17 And established are the field of Ephron, which 'is' in Machpelah, which 'is' before Mamre, the field and the cave which 'is' in it, and all the trees which 'are' in the field, which 'are' in all its border round about, 18 to Abraham by purchase, before the eyes of the sons of Heth, among all entering the gate of his city. 19 And after this hath Abraham buried Sarah his wife at the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre (which 'is' Hebron), in the land of Canaan; 20 and established are the field, and the cave which 'is' in it, to Abraham for a possession of a burying-place, from the sons of Heth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 23:17-20
Commentary on Genesis 23:14-20
(Read Genesis 23:14-20)
Prudence, as well as justice, directs us to be fair and open in our dealings; cheating bargains will not bear the light. Abraham, without fraud or delay, pays the money. He pays it at once in full, without keeping any part back; and by weight, current money with the merchant, without deceit. See how anciently money was used for the help of trade, and how honestly it should be paid when it is due. Though all the land of Canaan was Abraham by promise, yet the time of his possessing it not being come, what he had occasion for he bought and paid for. 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. Ephron honestly and fairly makes a good title to the land. As that which is bought, must be honestly paid for, so that which is sold, must be honestly delivered and secured. Let us manage our concerns with punctuality and exactness, in order to avoid contention. Abraham buried Sarah in cave. or vault, which was in the purchased field. It would tend to endear the land to his posterity. And it is worth noting, that a burying-place was the only piece of the land which Abraham possessed in Canaan. Those who have least of this earth, find a grave in it. This sepulchre was at the end of the field; whatever our possessions are, there is a burial-place at the end of them. It was a token of his belief and expectation of the resurrection. Abraham is contented to be still a pilgrim while he lives, but secures a place where, when he dies, his flesh may rest in hope. After all, the chief concern is, with whom we shall rise.