Genesis 23:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After acquiring a burial site from the sons of Hittite, he laid his deceased wife to rest there. In this action, the forefather marks the commencement of his possessions with Sarah’s passing. The Holy Scriptures highlight the righteousness of this man, illustrating that, despite being blessed with divine favor, glory, and the promise of a numerous lineage, he lived as a wanderer and foreigner. This serves to illustrate that he possessed no land of his own for burial—a stark contrast to many today, who eagerly seek to amass properties and resources endlessly. While he was rich in spiritual treasures, he had little regard for earthly wealth. Let this serve as a lesson for those who, in an instant, wish to grasp everything and who let their selfish desires extend over all they see. Instead, let them look to the forefather, who, in dire need, only then chose to purchase a field and a cave for the burial of Sarah’s earthly remains.

The following portion describes the passing of the wife, the mourning of the husband, and the preparations for the interment, highlighting the affection between them. Abraham moved away from the deceased, teaching us that while we must not linger excessively with the dead, we should stay for as long as is needed to honor our responsibilities.