Genesis 23:1-6 - Sarah died at Kiriath Arba

23:1,2

The main story of Abraham and Sarah is now over and we come to the tying up of loose ends. However, there are still important matters. The first event that is looked at is the death of Sarah. Abraham mourns the death of his wife. However, the focus of the chapter is on Abraham obtaining a burial site for her. Sarah being buried in the land of Canaan is significant as it is an act of faith, saying that Abraham believed the promises of God would be fulfilled.

23:3-6

The Hittites seemed to be in charge of the land, and Abraham goes through a bargaining process with them. To most of us this seems a very convoluted affair, but it was all part of the way things were done in that time and place. It begins with Abraham asking for some property so that he can bury his wife.  The Hittites held Abraham in great esteem, and they offered one of their tombs for Abraham to use.