“And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah.”
Hebrew, the years of the life of Sarah .
“And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying,”
Hebrew, sons of Heth . That is, when he had mourned: so the godly may mourn, if they pass not measure, and the natural affection is commendable.
“Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead. a mighty: Heb. a prince of God”
That is, godly or excellent: for the Hebrews so speak of all things that are notable, because all excellency cometh of God.
“That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you. as much: Heb. full money”
Hebrew, in full silver . Or, double cave, because one was within another.
“And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying, audience: Heb. ears”
Meaning, all the citizens and inhabitants.
“And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.”
To show that he had them in good estimation and reverence.
“My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.”
The common shekel is about 20 pence, so then 400 shekels mount to 33 pound 6 shillings and 8 pence after 5 shilling sterling the ounce.
“And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.”
That is, all the people confirmed the sale.