Daily Devotions
Genesis
"A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised." Proverbs 12:8
Text: Genesis 23:1-20
THE USE OF INTERMEDIARIES
Abraham had the cave of Machpelah, as the place where he would bury Sarah. However, the land did not belong to the sons of Heth directly. Abraham sought their help to purchase the proposed burial plot of land. Gently and humbly, he spoke to the Sons of Heth,
“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
EPHRON THE HITTITE
The Sons of Heth acceded to Abraham’s request and planned a meeting with Ephron and put before him Abraham’s request. Ephron also knew the ancient ways of the art of negotiation. Graciously, he replied,
“Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the presence of
the Sons of Heth, all who entered at the gate of his city, saying,
‘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 23:10-11
Transactions were done “at the gate of the city”. The sons of Heth were there. Abraham was certainly there. Interested passers-by were also present there when Ephron made a most generous offer. He offered not just the cave at Machpelah but also the surrounding field in which the cave lay! Ephron covered himself with distinction that day, when he made that speech and offer to Abraham.
GODLY WISDOM
Should Abraham receive this most generous offer from Ephron? If he did, he would have been read as being insincere. He had offered to pay “full price” for Machpelah. The conversation involved the intermediaries – the Sons of Heth! The discussion was at the entrance of the city gates! Abraham knew better than to accept the offer, even if that was well-intentioned!
“And he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land,
saying, ‘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.'”GENESIS 23:12-13
Abraham appreciated the genuineness and the kindness of Ephron the Hittite. However, he must insist on paying for the land offered so kindly to him.