Avraham’s efforts to buy the Cave of Makhpela from the Bnei Chet reflect his relationship to the people of the land in the period before his descendants have inherited it.
Most of Parashat Chaye Sara deals with the mission undertaken by Avraham's servant, who is sent to find a wife for Yitzchak. However, our focus here will be on Avraham and two separate conversations that he has in which he conducts negotiations pertaining to the land.
The singular fondness for "the conversations of the servant" is a result of it being a simple human story. It lacks great nature confounding miracles. However, it contains a breathtaking human and religious drama, a drama in which man encounters Hashem within the natural order.
In this shiur, we will discuss the reason for Avraham's adamant insistence on buying the field of Efron the Chiti, which reflects his desire to have a foothold in Eretz Yisrael. We will further discuss how Yitzchak's lifestyle reflects his similar desire.
In Parashat Chayei Sarah, we read of the negotiations between Avraham and Efron regarding a burial plot for Sarah. Why does the Torah repeat that Avraham bought the plot, and why does Avraham insist on paying for the entire plot and field instead of accepting them as a present.
In this portion, Avraham has his servant Eliezer swear to find his son Yitzchak a wife, without letting him leave the country. Why is this so important? What does family mean for Avraham, and what truly is his native land?
