What does Genesis 23:2 mean?
Abraham's wife Sarah dies in a place called Kiriath-arba, later known to the Israelites as Hebron. Previously, they had been living in Beersheba. Hebron is located between Beersheba and Jerusalem, about 20 miles south of Jerusalem, close to Mamre.Abraham went in to the place where Sarah's body was located, to mourn and to weep for her. In addition to expressing his great sorrow, Abraham may also have followed the traditions for mourning the dead that would have included the tearing of garments, rubbing of ashes, and fasting.
The marriage of Abraham and Sarah, as recorded in Genesis, has revealed the strengths and weaknesses of both. As such, it rings true to marriage in any era. It's not surprising to find Abraham mourning the loss of his wife so deeply.
Genesis 23:1–20 begins with the death of Abraham's wife Sarah at 127 years of age. That makes Abraham 137 years old and Isaac around 37. Abraham mourns for his wife and then approaches the Hittites settled in the region of Hebron about purchasing a permanent family burial place near Mamre. Once that transaction is completed, Abraham buries Sarah in the tomb where he himself and their son and one grandson will later be buried.
At the age of 127 years old, Abraham's wife Sarah dies. Now living in the region of Hebron, near Mamre, Abraham approaches the local people, the Hittites, about purchasing a specific cave he wants to use as a permanent family burial place. Abraham asks for a cave owned by Ephron the Hittite. After an odd negotiation, Abraham agrees to buy the cave and a field attached to it for 400 shekels of silver. Finally, Abraham buries Sarah in this cave at Machpelah in the land of Canaan. The permanent occupation of the land of Canaan by God's people has begun.
