Interesting Facts

• Zochar is identified as the father of Ephron, the Hittite from whom Abraham seeks to purchase the cave of Machpelah as a burial place for Sarah.
• Abraham specifically requests that the children of Heth entreat with Zochar regarding the acquisition of the cave of Machpelah, suggesting Zochar held a position of significance or ownership related to this land.

Genealogy

• Zochar is the father of Ephron, who dwelt among the children of Heth.

Historical Context

The narrative involving Zochar occurs after the death of Sarah and Abraham’s return to the region of Hebron, also known as Kirjath Arba. Abraham addresses the “children of Heth,” the inhabitants of the land, to secure a burial place, highlighting the cultural norms surrounding death and burial practices in Canaan at that time. Abraham’s self-identification as a “stranger and a sojourner” underscores his need to negotiate with the local population for land ownership, even for burial. The subsequent transaction involving Ephron specifies the value of the land in shekels of silver, reflecting the monetary system and economic practices of the period.

Narrative

Zochar’s significance in the narrative lies in his connection to the cave of Machpelah, which Abraham desired as a permanent burial site. Abraham explicitly asks the children of Heth to “entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar” for the cave located at the end of Zochar’s field. This indicates that Zochar had ownership or control over this specific piece of land. While Zochar himself does not directly engage in dialogue with Abraham in the provided sources, his role as Ephron’s father and the owner of the field containing the desired cave places him as a central figure in the initial stages of Abraham’s efforts to secure Sarah’s burial place. The subsequent interaction and final agreement occur between Abraham and Ephron after the children of Heth call for him. Therefore, Zochar’s presence in the narrative is crucial as the initial point of contact, albeit indirectly, for Abraham’s important transaction.