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Genesis 23:2

King James Version (KJV)

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— D.L. Moody

Genesis 23:2

Verse 2 of 20

Scripture focus

And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

Genesis 23:2 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 23:2

Theological / Devotional

Kirjath-arba. Abraham had moved back to his former place of abode, near Hebron (Genesis 13:18; 18:1). Having lived for almost 40 years in the land of the Philistines (Genesis 20:1; 21:31-34; 22:19), he now returned to Canaan proper, a fact Moses specifically notes. Kirjath-arba (Joshua 14:15 ; 15:13; 21:11), meaning “city of Arba,” was named for one of the giant Anakim, who apparently founded it. The name Hebron was given to the city at a later time.

Mourn for Sarah. Seemingly the only burial rite observed by Abraham. This probably refers to formal mourning — sitting on the ground and weeping in the presence of the dead. Mourning later developed into an elaborate ritual, including such ceremonies as rending the garments, shaving the head, wearing sackcloth, and covering the head with dust and ashes (2 Samuel 3:31; Job 1:20 ; 2:12).

By SdaBc