Genesis 23:4

I am a stranger. Abraham’s courteous approach to the Hittites, the “people of the land,” is noteworthy (vs. 7, 12, 13). He frankly admitted his status as a sojourner and made no claim to any of the land by right (see Hebrews 11:13). God had promised him all of Canaan. With hundreds of retainers he had defeated the allied expeditionary force from Mesopotamia (Genesis 14). These very Hittites recognized him as a “mighty prince” (Genesis 23:6). Yet, in humility, Abraham did not present his neighbors with a demand; he requested permission to secure title to a piece of land, not by right, but as a favor and for a price.

A burying place. This is the first grave mentioned in Scripture. Cremation was practiced by many pagan nations of antiquity, but the Hebrews preferred interment. The desire to be buried on one’s own land is common to people of all ages, races, and levels of culture.