Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of Abraham purchasing the field and cave from the children of Ḥet?
A: This verse refers to Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron as a burial site for Sarah (Genesis 23). According to Rashi and the Midrash, this was the first legal acquisition of land by a Jew in the Land of Israel, establishing a permanent Jewish connection to the land. The Torah emphasizes that it was a proper purchase from the children of Ḥet (Hittites) to show it was acquired honestly.
Q: Why did Abraham insist on paying for the cave instead of accepting it as a gift?
A: As explained in Genesis 23 and by commentators like Rashi, Abraham wanted to establish clear legal ownership to prevent future disputes. The Midrash teaches that paying full price demonstrated this was a permanent acquisition, not just temporary permission to bury Sarah. This also fulfilled the future promise that his descendants would inherit the land.
Q: What is the importance of the Cave of Machpelah in Jewish tradition?
A: The Cave of Machpelah, purchased in this transaction, became the burial place of our patriarchs and matriarchs (Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah). The Talmud (Eruvin 53a) and Midrash describe it as the entrance to the Garden of Eden. It remains one of Judaism's holiest sites, with a tradition of pilgrimage dating back to biblical times.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that the sellers were 'children of Ḥet'?
A: Rashi explains that specifying 'children of Ḥet' emphasizes that Abraham negotiated with the rightful owners and followed all legal procedures. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) notes that this teaches the importance of honest business dealings, even with non-Jews. The name Ḥet (חת) also hints at 'fear' (חתת), showing Abraham's concern about proper acquisition.
Q: How does this purchase relate to the Jewish claim to the Land of Israel?
A: As the Ramban explains, this was the first formal Jewish acquisition in the Land of Israel, establishing our ancestral connection. The detailed account of the purchase (in Genesis 23) provides legal documentation that the land belongs to the Jewish people. Jewish tradition maintains that Hebron and the Cave of Machpelah remain eternal Jewish possessions based on this transaction.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Genesis 23:20) concludes the narrative of Avraham Avinu purchasing the field and cave of Machpelah from Efron the Hittite (Bnei Chet) as a burial site for Sarah Imeinu. This transaction is significant as it represents the first legal acquisition of land in Eretz Yisrael by the Avos.
Legal and Historical Significance
Rashi (ad loc) emphasizes that the Torah details this purchase to demonstrate that Avraham properly acquired the land through a valid business transaction, countering any future claims that the burial site was taken unlawfully. The Ramban (Genesis 23:19) adds that this purchase established a foothold for Jewish ownership in the Land of Israel.
The Nature of the Transaction
Spiritual Dimensions
The Zohar (1:127b) sees deeper symbolism in this purchase, interpreting the "field" as representing the physical world and the "cave" as representing the spiritual dimension. Avraham's acquisition thus connected heaven and earth.
Halachic Implications
The Rambam (Hilchos Mechira 1:15) derives from this episode that land acquisitions require proper documentation and public recognition to be valid, principles that became foundational in Jewish property law.