Genesis 23 tells of Sarah’s death, giving her age at the time, and where she died. It appears Abraham was not at home (v. 2), and that her death was sudden–there is no account of the ailment, or how long she was sick. Death in such circumstances is most tragic; yet Abraham behaves in a decorous manner. She was in life a beautiful woman (12:11) and Abraham mourns, shedding tears, as is to be expected. This is a new experience now for him; he becomes a mourner.
As a pilgrim, he had no ownership in the land, so now sets about to find a burying place. He is no bargain hunter, but pays “current money with the merchant” (v. 16). The deal is duly witnessed by Ephron in the audience of the children of Heth, 400 shekels of silver. He acquires the Cave of Machpelah, meaning “staircase” or “spiraling.” Is there a hint here of resurrection?
Sarah becomes its first occupant, and five others follow: Abraham (25:9), Isaac and Rebekah, (49:31), and Leah and Jacob. Rachel was buried near Bethlehem, Joseph in Shechem (Josh. 24:32). Machpelah became that hallowed spot wherein is laid the honored dust of the patriarchs. The universe abounds with Machpelahs, scattered worldwide, in which the sanctified vessels of the redeemed lie, secure in the glorious hope of the awakening shout from the Lord at His coming (1 Thess. 4:16).
We now observe Abraham the widower. He has sent Hagar and Ishmael away, he is bereft of Sarah, and Isaac has married Rebekah. Abraham begins to suffer the first pains of loneliness, the affliction which accompanies old age. If not already prepared for it, it comes with twofold force. Lost the tender affections, gone the daily ministrations of companionship and communion of Sarah, his partner. Many a brother or sister has been here. The decisions of adjustment must be grimly faced; the alternatives are few. Either a future life of increased loneliness in one’s own home, or the courteous and well meaning invitation to share their home from son or daughter; bringing with it–though kindness is freely lavished–irksome irritations never faced before.
Another alternative is re-marriage, often bringing initial resistance from immediate family connections, as they envisage a loved mother replaced by a stranger, perhaps by them never consulted, far less approved.
But Abraham makes his choice–second marriage. He is still in the vigor of life, his natural force unabated. What vast physical changes took place in his body at 100 years old, when one who considered not his body now dead (Rom. 4:19)? Changes which he carried within him, even after Sarah’s death, for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. He evidently was reinvigorated.
Abraham marries Keturah, meaning “fragrance.” By her he obtains six sons, and at least another two by his concubines. Wisely, he gives his all to Isaac, and sends his other sons away, gift-laden. After nearly 40 years with Keturah, he dies at the advanced age of 175 years.
His second marriage is of questionable advantage. One of his later sons, Midian, becomes an enemy of Israel. Thus he had two wives, at least two concubines, and Hagar. In all, they bear him at least ten sons. His long life is laid bare for scrutiny, some aspects commendable, much deplorable, yet he is the only man called “the friend of God” (2 Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:23). Deploring our oft deficiencies, this is some encouragement to believe that perhaps some small reward awaits us lesser mortals.