Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 23:14-20

"And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him, My lord, hearken unto me. A piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that betwixt me and thee? Bury therefore thy dead. And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron. And Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current [money] with the merchant. So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the border thereof round about, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city. And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre (the same is Hebron), in the land of Canaan. And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a burying-place by the children of Heth." — Genesis 23:14-20 (ASV)

Prudence, as well as justice, directs us to be fair and open in our dealings; cheating bargains will not bear the light. Abraham, without fraud or delay, pays the money. He pays it at once in full, without keeping any part back, and by weight—current money with the merchant—without deceit. See how in ancient times money was used for the help of trade, and how honestly it should be paid when it is due.

Though all the land of Canaan was Abraham's by promise, yet as the time for him to possess it had not yet come, what he needed he bought and paid for. Dominion is not founded in grace. The saints' title to an eternal inheritance does not entitle them to the possessions of this world, nor does it justify them in doing wrong. Ephron honestly and fairly provides a clear title to the land.

Just as that which is bought must be honestly paid for, so that which is sold must be honestly delivered and secured. Let us manage our affairs with punctuality and exactness to avoid contention. Abraham buried Sarah in a cave or vault, which was in the purchased field. This would tend to endear the land to his posterity.

And it is worth noting that a burial place was the only piece of land Abraham possessed in Canaan. Those who have the least of this earth find a grave in it. This sepulchre was at the end of the field; whatever our possessions are, there is a burial place at the end of them. It was a sign of his belief and expectation of the resurrection.

Abraham is content to remain a pilgrim while he lives, but he secures a place where, when he dies, his flesh may rest in hope. After all, the chief concern is with whom we shall rise.