Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 23

Read: Genesis 23

Genesis 23 marks the end of the Abrahamic narrative with the death of Sarah, his wife. Sarah’s death allows Abraham to purchase land in Hebron, thus setting up a marker – a landmark of possession that his people will inherit the land of Canaan just as God had promised to him. Hebron will later become the capital of Israel before it is moved to Jerusalem. One thematic item to note in this chapter: just as Abraham purchased the land for a burial place and marker for his people, the Lord Jesus Christ, through his death, purchased land for his people. Through the work and death of the Savior, our eternal inheritance was secured. The hope of God’s people of old was the land of Canaan. That pictured the eternal hope that we have been given through Christ. That hope is a better country, one that is being prepared for God’s people. It is a place where the eye has not seen or ear heard what God has in store for those who love him.