Back to the Beginning
A Study of Genesis – Chapter 23
The Death and Burial of Sarah
In chapter 21 we saw the birth of Isaac, and then in chapter 22, we saw the story
of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah. And now in chapter 23, we learn about the
death and burial of Abraham’s wife and Isaac’s mother, Sarah. This is a
reminder that having children and raising them can wear you out and bring you to
the grave.
Verses 1-2 – Sarah died at 127 years of age. She died at Hebron in Canaan.
She is the only woman whose age at death was recorded. This reminds us that
Sarah gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90 and by God’s grace she lived for 37
more years.
 Abraham mourned and wept for Sarah. Grieving is normal and healthy. It
is part of the healing process. Someone wrote a book titled, Good Grief.
All grief is not healthy, but some grief is healthy.
Verses 3-4 – Abraham needed a place to bury Sarah. He had to care of all the
arrangements himself. There were no funeral homes or undertakers. We ought
to appreciate the service they render. How would you like to prepare the body of
your loved one, to dig the hole, and to bury the body yourself?

A proper burial was expected. An improper burial or no burial was like a
curse. The expression “Give me” means “sell me.” Abraham was not
looking for a gift, but he wanted to buy a burial spot.
Verses 5-6 – The children of Heth called Abraham “a mighty prince.” They
respected him and this title indicates his reputation and leadership. They gave
Abraham his choice of a burial place for Sarah.
Verses 7-9 – Abraham was decisive and specific in his request. He chose the
cave of Machpelah for Sarah’s burial place.
Verses 10-18 – Abraham bought the burial place from Ephron. The purchase
price was 400 shekels of silver. A shekel weighed less than ½ ounce.

Abraham now owned a small piece of real estate in the middle of all the
Promised Land. Up till now, Abraham owned nothing in Canaan. God
had promised him all of it. The first property Abraham owned was a burial
site.
Verses 19-20 – Abraham buried Sarah in this cave at Hebron. This was a family
burial ground for many in Abraham’s family (Abraham himself, Isaac, Rebekah,
Leah, and Jacob were all buried there). Rachel was the only exception.
Bible Truths About Death:
 Death is a part of life on earth (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2; Revelation 21:4)
 Death is a part of the curse on sin (Gen. 2:17; Romans 5:12; 6:23)
 Death is certain for all people (Gen. 5:5-32; Eccl. 8:8; Hebrews 9:27)
 Death is an enemy of mankind (1 Cor. 15:26)
 Death is a defeated enemy of the believer (Jn. 11:25-26; 1 Cor. 15:51-52)
Death of Believers:
 Described as sleep (John 11:11; 1 Cor. 15:18; 1 Thess. 4:13-15)
 Described as dissolving an earthly tent (2 Cor. 5:1)
 Described as gathering to our people (Gen. 49:33 – Jacob’s death)
 Described as a departure (Luke 2:29; Phil. 1:23; 2 Tim. 4:6)
 Described as yielding up the spirit (Acts 7:59)
 Described as gain (Phil. 1:21)
 Described as rest (Rev. 4:13)
 Described as precious in God’s sight (Psalm 116:15)
Back to the Beginning
A Study of Genesis – Chapter 23
The Death and Burial of Sarah
Verses 1-2 – Sarah died at 127 years of age. She died at_______________________________

Abraham_______________________________________________ for Sarah.
Verses 3-4 – Abraham needed a place______________________________ Sarah.

A_______________________________________________ was expected.
Verses 5-6 – The children of Heth called Abraham_____________________________________
Verses 7-9 – Abraham was____________________________________________ in his request.
Verses 10-18 – Abraham bought the burial place from_______________________.

Abraham________________________ a small piece of real estate in the Promised Land.
Verses 19-20 – Abraham_______________________________________ in this cave at Hebron.
Bible Truths About Death:
 Death is a___________________________________________ (Eccl. 3:1-2; Rev. 21:4)
 Death is a_______________________________________ (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12; 6:23)
 Death is____________________________________ (Gen. 5:5-32; Eccl. 8:8; Heb. 9:27)
 Death is an_________________________________________________ (1 Cor. 15:26)
 Death is a_____________________________________ (Jn. 11:25-26; 1 Cor. 15:51-52)
Death of Believers:
 Described as________________________ (John 11:11; 1 Cor. 15:18; 1 Thess. 4:13-15)
 Described as__________________________________________________ (2 Cor. 5:1)
 Described as__________________________________________________ (Gen. 49:33)
 Described as_________________________________ (Luke 2:29; Phil. 1:23; 2 Tim. 4:6)
 Described as___________________________________________________ (Acts 7:59)
 Described as_________________________ (Phil. 1:21)
 Described as_________________________ (Rev. 4:13)
 Described as________________________________________________ (Psalm 116:15)