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Bible Notes - Tabernacle Commentaries
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Genesis 23:10
Comments
Ephron just named by Abraham, now comes forward. The formality with which Abraham had referred to him in the third person might suggest that he was not present at first, but this may be a matter simply of the correct protocol. At any rate, he now comes forward and addresses Abraham with the same respect. The text stresses that he speaks publicly in the presence of many witnesses. This is no insincere offer that he makes, but he fully intends to give Abraham the plot of land as a gift. He draws attention to the presence of his people and wants them to act as witnesses to his free gift. Again, this is testimony to the high respect and impeccable conduct of Abraham among the Hittites. Though the burden falls on this one man, Ephron, he does not hesitate to make this generous offer.
Application
Questions
Leupold argues that the apparent liberality of Ephron was not expected to be taken seriously, and it would have been improper for Abraham to have accepted the generous offer because Abraham would then have been ready to receive from a heathen hand what he had already received from a higher hand. This would call into question the reality of God’s gift.
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