Abraham loses the love of his life, Sarah. His wife was so devoted and loving that she even went along with some of his crazy schemes. Her death gives us opportunity to reflect on how we mourn.
We watch Abraham, in the midst of his grief, making a deal to procure for his wife a burial place. Here, we consider the place of God's people in the economy. As weird as some customs may seem, God blesses us to participate in the lives of those around us, regardless of the cultural and social norms of the place we find ourselves.