Abraham gave up his spirit, and died at a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. Good old age. Because well spent: though he lived not so long as many of the wicked; decaying not by any violent disorder, but dropping off like a ripe apple.—Being full. The Hebrew does not express of what; but the Sam. Chal. Septuagint Syr. and Arab. agree with the Vulgate. See Calmet. 35:29. Bible.—Days, not years, as Protestants wrongfully interpolate. Kennicott.—His people, the saints of ancient days, in limbo; while his body was placed near the remains of his wife, by the pious attention of his two chief sons, attended by their other brethren. Bible.—The life of Abraham was a pattern of all virtues, but particularly of faith; and it was an abridgment of the law. His equal was no where found. Sirach 44:20. Calmet.