i.e. Showed a civil respect to them in testimony of his thankfulness. Religion allows and requires civility, and those gestures which express it. To the people of the land; to the governors of the people, who managed all public affairs in the people's name and stead, and for their good. The children of Heth, so called from Heth the son of Canaan, Genesis 10:15.
Related Commentaries of Genesis 23:7
Genesis 23:7
7 And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.