And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.
The verse belongs to Abraham's negotiation with the sons of Heth to buy a burial place, a cave, for Sarah. He maintained courtesy even while grieving. His respectful bowing exemplifies the politeness and consideration due from one person to another. Even God's nobleman owes such politeness to others.
It stands as the finest example of the power of true courtesy, showing Abraham as a true and Christian gentleman who knew what is due to a fellow person. Although God had promised him Canaan, Abraham owned no land of his own and had to purchase a place to bury Sarah. His lack of possession did not cancel the promise; he looked instead to the future inheritance and the life to come.
The verse belongs to Abraham's negotiation with the sons of Heth to buy a burial place, a cave, for Sarah. He maintained courtesy even while grieving. His respectful bowing exemplifies the politeness and consideration due from one person to another. Even God's nobleman owes such politeness to others.
It stands as the finest example of the power of true courtesy, showing Abraham as a true and Christian gentleman who knew what is due to a fellow person. Although God had promised him Canaan, Abraham owned no land of his own and had to purchase a place to bury Sarah. His lack of possession did not cancel the promise; he looked instead to the future inheritance and the life to come.