V1-6    God had promised Abraham the land of Canaan. At 137 years old, some 62 years after leaving Haran, he is able to buy the first, and only, part of Canaan, a field to bury his family in. It is significant that he does not return to Ur, his homeland, to bury his family. He believes fully in God’s promises, that this will become the land of his descendants.

            Earlier promises have yet to be fulfilled; 13.17; 15.18-21; 17.8. Unbelievers despise the promises of God, thinking Him unable to fulfil what He has spoken; but Abraham trusts God implicitly, even though he does not see the fulfilment of all the promises.

            Abraham has, through these years, maintained a testimony amongst the Hittites, the sons of Heth, “you are a mighty prince among us.”

V7-13            Abraham’s respect for the people, even though they cannot share in God’s promises to Him. He insists on buying the field at the proper price; compare 14.21-24. Again this is an indication of his trust in God.

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