And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,
Ephron lived among the Hittite people. When Abraham spoke to him, Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in front of all the Hittites who were gathered at the city gate, saying,
This verse sets the scene where Ephron the Hittite is about to respond to Abraham's request to buy land, and he's doing so publicly in front of all the town leaders.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place when Abraham needed to buy a burial place for his wife Sarah who had just died. In ancient times, the city gate was where important business transactions and legal matters were conducted publicly, with the town elders serving as witnesses. Abraham was a foreigner living among the Hittites, so he needed to negotiate respectfully for the right to purchase land.
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