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Genesis 25:10 - Avraham's eternal resting place

Genesis 25:10 - בראשית 25:10

Hebrew Text

הַשָּׂדֶה אֲשֶׁר־קָנָה אַבְרָהָם מֵאֵת בְּנֵי־חֵת שָׁמָּה קֻבַּר אַבְרָהָם וְשָׂרָה אִשְׁתּוֹ׃

English Translation

the field which Avraham purchased of the sons of Ḥet: there was Avraham buried, and Sara his wife.

Transliteration

Hasadeh asher kanah Avraham meet bnei-Chet shamah kovar Avraham ve-Sarah ishto.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַשָּׂדֶ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־קָנָ֥ה אַבְרָהָ֖ם מֵאֵ֣ת בְּנֵי־חֵ֑ת שָׁ֛מָּה קֻבַּ֥ר אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְשָׂרָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃
הַשָּׂדֶ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־קָנָ֥ה אַבְרָהָ֖ם מֵאֵ֣ת בְּנֵי־חֵ֑ת שָׁ֛מָּה קֻבַּ֥ר אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְשָׂרָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Avraham's Purchase

The verse recounts the burial of Avraham and Sarah in the field Avraham purchased from the sons of Ḥet. This field, identified as the Cave of Machpelah (Me'arat HaMachpelah), holds profound significance in Jewish tradition. Rashi (on Bereishit 23:17) emphasizes that this was the first plot of land acquired by Avraham in Eretz Yisrael, fulfilling the divine promise of inheritance (Bereishit 12:7). The purchase is described in detail in Bereishit 23 to highlight its legality and permanence, ensuring it would remain an eternal possession for the Jewish people.

Why the Sons of Ḥet Are Mentioned

The Torah specifies that Avraham bought the field from the sons of Ḥet (Bnei Chet). Ramban (on Bereishit 23:19) explains that this detail reinforces the legitimacy of the transaction, as the Ḥittites were the indigenous inhabitants of the land at the time. By purchasing it openly and with their acknowledgment, Avraham ensured no future disputes over ownership. The Talmud (Bava Batra 100a) also derives from this episode the importance of proper documentation in land acquisition.

The Burial of Avraham and Sarah

The verse notes that both Avraham and Sarah were buried there. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:10) teaches that Sarah was the first to be buried in the cave, and Avraham's burial there later signified their eternal bond. The Zohar (1:127b) adds that Machpelah is a gateway to Gan Eden, making it a sacred resting place for the righteous. The fact that this location became the burial site for the Avot and Imahot underscores its holiness in Jewish tradition.

Lessons from the Transaction

  • Honesty in Business: Avraham insisted on paying full price (Bereishit 23:9), refusing to accept the land as a gift, to avoid any future claims (Rashi on 23:13).
  • Eretz Yisrael as an Inheritance: The purchase symbolizes the Jewish people's eternal connection to the land, acquired through lawful means (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 11:1).
  • Respect for the Deceased: The care taken in securing a burial place reflects the importance of honoring the dead (Talmud, Sanhedrin 46b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the burial of Abraham and Sarah, emphasizing the significance of the field purchased from the sons of Heth as their burial place.
📖 Bava Batra 100a
The verse is cited in a discussion about property rights and the legal acquisition of land, using Abraham's purchase as a precedent for valid transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham buy the field from the sons of Ḥet?
A: Avraham wanted a proper burial place for his wife Sarah (Genesis 23), and he insisted on purchasing the field (the Cave of Machpelah) rather than receiving it as a gift. This showed his integrity and established a permanent Jewish claim to the land, as Rashi explains (Genesis 23:17-18).
Q: Why is it important that both Avraham and Sarah were buried in the same place?
A: Their burial together in the Cave of Machpelah symbolizes their lifelong partnership in serving Hashem and spreading monotheism. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:5) teaches that this burial site became the resting place for the patriarchs and matriarchs, showing the unity of the Jewish people's founding families.
Q: What is the significance of the Cave of Machpelah in Judaism today?
A: The Cave of Machpelah in Hebron is considered one of Judaism's holiest sites, as it is the burial place of Avraham, Sarah, Yitzchak, Rivkah, Yaakov, and Leah. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 7:7) mentions its sanctity. Many Jews visit to pray there, especially on Shabbat Chayei Sarah.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Avraham's purchase of the field again in this verse?
A: The repetition emphasizes that Avraham's rightful ownership of the land was legally established through payment (as described in detail in Genesis 23). Rashi (Genesis 25:10) notes this reinforces that Eretz Yisrael was acquired properly by our ancestors, not taken by force.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham insisting to pay for the burial cave?
A: Avraham teaches us the importance of honesty and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety. Though Ephron offered the land for free (Genesis 23:11), Avraham insisted on paying full price to prevent future disputes, as the Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) derives from his actions.