Genesis 23:1 - Meaning and Application

Here we have Sarah’s age, in Genesis 23:1. Nearly forty years earlier, she had spoken of herself as old in Genesis 18:12. People do not die sooner just because they think of themselves as old, but they may die better if they are ready for it.

We also have her death in Genesis 23:2. The longest life must end at last. Abraham and Sarah had lived together happily for many years, yet death separates even those whom nothing else could separate. Even God’s special friends are not spared from death. She died in the land of Canaan, where she had lived as a foreigner for more than sixty years.

Then we see Abraham’s mourning for her, and he was truly grieving. He did not just go through the usual signs of mourning, like those who make public displays in the streets. He sincerely felt the loss of his good wife, and he showed that his love for her remained constant to the end. The Bible says he came both to mourn and to weep. His sorrow was real, not pretended. He came to her tent and sat down beside her body, giving tears to her memory and letting what he saw move his heart. He also showed proper respect to the one who had died.

It is not only lawful, but right, to mourn the death of close relatives. God’s providence calls us to weep and mourn in such times, and we also honor those to whom honor is due. Tears are a fitting tribute to departed friends. When a body is planted in the grave, it should be watered with tears. Still, we must not grieve like people who have no hope, for through grace we have a good hope for them and for ourselves.