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It is significant that the age of Sarah is given when she dies. This is not the case with other matriarchs. Rebekah’s death is not even recorded and Rachel’s death is only highlighted by her burial location. It is speculated that the Lord let Sarah live 127 years because it represented an exceedingly blessed life. A long life was considered 120 years.
Then the LORD said, “I will not allow people to live forever; they are mortal. From now on they will live no longer than 120 years.”
Genesis 6:3 GNB
God gave Sarah an extra 7 years, a complete number that represents fullness.
Being able to have a proper burial for his wife required that Abraham own land. He did not want a borrowed tomb. The issue is that he had been wandering ever since God had called him. It would have been easy for Abraham, in his emotions, to be frustrated with his situation. This certainly wasn’t ideal, but God had a plan.
After some interesting bargaining, Abraham was able to buy and retain ownership of a small piece of real estate that existed within the land promised to his descendants. It is fascinating to consider that this cave would become the burial plot for Abraham and his family. Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob would all be buried there.
It may seem like a small detail, but this was the provision of God taking shape in Abraham’s life. It was the beginning of a promise fulfilled.