Genesis 23
Even after living in the land for over 60 years, Abraham was still living in a tent without a permanent residence. He still considered himself a sojourner and foreigner (v 4).
I love what Hebrews says about Abraham’s way of living in the land.
👉 By faith Abraham…went to live in the land of promise as in a foreign land, living in tents…looking forward to the city whose designer and builder is God… Hebrews 11:8-10
👉 For people who speak this make it clear that they are seeking a homeland (Hebrews 11:14).
👉 They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:6).
No matter how long we remain here – this is not our home. We are sojourners here. Strangers in a strange land. Foreigners far from home. Disciples desiring a better country.
BUT…back to Genesis.
Notice that Abraham lived this way – making it clear that he was a citizen of a better place – but did so in such a way that those around him respected him as a godly man among the people (v 6). His faith was obvious without being obnoxious.
And, by buying this cave in order to bury his dead – Abraham now owns a small piece of property in the land of Canaan that will be passed on to his descendants. Quite interesting considering the promise made to him by God.
