Genesis 23 Sarah's Death

This past Sunday I listened to a sermon on Genesis 23:1-20 which is all about Sarah's death, the wife of Abraham, and the land Abraham purchased to bury her on. Exciting stuff right? Well Thanks to my Pastor I found that this passage has great implications for us.

First of all it is important to note that Genesis was written by Moses to the nation of Israel and was probably being read to them as they were about to enter the promised land.

Another interesting thing about this passage is that Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose and age and death are recorded.

Abraham being a stranger in the land of the Hittites had no land of which to bury his wife and attempted to purchase a cave, however the Hittites wanted to force Abraham to buy a piece of actual land so he would be forced to pay taxes.

Abraham buys this land but for an exorbitant amount, much more than what it is worth. And in future all patriarchs are buried on this land.

So what is the significance of this chapter in the bible? I'm glad you asked as I have learned and as my pastor continues to point out as he is walking through genesis, the Bible is always pointing to Jesus and the gospel.


In the same way Abraham paid a exorbitant amount for a small bit of land so has God the father paid an exorbitant amount in Jesus Christ in order to redeem his people. 


Also we see that Abraham was promised the promised land but he never was able to see control of all the land promised to him in his life time, but here we see a deposit that Abraham was given, to know that his descendants will take hold of all the Promised land. And that is also what the Israelites are realizing as this passage is being read to them, that they are now going to see the promise fulfilled that was given to Abraham.


In the same way Christ has redeemed us by the blood of Christ and is reconciling us to Himself, we are not yet perfect and will not see the finished work in our lifetime but we have been given a deposit of that promise of total reconciliation and redemption in the form of the Holy Spirit. 


We must not lose heart that we don't have our inheritance yet. Just because we may not ever see the return of Christ that does not mean that we will not see and be part of the new heavens and new earth. 


Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!