Scripture Daily

Context No. 4257 of 4322 · Genesis

Context · Reflection

Genesis 23:7-11: in context

7Abraham rose up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the children of Heth. 8He talked with them, saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, 9that he may sell me the cave of Machpelah, which he has, which is in the end of his field. For the full price let him sell it to me among you as a possession for a burial place.” 10Now Ephron was sitting in the middle of the children of Heth. Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the children of Heth, even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying, 11“No, my lord, hear me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the children of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.”

Grieving the death of Sarah, Abraham needs a place to bury her, and he approaches the Hittites to buy the cave of Machpelah. When Ephron offers to give him the field and the cave for nothing, Abraham insists on paying the full price. He will not take the burial ground as a gift; he wants to buy it fairly, at its full value, so that it is honestly and unquestionably his.

What stands out is Abraham's integrity in the transaction. He conducts himself with courtesy and honor, bowing to the people, dealing openly before witnesses, and refusing to take advantage of a generous offer. He insists on paying the full price rather than being beholden or leaving any question about the fairness of the deal. His dealings are honest and above board.

It is easy to take advantage of others' generosity, to angle for the better end of a bargain, to be beholden in ways that compromise us. Abraham shows a different way: dealing honestly and honorably, paying a fair price, conducting himself with integrity even in grief and even when he could have gotten something for nothing. Honest, above-board dealing, giving others their due rather than taking advantage, is part of a life that honors God.

Do I conduct my dealings with others with the honesty and integrity Abraham showed, giving people their fair due and paying an honest price rather than taking advantage of their generosity or angling for the better end of a bargain?

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