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The Hittites were among the most prominent peoples dwelling in Canaan at the time of the patriarchs. The biblical account in Genesis 23:3-20 provides one of the most detailed interactions between the Hittites and Abraham, highlighting their role in the land that Jehovah had promised to Abraham’s descendants. The account of Abraham’s negotiation with the Hittites to acquire the Cave of Machpelah offers valuable insight into Hittite culture, land ownership customs, and their relationship with the patriarchs.

Abraham’s Negotiation with the Hittites for a Burial Site

Following the death of Sarah, Abraham sought a suitable burial place for her, demonstrating his respect for his wife and adherence to customs of proper burial. Genesis 23:3-4 states:

“Then Abraham got up from before his dead wife and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying: ‘I am a foreigner and a settler among you. Give me a property to use as a burial place in your midst so that I may remove my dead for burial.’”

Abraham’s self-identification as a foreigner and a settler emphasizes that, although he had lived in Canaan for decades, he did not own land. Jehovah had promised him the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; 13:15-17; 15:18-21), but the fulfillment of that promise was for a future time. This acknowledgment underscores Abraham’s faith in Jehovah’s promises, as he sought only a burial site rather than attempting to take possession of the land prematurely.

The Hittites’ Offer and Abraham’s Response

The Hittites, referred to as the “sons of Heth,” responded favorably to Abraham’s request, demonstrating respect and hospitality. Genesis 23:5-6 records their reply:

“At this the sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him: ‘Hear us, my lord. You are a chieftain of God among us. You may bury your dead in the choicest of our burial places. None of us will refuse you his burial site for you to bury your dead.’”

Their reference to Abraham as “a chieftain of God” reveals that his reputation as a man blessed by Jehovah was widely recognized. However, despite their generosity, Abraham insisted on paying for the land, rather than simply accepting it as a gift. His decision reflected his desire to establish legal ownership without any potential future dispute over the land’s rightful possession.

Genesis 23:8-9 records Abraham’s specific request:

“Then he spoke with them, saying: ‘If it is your will for me to remove my dead for burial, then listen to me and urge Ephron the son of Zohar to sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the edge of his field. Let him sell it to me for the full amount of silver as a property for a burial place among you.’”

This interaction reveals a structured legal system among the Hittites, where land ownership was clearly defined, and property sales required formal negotiation.

Ephron’s Counteroffer and Abraham’s Purchase

The negotiation continued with Ephron, the owner of the cave, responding publicly to Abraham’s request. Genesis 23:11-15 describes his offer:

“‘No, my lord! Listen to me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In full view of the sons of my people, I give it to you. Bury your dead.’ But Abraham bowed down before the people of the land. He then spoke to Ephron before the people of the land, saying: ‘Please listen to me! I will give you the full amount of silver for the field. Take it from me, and let me bury my dead there.’”

Ephron’s initial offer of “giving” the land was likely a customary practice of Near Eastern diplomacy, possibly expecting that Abraham would still insist on payment. In this culture, such offers often functioned as a gesture of generosity, but actual ownership transfer typically required a formal transaction.

Ephron then named a price:

“Ephron replied to Abraham, saying to him: ‘My lord, listen to me. A piece of land worth 400 silver shekels—what is that between me and you? Bury your dead.’” (Genesis 23:14-15)

The price of 400 shekels of silver was a considerable sum, suggesting that Ephron inflated the price, assuming Abraham’s wealth. Nevertheless, Abraham did not negotiate the cost further, showing his desire to secure legal ownership beyond any doubt.

Genesis 23:16 states:

“So Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out to Ephron the amount of silver that he had mentioned in the hearing of the sons of Heth, 400 silver shekels according to the standard merchants’ weight.”

This formal payment process, witnessed by the sons of Heth, ensured official documentation of the transaction, preventing future disputes over the land’s ownership.

The Significance of the Cave of Machpelah

Genesis 23:17-20 records the finalization of the purchase:

“So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was in front of Mamre—the field and the cave in it and all the trees within its boundaries—became confirmed as Abraham’s purchased property in the presence of the sons of Heth before all those entering the gate of his city. After that, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field of Machpelah in front of Mamre, that is, Hebron, in the land of Canaan. Thus the field and the cave in it became confirmed to Abraham as a property for a burial place from the sons of Heth.”

This passage highlights key legal and cultural aspects of ancient land transactions:

Public confirmation – The purchase was done “in the presence of the sons of Heth,” ensuring public record.
Boundary specification – The field, cave, and trees were all included, detailing the precise extent of the property.
Finalized ownership – The land became Abraham’s permanent possession, serving as a family burial site for generations.

The Cave of Machpelah later became the burial site for:

Abraham (Genesis 25:9-10)
Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 49:29-31)
Jacob and Leah (Genesis 50:13)

This burial site symbolized Abraham’s faith in Jehovah’s promises, as it was the only land in Canaan he ever owned, despite Jehovah’s promise that his descendants would inherit the entire land.

The Hittites in the Larger Biblical Context

The Hittites appear frequently in the Old Testament as one of the nations dwelling in Canaan. They were:

Among the nations God would drive out before Israel (Exodus 3:8; Joshua 3:10).
Involved in trade and military alliances (1 Kings 10:29).
Present in Israelite society, as seen in Uriah the Hittite, a loyal soldier under King David (2 Samuel 11:3).

Though the Hittites’ historical presence in Canaan is sometimes debated in secular archaeology, the biblical account provides a detailed and consistent record of their interactions with Israel’s patriarchs and kings.

The Hittites in Genesis 23:3-20 are portrayed as a significant people in Canaan, with established legal practices, wealth, and influence. Abraham’s respectful negotiation with them, rather than taking land by force, underscores his faith in Jehovah’s promise and his integrity in dealings with others.

The purchase of the Cave of Machpelah became a symbolic and legal foothold in the Promised Land, foreshadowing Jehovah’s eventual fulfillment of His covenant. This transaction also illustrates ancient property laws, negotiation customs, and the enduring faith of the patriarchs in Jehovah’s promises.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).