Readings: March 8, 2025

Genesis 23 recounts Sarah’s death and Abraham’s purchase of the cave of Machpelah as a burial site. This chapter underscores Abraham’s faith and his interactions with the Hittites, reflecting his respect for local customs while securing a lasting inheritance in the Promised Land. The narrative highlights the importance of honoring the deceased and establishing a tangible connection to God’s promises. Abraham’s negotiation exemplifies humility and determination, serving as a model for balancing faith with practical matters in life.

Starting after Sukkot 2024, Hallel Fellowship switched to a three-year cycle of Torah and parallel Bible readings (2024–2027), outlined by TorahResource. While there’s ancient evidence for a triennial cycle, a major benefit is to provide more time to mine more of Scripture for lessons.

Tools for study

Readings
Corresponding reading in the 1-year Torah cycle
How the readings fit together
Insights from the readings
- Key Hebrew & Greek terms
- Lessons & messianic insights

Readings

Genesis 23
1Kings 1:1–31
Acts 7:1–18

Shabbat Zachor (Sabbath of Remembrance)

Deuteronomy 25:17–19
1Samuel 15:2–34
1Peter 4:12–5:11

Corresponding reading in the 1-year Torah cycle

Torah reading Chayei Sarah (חיי שרה): Genesis 23:1-25:18

How the readings fit together

Genesis 23, 1 Kings 1:1–31 and Acts 7:1–18 are connected through themes of inheritance, leadership transition and God’s promises to His people.

Genesis 23: This chapter details Abraham purchasing the cave of Machpelah for Sarah’s burial, ensuring a lasting inheritance in the Promised Land. It underscores faith in God’s promise of land for future generations.

1Kings 1:1–31: This passage describes the transition of Israel’s leadership from David to Solomon, securing the rightful heir to the throne. Like Abraham’s careful dealings, David ensures the fulfillment of God’s covenant regarding his dynasty.

Acts 7:1–18: The deacon Stephen recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing God’s covenant with Abraham, including the promise of land and numerous descendants. He highlights Abraham’s faith in purchasing a burial site, connecting it to God’s unfolding plan for Israel.

These passages collectively emphasize God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the importance of rightful inheritance, and the necessity of securing the future for God’s people.

Insights from the readings

Key Hebrew & Greek terms

קֶבֶר qever — “grave, tomb” (Gen. 23:6)

Used in Genesis 50:5 (“In my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there shall you bury me”). Signifies permanence and the fulfillment of God’s land promise.

אֲחֻזָּה akhuzzah — “possession, inheritance” (Gen. 23:4, 9, 20)

Also in Leviticus 25:46 regarding the inheritance of the land. Abraham securing Machpelah reflects his faith in God’s future provision.

מָשַׁח mashakh — “to anoint” (1Kings 1:39)

Used in Psalm 2:2 (“The kings of the earth set themselves…against the LORD and against His anointed”). Prefigures the Messiah, God’s anointed King.

בָּחַר bakhar — “to choose” (1Kings 1:11)

Used in Deuteronomy 17:15 regarding God choosing the king. Solomon as the chosen successor reflects God’s sovereign will.

Κληρονομία klēronomia — “inheritance” (Acts 7:5)

Also in Ephesians 1:11 (“In Him we have obtained an inheritance”). Relates to God’s promises extending beyond Abraham to believers.

Παροικέω paroikeō – “to sojourn, dwell as a foreigner” (Acts 7:6)

Also in Hebrews 11:9 (“By faith, he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country”). Highlights the theme of faith and awaiting full possession of God’s promise.