a. The death of Sarah (23:1-20)

In the midst of the section on Abraham and Sarah, the writer to the Hebrews (11:8-19) makes it clear that “all these people were still living by faith when they died”; and though they “admitted that they were aliens and strangers,” they were nonetheless “longing for a better country.” In such a summary, the importance of the present chapter is perceived. The investment in the piece of land to bury Sarah is an investment in the promise. It is a last witness to God’s promise of this land for Abraham and Sarah’s progeny.

And as in keeping with Joseph’s last wish (50-25), Sarah’s tomb bears witness to a living hope.