Genesis 23:2

Abraham came to mourn— Not came from any particular place, or tent, as some would have it; but went forth, ויבא vaiabo, to make a public mourning, or funeral lamentation for this faithful and long-approved companion of his life and labours. It is not possible for us to determine, what particular rites of mourning, or what sort of solemnities were then used at funerals. It should seem from Genesis 23:3, that the corpse was publicly carried forth; as Abraham rose up from before it, to obtain a proper burying-place. See Genesis 3:10.

REFLECTIONS.—Sarah first pays the tribute of nature; and Abraham, justly afflicted with her loss, with tears of no fictitious grief, laments the partner of his cares, who had been so long the comforter of his pilgrimage. Note; 1. Death will part the nearest relatives: let us remember and provide against it. 2. Tears are due to the memory of our departed friends. 3. The great support under such afflictions is, when, though we mourn, we can say, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

See commentary on Genesis 23:1