Matthew Poole and continuators on Genesis 23:13

13 And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it , I pray thee, hear me, I will give thee money for the Field : take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.

It is a short speech, and something must be supplyed: Either if thou wilt give or resign it to me: Or, if thou be the Man of whom I speak: For though Abraham knew his name, he might not know him by face, nor that he was then present.

He prudently chose rather to buy it, then to receive it as a gift, partly because it would be the surer to him and his, ver. 17▪ 20. and partly because he would not have too great obligations to his Pagan Neighbours.