“So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded to Abraham as a possession….” Genesis 23:17-18a NKJV

This week’s Torah portion begins with the news of Sarah’s death at Hebron. While many of Israel’s historic locations are open for debate, the field and burial cave of Abraham have been marked by a magnificent building for almost two thousand years. Machpela means “doubled”, perhaps referring to two portions or tunnel systems within the cave. Their provenance is without question. In contrast to the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs of that time, Abraham and Sarah’s resting place remains undisturbed. Our family’s pilgrimage to this treasured fortress of Herodian stone was quite memorable.

Though Abraham purchased the field at Sarah’s death, we might say it was Sarah’s righteous life that bought it.

“…These were the years of the life of Sarah.” Genesis 23:1 NKJV

In Jewish tradition, a righteous person’s death is spoken of as life. For this reason, cemeteries are often called, “Beit HaChaim”, literally, “house of the living”. What powerful truths can we glean from this ancient field of Sarah?

I. Sarah Considers a Field

“She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.” Proverbs 31:16 NKJV

Proverbs 31 paints the attributes of a virtuous woman. Rather than a single individual, however, some commentaries ascribe each quality to various Hebrew matriarchs in the Bible. What woman of valor considered a field and bought it? Some believe this was Sarah, whose death acquired the field of Hebron.

While Abraham followed his flocks from Bethel to Beer Shevah, Sarah settled in the beautiful land between the two – Hebron. Though he was not with his beloved when she died, Abraham returned to Hebron to negotiate a burial plot setting an example for coming generations. Sarah’s death was necessary to acquire the field, but it took the keenest skills to secure it.

II. Abraham Considers a Field

“And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he has, which is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me at the full price, as property for a burial place among you.” Genesis 23:8-9 NKJV

As Abraham sat, mourning his dead, he was visited by Hittite neighbors, the Sons of Heth. Here we see Abraham, the “master negotiator”. He who bargained with the Lord from fifty to just ten righteous individuals that the cities of the plain might be spared now negotiated for his family’s future claims to the land. Nothing less than full price would suffice!

Rather than receive a free burial plot among the Hittite tombs, Abraham negotiated for a separate burial plot.

“Then Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the land, the sons of Heth. And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he has, which is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me at the full price, as property for a burial place among you.” Genesis 23:12-13 NKJV

Like the sons of Heth, Ephron also offered the cave and its adjoining field to Abraham without cost.

 “No, my Lord, hear me: I give you the field and the cave that is in it; I give it to you in the presence of the sons of my people. I give it to you. Bury your dead!” Genesis 23: 11 NKJV

Abraham, however, insisted on paying full price!

“If you will give it, please hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me and I will bury my dead there. And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, “My Lord, listen to me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver. What is that between you and me? So bury your dead.” And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out the silver for Ephron which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, the currency of the merchants.” Genesis 23: 13-16 NKJV

Abraham paid 400 shekels of silver, ingots of measured weight and purity, for the cave, field, and surrounding trees. The text clarifies that these ingots were sufficient as currency in the marketplace. Some estimate that in today’s value, the price would be just over 600,000 dollars. Of course, the value exponentially increased after the sale to Abraham, the prince of God. Some see in the word Machpela, a hint that Abraham’s deal doubled many times in value! But this pales when compared to the field the Lord Himself acquired!

III. The LORD considers a Field

When Abraham purchased the field, he acquired all of the trees within. Likewise, the LORD considered the field of this world. Nothing short of full price would suffice. With the death of His beloved Son, Yeshua, God purchased not only the world but all the people in it. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. That includes you!

The parallels between Abraham’s field and the Lord’s purchase are powerful. For God so loved this world, He gave heaven’s great treasure, His only Son, to die upon the tree in the field of Moriah. (John 3:16) Like Abraham’s field, near Calvary was a burial cave. And as it is said of Sarah, “these were the years of the LIFE of Sarah”, we remember that Yeshua LIVES! With His death, He purchased the field. With His resurrection, He secured our hope. However, it remains for us to dwell in that field by believing on the Son of God.

Conclusion

Abraham obtained the deed which no man could challenge, paying only the highest price. He negotiated for a separate burial plot, ensuring his family would not be assimilated by this world. Tradition holds that Sarah loved that field with its beautiful trees. Perhaps she is the exemplar of the woman who “considered a field”. Her death moved the inhabitants to sell to Abraham.

But the LORD has also considered the field in which you live. In weighing your price of salvation, He valued you with the great wealth of heaven. With Yeshua’s death and resurrection, the Lord ensured that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our God. (Revelation 11:15) All that resides in the field of Messiah’s Cross, including the hope of an empty tomb, were purchased with His blood. If you have ever doubted your worth and that you are loved look to Him. Your sin, debt, and ransom have been paid in full! Why not trust in Him today?

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