Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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countenances sales made in market-overt, and by deed enrolled. Observe,
1. Abraham, without fraud, covin, or further delay, pays the money, Ge 23:16. He pays it readily, without hesitation,--pays it in full, without diminution,--and pays it by weight, current money with the merchant, without deceit. See how anciently money was used for the help of commerce; and see how honestly money should be paid where it is due.
Observe, Though all the land of Canaan was Abraham's by promise, yet, the time of his possessing not having come, what he had now occasion for he bought and paid for.
Note, 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.
2. Ephron honestly and fairly makes him a good title to the land, Ge 23:17, 18, and 20. The field, with all its appurtenances, is conveyed to Abraham and his heirs forever, in open court, not by writing (it does not appear that writing was then used), but by such a public solemn declaration before witnesses as was sufficient to pass it. Note, As that which is bought must be honestly paid for, so that which is sold must be honestly delivered and secured.
3. Abraham, thereupon, takes possession, and buries Sarah in the cave or vault (whether framed by nature or art is not certain) which was in the purchased field. It is probable that Abraham had buried servants out of his family since he came to Canaan, but the graves of the common people (2Ki 23:6) might suffice for them; now that Sarah was dead a peculiar place must be found for her remains. It is worth noting,
(1.) That a burying-place was the first spot of ground Abraham possessed in Canaan. Note, When we are entering into the world it is good to think of our going out of it; for, as soon as we are born, we begin to die.