Read Genesis 23 at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphfor this chapter:
Gen 23:1-20 {s} Heth gives Abraham a possession in Canaan
The “hidden” teaching tools can be so fascinating to look for, but we don’t want to forget the most important teaching tool of all: Learning from the Narrative.
Notice how Abraham interacted with the people around him. The Canaanites and Hittites he dwelt among were pagan idolaters, who did not walk in the way that he walked. But he followed the cultural norm for conducting a business transaction in that time and place.
He was 137 years old at the time of Sarah’s death, the sons of Heth themselves saying he was a mighty prince among them. But even though he was elder, even though he was mighty, he did not deal with them arrogantly or with superiority. He bowed himself down before the sons of Heth. He treated them with courtesy, respect, and honor.
Why This Matters: In our time, courtesy, respect, and honor is not the norm; sharp words and quick judgments often drown out civility. Let me Learn from the Narrative, from Abraham the father of all who believe (Rom 4:11)! His humility flowed from faith in God’s promises, not needing to grasp for status. His example teaches us how to treat strangers who do not walk in the way we walk. And if courtesy, respect, and honor is the standard for strangers outside my tent, how much more those dwelling under my roof!
If there are questions, these are good resources:
Genesis 23:3-4, A stranger and a sojourner – Christine Miller
The Hittites and the Old Testament – Tyndale Old Testament Lecture, 1947
The Wealth and Power of Biblical Patriarchs – Associates for Biblical Research
Leave a Reply