1919 BC
Sarah, the wife of Abraham and mother of the promised son Isaac, died at the age of 127 in Kiriath-arba (Hebron). After Isaac's marriage to Rebekah, Sarah's role in salvation history was fulfilled. Abraham mourned for her and wept, then negotiated with the Hittites to purchase the cave of Machpelah as a burial site. This was the first piece of land that Abraham owned in the Promised Landβa tangible sign that God's promise was being fulfilled.
Sarah's life was marked by both faith and struggle. She was barren in her old age, yet God promised that she would bear a son. When the promise seemed impossible, she laughed (Genesis 18:12)βand when Isaac was born, she said, 'God has laughed for me; everyone who hears of it will laugh with me' (Genesis 21:6). Her name was changed from Sarai ('my princess') to Sarah ('princess'), signifying her elevated role in God's plan.
The Catholic Church honors Sarah as a model of faith. St. Paul includes her among the heroes of faith: 'Through faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised' (Hebrews 11:11). Key Scripture: Genesis 23; Genesis 17:15-16; Genesis 21:1-7; Hebrews 11:11; CCC 60