lay a hand on the boy; do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." -- Genesis 22:12
The Sons of Nahor
However, we now move forward. And it's at this point in our journey that we find the Sacred Record informing us that Abraham had received some good news regarding his sister-in-law, Milcah. Know that Milcah was married to Abraham's brother Nahor. And together, they had two sons between them: "Uz the firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel (the father of Aram), Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph and Bethuel." -- (Genesis 22:21)
Understand that this small piece of genealogical information is revealed by the Sacred Record solely for the sake of Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah, for you must know that these three women would play pivotal roles in the future generations of Abraham and the nation of Israel as a whole.
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The Children of Bethuel
Now, Bethuel, the fifth son born to Nahor and Milcah, would also have children of his own one day. Out of those children, he would have a daughter who was named Rebekah. Now, remember that Rebekah would eventually become the wife of Abraham's son, Isaac.
Also know that Bethuel would have a son born unto him, and he named him Laban. Now, when it comes to Laban, see that he would have two daughters born unto him, whom he called Rachel and Leah. Now, remember that Rachel and Leah would eventually become the future wives of Isaac's son Jacob, who was also known as Israel.
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The Death of Sarah
However, some time will pass, and people will come and go, for we must understand that the Holy Scriptures have just set Abraham's seed in motion for the next couple of generations. However, in the meantime, we're also informed about the passing of Abraham's wife, Sarah, for we find that she passed away at the age of 127.
Also, it is known that Sarah died in the land of Canaan, at a place known as Kirjath-arba, or the City of Arba, which was named after a great man who had lived and ruled in that part of the region. However, we now find that Abraham had gone over to the tent where Sarah had lain peacefully, and it was at that moment that he mourned and wept over her. Needless to say, Abraham loved her with all his heart.
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Abraham Seeks A Burial Place
Shortly after, Abraham rose from Sarah's bedside and went out to speak to the Hittites, who were the descendants of Canaan's son Heth: "I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead." But after hearing this, the Hittites would reply: "Sir, listen to us. You are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead." -- Genesis 23:6
Next we find Abraham rising and bowing before the Hittites, and it's at this time, he said to them: "If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you." -- Genesis 23:8,9
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Abraham & Ephron
But Ephron, who was either a chief or ruler from within the land, was sitting among his people. And after hearing what Abraham had to say, he replied to Abraham in such a way that all the Hittites could listen to, who stood by the gate of his city: "No, my lord! Listen to me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Go and bury your dead." -- Genesis 23:11
So once again Abraham bowed down before the Hittites, and he replied back to Ephron, in such a way to where all could hear: "Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead there." But Ephron would reply back to the great patriarch, by saying: "Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of sliver, but what is that between me and you? Go and bury your dead." -- Genesis 23:15
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Deal Finally Reached
Finally, Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms, and then we find that Abraham weighed out for Ephron the price he'd named at the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weight current among the merchants.
And because of this deal, Abraham had legally purchased the field that had belonged to Ephron, which was located in Machpelah, near Mamre. Now, understand that this meant that Abraham now owned both the field and the cave that was in the land, along with all the trees that had grown within the borders of the field. Know that all of this was deeded to him, as his property, in the presence of all the Hittites that were standing by the gate of the city.
So later on, Abraham would go and bury his wife Sarah in the cave that was located within the field of Machpelah that was located near Mamre, which was located in the land of Canaan. Also, it is known that this would be the place where Abraham would be buried when the good Lord finally calls him home, right next to his beloved wife, Sarah.
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The Tomb of the Patriarchs
And as of today, "The Cave of Machpelah," which is also known as the "Tomb of the Patriarchs," and is considered by the Jews the second most holy place, right after the "Temple Mount." Know that this place is the burial site for not only Abraham and Sarah but also houses the resting places of Issac and Rebecca, and of Jacob and Leah.
Also, note that there are three above-ground monuments dedicated solely to Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah, located within "The Tomb of the Patriarchs." Now, I find it amazing, to this very day, that this building is still standing completely intact, for we must keep in mind that this building has been standing for thousands of years. What's even more impressive is that the building is still fully functional, as it's still being used for its intended purpose to this very day.
In the next Bible Study Online Article:
Now that we have journeyed through the passing of Abraham's wife, Sarah. And after she'd passed, Abraham had sought out an official burial place for her. We now begin to move forward, from within our journey. And it's at this time that we find Abraham becoming increasingly concerned about Isaac finding a wife, which will occur within the near future. I wonder who Abraham will turn to in his time of need? Will it be the Lord, or perhaps somebody else?
May God blessings be upon you, and thank you for your support
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