Sarah had 37 years of domestic life together with Abraham and Isaac, and then died in Hebron. She is the only woman in the Bible whose lifespan was recorded, another sign of her importance. God valued Sarah, cared for her so intimately, and took her to himself, but her example lives on in our faith.

Abraham was in mourning. But Sarah’s burial needed to be handled. Abraham had to engage thoroughly, contextually, humbly with his neighbors to purchase the burial plot for his dead wife Sarah. Although a “foreigner,” he is very competent and understands the procedures of engaging in such a transaction. On their part, the Hittites treat him with great respect, not only as an equal, but a “prince among us.” He earned that respect through his humility (7), cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness. Hebron means “unity” as with friends. Abraham spent money to make an alliance with the Hittites. Jesus tells us to use wealth to make friends (Lk 16:9). To do so we need to learn humility.

With this deal complete, Abraham finally has legal rights to the land, a foothold upon which God would build a tribe, a nation, a kingdom through him. The daily things of our lives also have great potential, as the kingdom grows through these (Mt 13:31-32).
Application: Father, your care for Sarah moves my heart to trust you more. Help me learn Abraham’s humility in all things today, trusting your purposes.
One Word: Sarah was buried like a seed in Canaan