The “Art of the Deal” OT Style: Chayeh Sarah

There are deals. And then there are deals. Abraham- in the Torah Portion Chayeh Sarah- makes a deal. Was it a deal or was it such a deal?

On first impression, Abraham’ deal violated the mythic 614th commandment: “Thou shalt not pay retail.” Upon further review, there was much more to the deal. In Chayeh Sarah, Abraham- at “full price” -acquires a burial cave for his wife Sarah’s tomb. Abraham’s land purchase based upon the transaction’s intrinsic value, far exceeded the 400 silver shekel cost.

What Makes A Deal Great

Can overpaying constitute a great deal? Perhaps. Most likely, however, when shrewd individuals overpay, it is likely that the casual observer missed important details.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 700 million, ten-year contract with Japanese Superstar Shohei Ohtani shocked the sports industry. The Dodgers knew something special. They appreciated that Ohtani’s value exceeded the traditional baseball business model. While Ohtani’s Ruthian play had tremendous worth, his nationality was the deal’s intangible element.

As a result, the aquisition of the Silver Slugger has proven to be a MVP-like business move by opening up a lucrative overseas market. Japan has become Dodger Blue. In turn, the Dodgers are churning out green.

Abraham’s OT Great Deal

At the time of the deal, Abraham was new to Canaan. He identified himself as both an alien and a visitor. Genesis 23:4.

Abraham’s family’s future in the region benefited his positive reputation. As such, Abraham uniquely orchestrated the land purchase exercising an abundance of fairness to all parties. Abraham insisted paying the full price for the Cave.

To do so, he engaged the Children of Heth. With them present, he negotiated with Ephron, the Hittite. The text notes that the Children of Heth were in hearing distance. Genesis 23:10.

The deal was for 400 sheckels of silver. “Abraham weighed out to Ephron the money that he had spoken in the ears of the children of Heth.” Genesis 23:16. [Note: from a Ten Commandments’ perspective, the purchase illustrates how the commandment concerning bearing false witness applied. Abraham mustered an entire tribe to be the transaction’s witness. Thus, he established a regional memory of his family’s land rights to the Cave.]

Conclusion

In sum, Abraham, the alien and stranger, purchased something far greater than a mere burial tomb for his wife Sarah. With it, he received the community’s respect. He established himself as a fair minded and decent individual.

Additionally, later Torah readings reveal the deals additional value. The land served as a beacon to the tribal nation. In Genesis 50, Joseph and his brothers, who were living in Egypt, returned to the Canaan to bury their father Jacob. While they did return to reside in Egypt, the moment reminded them as to their true residence.

Be well!!

Please like, follow, comment or share