Genesis 24:7: “The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father’s household and my native land (…) spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’.”
The scarred remains of the sacrifice were still smoldering on the altar when the Heavenly Being called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said [Genesis 22:15-18]:
“I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
The Lord’s words still echoed in their hearts and minds as Abraham and Isaac went down the mountain. The two of them held their torches high and walked in solemn silence. Soon they reached the campsite where the servants had prepared dinner. Abraham greeted them with the words “Jehovah Jireh”. His men looked at him puzzled, and he went on to explain, “God made a sacrifice on His Mountain. From now on we will call this place “Jehovah Jireh” because the Lord sees us and comes through for us.”
The next morning they broke camp early. They had been on the road for more than a week when they finally descended the slopes of the Hebron foothills. Sarah came towards them as they entered the home turf. “What took you so long? I was worried that something had happened to you”, she said and hugged them both.
Later, when they were alone, Sarah handed her husband a small scroll. Abraham looked at her questioningly. “I have some news for you”, Sarah said with an awkward smile and continued: “We have received word from your brother Nahor. Remember – we sent him a message when our son Isaac was born. Meanwhile he has gotten back with us and lets us know that he has twelve children by his wife Milkah and his concubine Reumah.” Abraham unfolded the scroll and remarked, “That’s quite an elaborate scroll he sent us. He listed his family tree with all the names of his children and grandchildren.”
With hurt in her eyes Sarah gazed at her husband and asked, “Why do you think is it so difficult for us to have children while it is so easy for others?” The question hung in the air for a while before Abraham answered: “I believe the reason lies in the miracle attached to our son. As you have mentioned, it is humanly impossible to bear children at age 90. Now everybody acknowledges that Isaac is God’s gift. Our children are born as a testimony to the world that God is alive. The Lord’s name will be elevated in our children and children’s children.”
Abraham tried to read his wife’s expression as he had studied the scroll just moments ago. Apparently fertility was still a sensitive subject to her. He added: “I wished you could find contentment and stop comparing yourself with other women, Sarah. You are God’s Chosen and my princess.” His wife nodded, a little embarrassed, saying: “Yes, of course. I know you are right.” And for the rest of her life she never brought up the issue again.
It was winter in the desert when Sarah passed away. She was one-hundred and twenty-seven years old. Abraham mourned over the loss of his cherished companion and went to the Well of the Oath to pray. There stood the old Tamarisk tree that he had planted so long ago. It had grown wide and strong and provided plenty of shade. Abraham sighed: “Oh Lord my heart is broken”, he touched the rough bark and prayed: “Unlike this tree which is firmly rooted, Sarah and I have moved from place to place in our lifetime. But now she has reached her destiny and I hope to find a good place not far from here to lay her body to rest. Please grant Your servant success tomorrow when I will negotiate with my neighbors for a plot of land.”
The very next day Abraham met with the men of Hebron. To negotiate a deal he had to go to the city gates where business transactions were publicly validated. A man named Ephron agreed to sell him a plot of land with a field and a small cave. For four hundred shekels of silver Abraham made the purchase and buried his wife Sarah on the property deeded to him.
In the course of time Abraham grew attached to the burial site and visited this place whenever he had to clear his mind. “Oh Lord, You have assigned us a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the hills and valleys;” he often prayed. “You have planted us in rich soil, – now help us thrive! And may all Your wonderful promises come true.”