When Avraham seeks to purchase the Cave of Makhpela as a burial plot for Sarah, Efron, one of the sons of Chet, offers it to Avraham for free. Avraham refuses, and when he pays the full amount that Efron then suggests, the Torah has an unusually long description of this transaction. Why? We would do well to address the question of why in light of a broad perspective on the story.
Why does Efron offer the land for free? The Torah does not provide us with any information about the relationship between Avraham and the sons of Chet prior to Sarah's passing. Despite the absence of information concerning previous connections between them, Avraham is immediately referred to by the sons of Chet as "a mighty prince." What can possibly stand behind such a designation?
These designations are a cunning way to exploit Avraham's distress. It would seem that just as we are commanded to learn from the boldness and strength of our forefathers' faith in standing resolutely on their path, we are no less supposed to distance ourselves from the actions of those who stood opposite them and made their lives difficult.
