Read the Daily Bible Verse Genesis 23:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Genesis 23:20 is a significant verse that marks the conclusion of an important transaction in the life of Abraham, one of the patriarchs of the Bible. This verse encapsulates the official acquisition of a burial site for his wife, Sarah. Sarah’s death, as recorded earlier in Genesis 23, prompted Abraham to secure a permanent resting place for her, thus establishing a pivotal moment in the ancestral journey of the Israelites. Genesis 23:20 reads:
“And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.” (KJV)
This verse concludes the chapter and highlights the formal, legal acquisition of a piece of land in Hebron, Canaan, which would later become significant in the history of Israel. Abraham’s purchase of the cave and the field from the Hittites is more than a mere economic transaction; it carries deep spiritual, cultural, and covenantal meanings. By understanding this passage, believers can appreciate the foundations of God’s promise to Abraham concerning the land and reflect on the legacy that this moment created for future generations.
The Context on Genesis 23:20 KJV
To fully grasp the meaning of Genesis 23:20, it’s essential to understand its broader context within the chapter. Genesis 23 details the death of Sarah and Abraham’s quest to find a burial site for her. Sarah, the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, lived to be 127 years old (Genesis 23:1). Her death takes place in Kiriath Arba, also known as Hebron, in the land of Canaan.
After mourning for his wife, Abraham seeks to purchase a burial site from the Hittites, the people living in the region. He approaches them as a foreigner and sojourner, requesting the cave of Machpelah, owned by Ephron the Hittite (Genesis 23:4). The Hittites show respect to Abraham, acknowledging him as a “mighty prince” (Genesis 23:6) and offering him the choice of their burial sites. However, Abraham insists on buying the land rather than receiving it as a gift to ensure that the transaction is legally binding.
Ephron initially offers to give Abraham the cave and the field, but Abraham insists on paying the full price. Ephron eventually agrees to a price of 400 shekels of silver, which Abraham willingly pays in front of witnesses (Genesis 23:16). The entire transaction is formalized and witnessed, confirming Abraham’s ownership of the land. This purchase not only provides a burial site for Sarah but also marks Abraham’s first ownership of land in Canaan, the very land God promised to give to his descendants.
Genesis 23:20 thus stands at the end of this story, emphasizing the legal and formal nature of the acquisition. It underscores that the field and the cave were “made sure” to Abraham, meaning they were secured as his permanent possession for burial.
The Genesis 23:20 Meaning
The meaning of Genesis 23:20 extends beyond the simple fact of a land purchase. It holds theological and historical significance for several reasons:
Fulfillment of God’s Promise
The acquisition of the land in Hebron represents a partial fulfillment of God’s promise to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 17:8). While Abraham was still a sojourner in the land, this transaction signifies the first piece of property that he would legally own. Even though the full promise of land ownership would not be realized until centuries later with the Israelites under Joshua, this event marks an important step in the unfolding of God’s plan.
The Permanence of Abraham’s Legacy
By purchasing the cave of Machpelah, Abraham ensured a permanent resting place for his wife and, eventually, for himself and other patriarchs and matriarchs. The cave would become the burial site for Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob (Genesis 25:9-10; Genesis 49:29-32). This acquisition signaled the establishment of a lasting legacy in the land God promised to Abraham’s descendants.
Cultural and Legal Context
The public nature of the transaction, with witnesses and a formal payment, highlights the importance of legality in property ownership. Abraham did not want the land as a gift because he sought a legally binding agreement that would be respected by future generations. The phrase “made sure unto Abraham” indicates the legal certainty of the transaction, ensuring that the land belonged to Abraham and his descendants. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of securing land through formal agreements in the presence of witnesses, ensuring that no future disputes could arise.
A Symbol of Faith and Hope
For Abraham, purchasing land in Canaan, even though he was a foreigner, was an act of faith. He believed in God’s promise that his descendants would inherit the land, even though at that moment, he only possessed a small piece of it. The burial of Sarah in the land of Canaan also reflects Abraham’s hope that God’s promises would come to fruition, making the act of acquiring the land a symbol of faith in the future.
Genesis 23:20 Application in Life
The story of Abraham’s purchase of the burial site in Genesis 23:20 holds several practical applications for believers today. Its lessons can be drawn in multiple areas, including faith, stewardship, and legacy.
Acting in Faith Even When the Promise Seems Far Off
Abraham purchased land in Canaan, a land he was promised but had not fully inherited. This teaches believers the importance of faith in God’s promises, even when the fulfillment of those promises may seem distant. In life, we often encounter situations where God’s plans may not align with our current reality. Genesis 23:20 encourages Christians to trust in God’s timing and remain faithful, even when the complete realization of His promises is not immediately visible.
Stewardship and Responsibility
Abraham’s careful handling of the purchase demonstrates the importance of stewardship. He did not take advantage of the offer to receive the land as a gift, understanding the value of owning it outright. This shows believers the importance of handling resources, finances, and responsibilities with integrity. Whether in business, family, or personal matters, Christians can learn from Abraham’s example of diligence and accountability.
Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations
Abraham’s purchase of the land ensured a place for future generations to bury their dead. This act of securing a lasting inheritance serves as a reminder for believers to consider what kind of legacy they are leaving behind. Whether through faith, wisdom, or material resources, Christians are called to make decisions that will benefit not only themselves but also those who come after them.
Honoring the Past
Genesis 23:20 reminds believers of the importance of honoring loved ones who have passed away. Abraham went to great lengths to secure a proper burial place for his wife, demonstrating his love, respect, and honor for Sarah. In a broader sense, this teaches the importance of remembering and cherishing the lives of those who have gone before us, honoring their contributions and memories.
See Also: Genesis 23:19 Meaning, Context & Commentary
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Several other biblical passages bear similarities to Genesis 23:20, offering insight into its themes of faith, covenant, and inheritance.
Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 17:8
These earlier passages in Genesis record God’s promise to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan. Genesis 23:20 is an early realization of that promise. While Abraham does not inherit the entire land during his lifetime, the purchase of the cave of Machpelah stands as a symbol of God’s faithfulness.
Joshua 24:32
This verse tells of the burial of Joseph’s bones in Shechem, in a parcel of land that Jacob had purchased. Like Abraham’s acquisition of the cave of Machpelah, this burial represents the fulfillment of a covenantal promise and signifies the Israelites’ lasting connection to the Promised Land.
Hebrews 11:9-10
In the New Testament, Hebrews recounts the faith of Abraham, who “by faith” lived as a stranger in the land of promise, looking forward to a city with eternal foundations. This passage complements the meaning of Genesis 23:20, as it underscores Abraham’s faith in the promises of God, even though he did not see their full realization in his lifetime.
Modern-Day Relevance
Genesis 23:20 holds significant relevance for modern believers in various ways.
Faith in Unseen Promises
Just as Abraham acted in faith by purchasing the land in Canaan, Christians today are called to live by faith, trusting in the promises of God that may not be immediately fulfilled. Whether it’s the promise of eternal life, God’s provision, or His guidance, believers are encouraged to walk in faith, knowing that God’s promises are sure.
The Importance of Integrity
In a world where ethical compromises can be tempting, Abraham’s example of conducting a legal, aboveboard transaction offers a model of integrity. For Christians, maintaining honesty and transparency in dealings, whether personal or professional, reflects the character of Christ.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Abraham’s purchase of the burial site set a foundation for future generations. This encourages believers to consider the lasting impact of their decisions today. How we live, invest, and act in faith can leave a spiritual legacy for future generations.
Conclusion
Genesis 23:20 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Abraham, symbolizing faith, legacy, and the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan. This verse not only serves as a record of a legal transaction but also highlights the faithfulness of God and the importance of acting with integrity and foresight. For modern believers, Genesis 23:20 offers valuable lessons on faith, stewardship, and the lasting legacy of obedience to God’s promises.
Genesis 23:20 Commentary
Biblical scholars often view Genesis 23:20 as more than a historical footnote. It is seen as a theological marker, demonstrating how God’s promises are realized in stages. Abraham’s purchase of the cave in Hebron is a tangible step towards the future inheritance of the entire land of Canaan by the Israelites. This act of faith, set against the backdrop of loss and mourning, provides a model of trust in God’s promises even when their fulfillment seems far off. The formal nature of the transaction, witnessed by the Hittites, also reflects the importance of legality and justice in ancient society, a principle that continues to resonate with believers today.