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Genesis 25:9 - Brothers unite for sacred burial.

Genesis 25:9 - בראשית 25:9

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְבְּרוּ אֹתוֹ יִצְחָק וְיִשְׁמָעֵאל בָּנָיו אֶל־מְעָרַת הַמַּכְפֵּלָה אֶל־שְׂדֵה עֶפְרֹן בֶּן־צֹחַר הַחִתִּי אֲשֶׁר עַל־פְּנֵי מַמְרֵא׃

English Translation

And his sons Yiżĥaq and Yishma᾽el buried him in the cave of Makhpela, in the field of ῾Efron the son of Żoĥar the Ḥittite, which is before Mamre;

Transliteration

Va'yikberu oto Yitzchak v'Yishmael banav el-me'arat ha'machpela el-sdeh Efron ben-Tzochar ha'Chiti asher al-pnei Mamre.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְבְּר֨וּ אֹת֜וֹ יִצְחָ֤ק וְיִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ בָּנָ֔יו אֶל־מְעָרַ֖ת הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֑ה אֶל־שְׂדֵ֞ה עֶפְרֹ֤ן בֶּן־צֹ֙חַר֙ הַֽחִתִּ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־פְּנֵ֥י מַמְרֵֽא׃
וַיִּקְבְּר֨וּ אֹת֜וֹ יִצְחָ֤ק וְיִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ בָּנָ֔יו אֶל־מְעָרַ֖ת הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֑ה אֶל־שְׂדֵ֞ה עֶפְרֹ֤ן בֶּן־צֹ֙חַר֙ הַֽחִתִּ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־פְּנֵ֥י מַמְרֵֽא׃

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Parasha Commentary

Burial of Avraham in the Cave of Machpelah

The verse (Bereishit 25:9) describes the burial of Avraham Avinu by his sons Yitzchak and Yishmael in the Cave of Machpelah. This event carries deep significance in Jewish tradition, as it represents the fulfillment of Avraham's acquisition of the burial site (Bereishit 23) and demonstrates the unity between his sons at this sacred moment.

Significance of Yitzchak and Yishmael Burying Together

Rashi comments that the mention of Yishmael before Yitzchak here (unlike the usual order where Yitzchak is mentioned first as the primary heir) teaches that Yishmael did teshuvah and allowed Yitzchak to take precedence, showing respect for his brother's spiritual status. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 62:3) elaborates that Yishmael's presence at the burial demonstrates his reconciliation with the family.

The Location: Cave of Machpelah

The burial in Me'arat HaMachpelah (the Double Cave) holds great significance:

  • Ramban explains it was called "Machpelah" either because it had two chambers or because it contained the burial pairs (Adam and Chava, Avraham and Sarah, etc.)
  • The Zohar teaches that this cave is the entrance to Gan Eden, making it particularly sacred
  • Purchasing this site established Jewish ownership of this holy place in Eretz Yisrael

Mention of Efron the Hittite

The Torah reiterates that the burial was in the field purchased from Efron, emphasizing:

  • The legal acquisition of the site by Avraham (as detailed in Bereishit 23)
  • That this became the burial place for our patriarchs and matriarchs
  • The fulfillment of Hashem's promise that Avraham would possess land in Canaan

Geographical Note: "Before Mamre"

The specification that the site was "before Mamre" connects to earlier events (Bereishit 18:1) where Avraham was sitting at Mamre when he received the divine visitors. Rashi notes that Mamre had advised Avraham regarding the brit milah, and therefore merited having this significant location associated with his name.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the burial of Abraham, highlighting the reconciliation between Isaac and Ishmael as they come together to bury their father.
📖 Bava Batra 16b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the cave of Machpelah and its significance as a burial site for the patriarchs and matriarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Isaac and Ishmael bury Abraham together?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Isaac and Ishmael came together to bury Abraham to show unity and respect for their father, despite their past conflicts. This teaches the importance of family reconciliation, especially during times of mourning.
Q: What is the significance of the Cave of Machpelah?
A: The Cave of Machpelah is the burial place of our forefathers and foremothers (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah). The Talmud (Eruvin 53a) explains that it is called 'Machpelah' (meaning 'double') because it has a double cave structure or because it contains couples buried together. It is considered a holy site in Judaism.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that the cave was purchased from Ephron the Hittite?
A: The Torah emphasizes this detail to show that Abraham legally acquired the burial site (as recorded in Genesis 23). The Ramban explains that this teaches the importance of proper ownership in Jewish law (halacha) and that the Land of Israel must be acquired through honest means, not conquest.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Isaac and Ishmael burying Abraham together?
A: The Midrash teaches that this event shows the power of repentance (teshuvah) and family unity. Despite their differences, Isaac and Ishmael put aside their conflicts to honor their father. This teaches us the importance of reconciliation, especially when fulfilling mitzvot like honoring parents and proper burial.
Q: Where is the Cave of Machpelah located today?
A: The Cave of Machpelah is located in the city of Hebron (Chevron) in Israel. Today, there is a large building over the cave called the 'Tomb of the Patriarchs' (Me'arat HaMachpelah), which is a holy site for prayer and visitation. The Rambam writes that it is a mitzvah to pray there due to its sanctity.