Read Genesis 23:14-20
Verse
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.
Return to Outline
Henry's Genesis 24
