Genesis 23:17-18 - Exposition

And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah ,—here the word is used as a proper name ( vide supra ) — which was before Mamre,— לִפְגֵי over against (Lange), to the east of (Keil), the oak grove— the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about ,—"In like manner the operations in the contract are just such as are found in modern deeds. It is not enough that you purchase a well-known lot; the contract must mention everything that belongs to it, and certify that fountains or wells in it, trees upon it, &c; are sold with the field"— were made sure —literally, stood up or arose, i.e. were confirmed (cf. Le Genesis 27:14 , Genesis 27:19 )— unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of the city. "This also is true to life. When any sale is now to be effected in a town or village, the whole population gather about the parties at the usual place of concourse, around or near the gate where there is one. There all take part and enter into the pros and cons with as much earnestness as if it were their own individual affair. By these means the operation, in all its circumstances and details, is known to many witnesses, and the thing is made sure without any written contract".