23. Abraham and Machpelah.—There are two places in Canaan most intimately associated with Abraham. These are Shechem, where he first learned that he was in "the Land" at last, and Machpelah, where he laid Sarah to rest and where he himself was buried. Here also were buried Isaac, Jacob, Rebekah, and Leah. (See Gen. 25:9, 49:30, and 50:13.) It would not be very surprising if some day we were to recover their bodies from that historic burying-place. Stranger things have happened.
Test Questions
In what does the Bible deal largely?
Give the names of the great characters of the Old Testament up to David.
In what two respects was Abraham one of the greatest men of history?
In what respect was the call of Abraham a twofold call?
What was the religious environment of the Patriarch in his home?
Where did Abraham first know that he was in "the Land"?
What did he there "raise" at once?
What makes us think that God did not direct Abraham to go to Egypt?