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The Death and Burial of Sarah
…11“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. Bury your dead.”12Again Abrahambowed downbeforethe peopleof the land13and said to Ephron in their presence, “If you will please listen to me, I will pay you the price of the field. Accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there.”…

Treasury of Scripture

And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.

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Genesis 23:7
And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land,even to the children of Heth.

Genesis 18:2
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he sawthem, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

Genesis 19:1
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeingthem rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

AbrahamBowedBowethFaceAbrahamBowedBowethFace1.The age and death of Sarah.
3.The purchase of the field and cave of Machpelah;
19.where Sarah is buried.

Again Abraham bowed down
This phrase indicates a repeated action, emphasizing Abraham's humility and respect. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, bowing was a common gesture of respect and submission, especially in negotiations or when seeking favor. Abraham's repeated bowing shows his earnestness and sincerity in his dealings with the Hittites. This act of bowing can also be seen as a reflection of Abraham's character, demonstrating his humility despite his wealth and status. It is reminiscent of other biblical figures who showed humility, such as Joseph before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:16) and Daniel before King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:27-28).

before the people of the land
The "people of the land" refers to the Hittites, who were the inhabitants of the region where Abraham was residing. This phrase highlights the fact that Abraham was a foreigner and sojourner in Canaan, a land promised to him and his descendants by God (Genesis 12:7). The Hittites were a significant group in the ancient Near East, known for their advanced culture and political influence. Abraham's interaction with them underscores the theme of living by faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. This encounter foreshadows the future possession of the land by Abraham's descendants, as promised by God, and serves as a type of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, who secures an eternal inheritance for believers (Hebrews 11:8-10).

1.Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this chapter, he is negotiating for a burial site for his wife, Sarah.

2.The People of the Land
Refers to the Hittites, the inhabitants of the region where Abraham is residing. They are involved in the negotiation for the burial site.

3.Sarah's Death
The event that prompts Abraham to seek a burial site, marking a significant moment in the account of Abraham's life.

4.The Land of Canaan
The promised land where Abraham is living as a foreigner, highlighting the tension between God's promises and Abraham's current reality.

5.The Cave of Machpelah
The burial site Abraham seeks to purchase, which becomes a significant family burial place for the patriarchs.Humility in Negotiation
Abraham's act of bowing down shows respect and humility, even when he is in a position to demand. This teaches us the importance of humility in our interactions with others.

Faith in God's Promises
Despite owning no land, Abraham's actions demonstrate his faith in God's promise. We are reminded to trust in God's promises, even when they seem distant.

Respect for Others
Abraham's respectful approach to the Hittites highlights the importance of treating others with dignity, regardless of our own status or God's promises to us.

The Significance of Burial
The care Abraham takes in securing a burial site for Sarah underscores the importance of honoring our loved ones in death, reflecting our hope in the resurrection.

Living as Foreigners
Abraham's status as a foreigner in Canaan parallels the Christian experience of living in the world but not being of it, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective.1.What is the meaning of Genesis 23:12?

2.How does Abraham's humility in Genesis 23:12 guide our interactions with others?

3.What does Abraham's negotiation teach about respecting others' customs and traditions?

4.How can Genesis 23:12 inspire us to seek peace in difficult situations?

5.In what ways does Abraham's approach reflect Jesus' teachings on humility?

6.How can we apply Abraham's example of respect in our daily relationships?

7.What is the significance of Abraham bowing in Genesis 23:12?

8.How does Genesis 23:12 reflect ancient Near Eastern customs?

9.Why is Abraham's humility important in Genesis 23:12?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 23?

11.What distinguishes Jews from Gentiles?

12.How does Joshua 23:14's statement that all God's promises were fulfilled reconcile with later prophetic books that foresee unfulfilled promises?

13.Isaiah 41:10: Why have the Jewish people endured long periods of suffering or exile if God's promise to support and protect them is absolute?

14.What are the reasons to support Israel?Again

• The narrative highlights a repeated action; Abraham had already bowed once (Genesis 23:7). This second bow reinforces his consistent humility in negotiations for Sarah’s burial site.

• Scripture often records repetition to emphasize significance (Genesis 41:32;John 21:15-17). Abraham’s repeated posture underscores sincerity rather than mere formality.

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Abraham

• The patriarch is the central actor, demonstrating personal responsibility in honoring his wife and fulfilling God’s promises (Genesis 17:8).

• His conduct models how faith expresses itself through respectful dealings with outsiders (Hebrews 11:9-10;Romans 12:18).

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bowed down

• Bowing signifies respect, gratitude, and recognition of another’s authority or favor (Ruth 2:10;1 Samuel 25:23).

• Abraham’s physical posture mirrors his heart posture—he trusts God yet honors human channels God uses (Proverbs 15:33;Philippians 2:3-4).

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before the people

• The Hittite elders at the city gate served as witnesses (Genesis 23:10). Public deference removed any hint of coercion and secured transparent dealings (Deuteronomy 16:18-20;Proverbs 22:1).

• Abraham’s courtesy promotes peace and good testimony among unbelievers (Colossians 4:5-6;1 Peter 2:12).

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of the land

• Though promised the whole land (Genesis 13:14-17), Abraham still viewed himself as “a stranger and sojourner” (Genesis 23:4).

• Purchasing a burial plot affirmed faith that God would one day give the land to his descendants, while patiently submitting to current realities (Hebrews 11:13;James 4:10).

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summary

Abraham’s second bow embodies humble persistence, respectful negotiation, and faith-filled patience. He honors the Hittites publicly while trusting God privately, illustrating how believers live graciously among others while awaiting the full realization of divine promises.

(12)Abraham bowed down.--This obeisance on the patriarch's part is the Oriental method of returning thanks for the granting of a request; and so inGenesis 23:7. The next step is to fix the price.

Verses 12, 13. -And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land. To express his sense of their kindness, and appreciation of Ephron's offer in particular; aider which he courteously but firmly urged forward the contemplated purchase.And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me. Literally,if thou, I would that thou wouldst hear me, the two particlesאִם andלוּ being conjoined to express the intensity of the speaker's desire.I will give thee money for the field. Literally, moneyof the field, i.e. the value of the field in money. This seems to indicate that Abraham at least imagined Ephron's offer of the field and cave as a gift to be not wholly formal. Had he regarded Ephron as all the while desirous of a sale, he would not have employed the language of entreaty.Take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Again Abraham
אַבְרָהָ֔ם(’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85:Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

bowed down
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙(way·yiš·ta·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7812:To depress, prostrate

before
לִפְנֵ֖י(lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The face

the people
עַ֥ם(‘am)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of the land
הָאָֽרֶץ׃(hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land


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OT Law: Genesis 23:12 Abraham bowed himself down before the people (Gen. Ge Gn)