Chapter Summary

Death of Sarah. Burial in cave of Machpelah.

Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 23

1. What is the significance or Sarah living to the age of "127" (HCSB)? Why do you think God allowed people to live that long in those days? How do we see Abraham mourn over Sarah even in their old age? What does that teach you about marriage and commitment in today's world?
2. How would you describe the interaction between "Ephron" (HCSB) and Abraham? How does Ephron's potential generosity reflect Abraham's status within the Hittite community? In what ways does this conversation reflect or conflict with the interactions of other cultures in your world today?
3. Can you find references to the "field at Machpelah near Mamre" (HCSB) in other chapters regarding Abraham? What other significant event happened in Genesis 18 that references this event in Chapter 23? Why do you think this is important? How does the continuity of the Bible help impact your trust in it?
4. How does Abraham's interaction with Ephron reveal cultural understandings of hospitality? What are some cultural expectations of hospitality in your culture? How has God used hospitality in your life to teach you about Himself?
5. Why does God include the detailed provisions of Abraham's purchase of the field? Does it surprise you that there is a "commercial rate" (HCSB) of silver found in verse 16? What can this teach you today about business, finance, and negotiations?
6. What is the significance of "the land of Canaan" (HCSB) in verse 19? How does this reflect God's ongoing promise of a future land for Abraham and his descendants? How does this teach you to have faith in God's promises and processes, even when they might take a long time?
7. What does Abraham and Ephron's interactions teach you about cultural norms and values? How important is "culture" in the worldview and decision-making processes of different people groups? In what ways does your own culture influence how you approach life decisions?
8. How does Abraham's purchase of this land fit in to the broader context of God's "promised land" to His people? In what ways does God use human activity to accomplish His divine purposes? What impact do you think your everyday decisions have on God's plans in your life?
9. Why was it so important to Abraham that Sarah have a formal burial? What does this teach us about norms and customs in that day? In what ways does this passage, and funerals in general, make you think about life and death?
10. The Hittites would eventually become enemies of the Israelites. What does this say about God's authority and character that He can use entire people groups to accomplish His will? How does the ebb and flow of international relations reflect God's use of the nations of the world? What part do you play in God's plan amongst the nations?

Key Words/Phrase

Burial, v. 4.

Characters

Sarah, Abraham, sons of Heth, Ephron.

Strong Verse(s)

19