Genesis 23:13

Notice, however, how the good man instructs even those people with his characteristic common sense, through his very actions, by forbearing to take possession of it before paying a just price. "Even if you for your part … have proved so kindly disposed toward me, I still cannot bring myself to take the tomb from you unless first I pay the proper price." He gave them money, the text says, took possession of the tomb "and buried his wife Sarah in the double cave of the field overlooking Mamre." The man who was so famous and respected, who enjoyed such confidence with God and was the object of such attention from everyone, so to say, in that place that even the Hittites called him king—he owned not even one foot of land. Hence blessed Paul also celebrated this good man's virtue in writing these words: "By faith Abraham dwelt in the land of promise, like a foreigner living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise." Then to teach us how it was through faith that he dwelt there, he added, "He looked forward, you see, to the city built on foundations of which the builder and creator was God." In the hope of things to come, he is saying, he overlooked present realities, and, in the expectation of greater things, he set less store by those of this life—and this before the law and the age of grace.So what excuse will we have, tell me, who despite such wonderful promises and guarantees of ineffable blessings hanker for present realities, buying up property, ever concerned for our image, amassing all these possessions out of greed and avarice and fulfilling in practice what the blessed prophet said in his lament, "Woe to those who pile house on house and add property to property for the purpose of robbing their neighbor of something." Do we not see this happening each day—widows being robbed, orphans despoiled and the weak oppressed by the strong?

I will give thee money for the field - It was not in pride that Abraham refused the gift; but 1. Abraham was rich in silver and gold, and therefore would not take advantage of Ephron's generosity. He would pay for it, lest Ephron, when this good humour was over, should upbraid him with it.

I will give thee money for the field - It was not in pride that Abraham refused the gift; but 1. Abraham was rich in silver and gold, and therefore would not take advantage of Ephron's generosity. He would pay for it, lest Ephron, when this good humour was over, should upbraid him with it.

And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land,....

Ephron answered, Nay, my lord, &c.--Here is a great show of generosity, but it was only a show; for while Abraham wanted only the cave, he joins "the field and the cave"; and though he offered them both as free gifts, he, of course, expected some costly presents in return, without which, he would not have been satisfied.