2963. 'Abraham listened to Ephron' means the confirmation of a readiness to obey - a confirmation from those with whom the good and truth of faith could be received. This is clear from the meaning of 'listening to' or 'hearing' as obeying, dealt with in 2542, and from the representation of 'Ephron' as those with whom the good and truth of faith could be received, dealt with above in 2933. The fact that the confirmation lay with and came from these is evident from the actual words used, for it is said, 'Abraham listened to him'.

2933. 'And intercede for me with Ephron the son of Zohar' means those with whom the good and truth of faith could be received. This becomes clear from the fact that the field, and the cave in the field where Sarah was to be buried, was Ephron's. And because burial means regeneration, 2916, it follows that Ephron means those with whom the good and truth of faith could be received. 'The sons of Heth' too represents the same, insofar as they belonged to Ephron's city and insofar as they were people of that city. 'Interceding' here means being made ready to receive.