Honoring God and family through decisions rooted in faith.
Genesis 23 Scripture (World English Bible - WEB)
1: Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years: these were the years of the life of Sarah.
2: And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba, which is Hebron, in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.
3: And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying,
4: “I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”
5: And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,
6: “Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.”
7: And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.
8: And he communed with them, saying, “If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,”
9: “That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for the full price thereof let him give it to me in your presence for a possession of a buryingplace.”
10: And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,
11: “Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the children of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.”
12: And Abraham bowed himself before the people of the land.
13: And he communed with Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, “But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give the price of the field; receive it of me, and I will bury my dead there.”
14: And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him,
15: “My lord, hearken unto me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is it between me and thee? Bury thy dead.”
16: And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
17: And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure
18: Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.
19: And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan.
20: And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the children of Heth.
“And Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver… four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.” – Genesis 23:16
Table of Contents
Introduction Mourning and Respect Faithful Negotiation Honoring Agreements God’s Provision and Assurance 5-Minute PrayerIntroduction
This chapter demonstrates the importance of integrity, patience, and trusting God’s provision in practical matters. Abraham’s actions also reflect his faith in God’s promises, as he secures a portion of the land that will ultimately belong to his descendants.
Genesis 23 teaches us about honoring God through honesty, handling life’s difficult moments with faith, and trusting Him to provide for our needs.
As we begin today’s devotional, may we strive to act with integrity, trust God’s guidance in every decision, and honor Him in both big and small matters of life.
Read also:
- God’s faithfulness and fulfillment of His promises in your life.
- Faith, obedience, and trusting God’s perfect plan for your life
- Divine guidance, faith, and God’s plan in choosing a spouse.
Mourning and Respect (Genesis 23:1-4)
Abraham mourns Sarah with dignity and respect, demonstrating care for his loved one and honoring God’s ways in grief.
Reflection: How do you honor loved ones in times of loss? Do you trust God’s guidance even in sad circumstances?
Faithful Negotiation (Genesis 23:5-13)
Abraham negotiates the burial site with integrity and patience. Faithfulness and fairness strengthen relationships and reflect God’s principles.
Teaching Point: Handle difficult discussions with honesty, faith, and reliance on God’s wisdom.
Honoring Agreements (Genesis 23:14-20)
Abraham fulfills the agreed payment and secures the cave of Machpelah. Integrity in agreements reflects faith in God and respect for others.
Encouragement: Faithful adherence to agreements honors God and strengthens your witness in all dealings.
God’s Provision and Assurance
Through Abraham’s faith and integrity, God provides a secure burial site, demonstrating His provision and faithfulness in all aspects of life.
Reflection: Trust God to provide and honor your faithful actions; His faithfulness will never fail.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your guidance through life’s difficult moments. Help us to act with integrity and faith, honoring You and others in every decision.
Lord, teach us to trust Your provision, even when circumstances seem challenging. May our dealings reflect honesty, respect, and Your wisdom.
Father, grant us patience and discernment in negotiations and decisions. Let our lives glorify You through faithfulness, fairness, and trust in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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