Genesis 23:1-20 tells a strange episode in the life of Abraham: the negotiation and purchase of a grave site – the cave of Machpelah – for his wife, Sarah. Coming between the climactic tale of (almost) sacrificing Isaac on Mount Moriah (Gen 22:1-24) and the procuring of a wife for Isaac (Gen 24:1-67), the narrative of Genesis 23 seems out-of-place and awkward. It can be difficult to see any point to this chapter beyond Abraham’s bereavement of his dear wife.
Consider, however, who ends up buried in this tomb: both Sarah (Gen 23:19) and Abraham himself (Gen 25:9-10). Also, Isaac, Isaac’s beloved wife Rebekah, Jacob, and Jacob’s unloved wife Leah (Gen 49:29-30, 49: 31-32, 50:12-13).
Notice specifically that Rachel, the wife whom Jacob loved most, was not buried there (Gen 35:19-20).
Why is this tomb given such emphasis in the narratives of Genesis? I have some suggestions:
- It was the only piece of land Abraham ever owned, even though he was promised all of Canaan (Gen 17:8). Thus, it was a bit of a deposit or foretaste on the promise.
- Abraham refused to receive it as a gift from any man (just read how extensive the negotiations were in Gen 23:6-16). He was fully committed to owning it legally, publicly, and personally.
- This foretaste of the promise for Abraham and the next few generations came only as each person died. They did not enjoy it in their lives; only in their deaths.
- As they died in faith, these men and women received part, but not all, of what was promised to them (Heb 11:13-14).
- They would only receive the full promise along with us (Heb 11:39-40).
- Those buried in this tomb were those who were to become ancestors of the son of promise. Remember that it was Leah, not Rachel, buried in the cave. Leah was the woman who gave birth to Judah, from whom came David and Jesus.
In short, knowing who would be buried in the tomb at Machpelah is the key to understanding why it gets so much press in Genesis 23. Abraham’s investment in the tomb represents his faith in God’s promise to send a Son who would crush Satan (Gen 3:15) and enable God’s people to live with him forever in close companionship (the point of the “Promised Land” of Canaan – see Gen 17:7-8, overturning the fall in Gen 3:23-24).
The only real estate Abraham ever owned was that tomb. His descendant Jesus didn’t even own his own tomb (Matt 27:59-60), but he fulfilled every promise (2 Cor 1:20) and brought us into eternal fellowship with God (Eph 2:13-16).
Elizabeth says
Great post, Peter! I’m looking fwd to learning more at Bible study!
Jake Swink says
Peter,
When you had preached on this portion over the summer. I remember Brad saying that it was one of the greatest exegesis of the bible he had ever seen. And I had to agree with him. You masterfully took this text in its original context and showed us what it meant to us today. This is great bible study in action.
David Chandler says
Hi Peter, just wanted to let you now that I used this tonight in our Arequipa English Bible study here in Peru. We divided into teams and I gave the students a list of all the burial passages you cite, then had a contest for the first team to get the correct list of people buried in the tomb (with the prize being “Facebook glory” for the winning team). We then discussed your notes.
I’ve been fascinated that almost every chapter in Genesis thus far has a direct connection to the Gospel of salvation by faith in Christ. Almost every week we refer to Romans, Hebrews 11, Galatians 3-4, and other references as the redemptive story unfolds. Chapter 23 was going to be tough to make the connection, but aha!, it’s most definitely there. Thanks for sharing!
Peter Krol says
Thanks for the encouragement, David! I’m glad this piece was helpful. Genesis is one of my favorite books. Since Jesus said there was a gospel connection on every page of the Old Testament (Luke 24:44-46), we shouldn’t give up until we find it! This other post may be helpful for other difficult passages as well.
MithrandirOlorin says
There is a good chance no one is buried there now, as they could all have been among those Resurrected soon after Jesus according to Matthew 27:51-54.