Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 9. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him] Though Ishmael and his mother had been expelled from Abraham's family on the account of Isaac, yet, as he was under the same obligation to a most loving affectionate father as his brother Isaac, if any personal feuds remained, they agreed to bury them on this occasion, that both might dutifully join in doing the last offices to a parent who was an honour to them and to human nature: and, considering the rejection of Ishmael from the inheritance, this transaction shows his character in an amiable point of view; for though he was a wild man, (see chap. xvi. 12,) yet this appellation appears to be more characteristic of his habits of life than of his disposition.
For the character of Abraham see the conclusion of this chapter.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-10 - All the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not remarkabl days; some slide on silently; such were these last days of Abraham Here is an account of Abraham's children by Keturah, and the disposition which he made of his estate. After the birth of these sons he set his house in order, with prudence and justice. He did this whil he yet lived. It is wisdom for men to do what they find to do whil they live, as far as they can. Abraham lived 175 years; just on hundred years after he came to Canaan; so long he was a sojourner in strange country. Whether our stay in this life be long or short, in matters but little, provided we leave behind us a testimony to the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord, and a good example to ou families. We are told that his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him. I seems that Abraham had himself brought them together while he lived Let us not close the history of the life of Abraham without blessin God for such a testimony of the triumph of faith.
Original Hebrew ויקברו6912 אתו853 יצחק3327 וישׁמעאל3458 בניו1121 אל413 מערת4631 המכפלה4375 אל413 שׂדה7704 עפרן6085 בן1121 צחר6714 החתי2850 אשׁר834 על5921 פני6440 ממרא׃4471
