Genesis 23:8 - He talked with them, saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
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What does "Genesis 23:8" mean?
This verse is from the story of Abraham purchasing a burial plot for his wife Sarah in Genesis 23. It's a crucial step in Abraham solidifying his presence in the land of Canaan, even though he was still considered a foreigner. Let's break down the meaning:
"He talked with them..." Abraham is speaking to the Hittites, the local inhabitants of the land where he wishes to bury Sarah. He's addressing them with respect, acknowledging their authority in the area.
"...saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight..." This is Abraham's request. He wants to bury Sarah, but he doesn't want the responsibility or burden of her body remaining visible to him. "Out of my sight" emphasizes his desire for proper burial and closure, and potentially that he does not currently possess adequate land.
"...hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar..." Here's the core of his negotiation strategy. He is asking the Hittites to intercede on his behalf with a specific individual named Ephron, the son of Zohar. He believes Ephron owns a particular piece of land (the cave of Machpelah, as we learn later) suitable for a burial site. Abraham is essentially requesting the Hittites to act as intermediaries, recommending him to Ephron and potentially vouching for his integrity and the legitimacy of his request. He also acknowledges the Hittites influence on Ephron by asking them to entreat on his behalf.
In short, Abraham, a stranger in the land, is politely asking the local Hittites to use their influence and connections to help him purchase a burial plot from a landowner named Ephron. He doesn't approach Ephron directly; he relies on the established social relationships and potential leverage of the Hittites to smooth the transaction. The request to entreat suggests he has no current relationship with Ephron and is asking the Hittites to introduce him.
This verse highlights Abraham's diplomatic skills and his understanding of the local customs and social dynamics. He's not demanding anything; he's making a polite request within the framework of their social hierarchy. This sets the stage for the ensuing negotiation and the eventual purchase of the burial ground, a significant step towards Abraham's lasting legacy in the Promised Land.
Genesis 23:8 - He talked with them, saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
What does "Genesis 23:8" mean?
This verse is from the story of Abraham purchasing a burial plot for his wife Sarah in Genesis 23. It's a crucial step in Abraham solidifying his presence in the land of Canaan, even though he was still considered a foreigner. Let's break down the meaning:
"He talked with them..." Abraham is speaking to the Hittites, the local inhabitants of the land where he wishes to bury Sarah. He's addressing them with respect, acknowledging their authority in the area.
"...saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight..." This is Abraham's request. He wants to bury Sarah, but he doesn't want the responsibility or burden of her body remaining visible to him. "Out of my sight" emphasizes his desire for proper burial and closure, and potentially that he does not currently possess adequate land.
"...hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar..." Here's the core of his negotiation strategy. He is asking the Hittites to intercede on his behalf with a specific individual named Ephron, the son of Zohar. He believes Ephron owns a particular piece of land (the cave of Machpelah, as we learn later) suitable for a burial site. Abraham is essentially requesting the Hittites to act as intermediaries, recommending him to Ephron and potentially vouching for his integrity and the legitimacy of his request. He also acknowledges the Hittites influence on Ephron by asking them to entreat on his behalf.
In short, Abraham, a stranger in the land, is politely asking the local Hittites to use their influence and connections to help him purchase a burial plot from a landowner named Ephron. He doesn't approach Ephron directly; he relies on the established social relationships and potential leverage of the Hittites to smooth the transaction. The request to entreat suggests he has no current relationship with Ephron and is asking the Hittites to introduce him.
This verse highlights Abraham's diplomatic skills and his understanding of the local customs and social dynamics. He's not demanding anything; he's making a polite request within the framework of their social hierarchy. This sets the stage for the ensuing negotiation and the eventual purchase of the burial ground, a significant step towards Abraham's lasting legacy in the Promised Land.