distinction between (
Hebrew characters) and (Hebrew characters) is obscure (v.i.).—6. O if thou wouldst hear us (rd. (Hebrew characters), v.i.)]. The formula always
introduces a suggestion preferable to that just advanced: cf.
11. 13. 15.—(Hebrew characters) is more than 'a mighty prince' (as Ps.
367 6816 10416 etc.); it means one deriving his patent of
nobility straight from Almighty God.—Not a man of us will withhold, etc.] therefore there is no need to buy. Behind their
generosity there lurks an aversion to the idea of purchase.—7.
The v. has almost the force of a refrain (cf. 12). The first
stage of the negotiations is concluded.
8-12. The appeal to 'Ephrôn.—In his second speech
Abraham shows his tact first by ignoring tacitly the suggestion
of a free gift, and then by bringing the favourable
public opinion just expressed to bear on the individual he
wishes to reach.—9. On the cave of Makpēlāh, see at the
close.—in the end of his field] Abraham apparently does not
contemplate the purchase of the whole field: that was thrust
on him by 'Ephrôn's offer.—for full money] see p. 335 above
(footnote). The same expression occurs in 1 Ch. 2122. 24.—10.
entering the gate, etc.] i.e., his fellow-citizens, with the
right of sitting in public assembly at the gate (cf. (Hebrew characters),
3424).
13-16. The purchase of the field.—With the same tactful persistency, Abraham seizes on 'Ephrôn's expression of goodwill, while waving aside the idea of a gift.—13. If only thou—pray hear me!] The anakolouthon expresses the polite embarrassment of the speaker.—14, 15. 'Ephrôn's resistance being now broken down, he names his price with the affecta-*
must be joined to v.6, and read either (Hebrew characters) (as v.11: so [E]G), or (Hebrew characters) (as 13).
The last is the only form suitable in all four cases (5. 11. 13. 15). On (Hebrew characters)
with impve., cf. G-K. § 110 e.—6. (Hebrew characters)] = (Hebrew characters), G-K. § 75 qq.
8. (Hebrew characters)] 'in accordance with your [inner] mind.' Cf. 2 Ki. 915,
1 Sa. 204: see BDB, 661 a.—9. (Hebrew characters)] Elsewhere only 259 4930 5013;
always with art., showing that it retained an appellative sense. G ((Greek characters)),
VSTOJ are probably right in deriving it from [root] (Hebrew characters),
'double' (see p. 339).—10. (Hebrew characters)] (Hebrew characters) = 'namely' (see on 910: cf. BDB, 514 b);
in 18 it is replaced by (Hebrew characters) = 'among.'—11. For (Hebrew characters) pt. (Hebrew characters): see on 5.—(Hebrew characters)]
G om.—(Hebrew characters) is perf. of instant action: 'I give it'; G-K. § 106 m.
13. For (Hebrew characters), GTOJ (? S) read (Hebrew characters), mistaking the idiom.—14. (Hebrew characters)] as 5.—15.
G ((Greek characters)) does not render (Hebrew characters), but the (Greek characters) is odd.*
