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“And he spoke to the children of Cheit, I am an immigrant and a resident among you. Sell me a property for a burial place… Speak on my behalf to Efron to sell me the Maarat Hamachpeila ....”, Avraham asked. He weighed out for Efron 400 shekalim of the best quality. (Bereishit 23:3-4,8,16). If Avraham wanted to buy a piece of land from Efron, why did he ask the sons of Cheit and not ask Efron directly?

There is a Halacha called “Bar Metzra” (Choshen Mishpat 175). When somebody is looking to sell a field their neighbor has rights to purchase before anyone else. In our case, Avraham was afraid that if he asked Efron directly the neighbors would see and purchase the land before him. Therefore, Avraham did a number of things to avoid the halacha of bar metzra.

If one sells his field back to its original owners, the rule of bar metzra does not apply. Originally, The children of Shem who are the ancestors of Avraham had the property of Eretz Yisrael. Afterwards, Canaan, the children of Cheit took the land (Rashi 12:5). Therefore, Avraham said I am “ger vetoshav”-“I am a resident and immigrant among you.” Even though Avraham is an immigrant, he is a resident. Since Avraham’s ancestors were the original owners, he has priority and nobody can object to that.

Avraham was concerned that the children of Cheit still might not agree, so he asked them to speak to Efron on his behalf. This would remove any doubt that they all agree to the sale.

Avraham was worried that at the last minute they would decide to buy the land after all, so he made sure to use the best quality currency. According to halacha, when a buyer is giving a better quality currency they overrule the neighbors on the sale.

(Panim Yafot)

“Let him sell me the Maarat Hamachpeila… for its full price” (Bereishit 23:9).

Efron was originally willing to give the land as a gift, so why didn’t Avraham agree to take it as a gift or discounted price?

Avraham knew that Adam, Chava, and another six holy people would be buried in Maarat Hamachpeila. Avraham wanted to make sure that Efron had no Zechut whatsoever or be able to take pride that he helped a tzaddik. Therefore, he paid the full price with no discounts. (Likutei Shicos)