Topical Encyclopedia Burying-places, also referred to as tombs or sepulchers, hold significant importance in biblical narratives and practices. They are locations designated for the interment of the dead, reflecting cultural, religious, and familial customs of the ancient Near East. The Bible provides numerous references to burying-places, illustrating their role in honoring the deceased and maintaining family heritage.Biblical References and Practices The practice of burial is evident from the earliest biblical accounts. In Genesis 23, Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite marks one of the first recorded transactions for a family burial site. This cave became the burial place for Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob, establishing a tradition of family sepulchers. Genesis 23:19 states, "After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan." The Israelites placed great importance on burying their dead in ancestral lands. Jacob, for instance, made Joseph swear to bury him in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 49:29-32). Similarly, Joseph requested that his bones be carried out of Egypt and buried in the Promised Land, a wish fulfilled in Joshua 24:32. Cultural and Religious Significance Burying-places were often located outside city limits, as seen in the case of the tombs of the kings of Judah, which were situated in the City of David but outside the main residential areas. This practice underscored the separation between the living and the dead, a concept rooted in ritual purity laws. The New Testament also reflects the significance of burial customs. Jesus' burial in a new tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea is a notable example (Matthew 27:59-60). The Gospel of John adds that this tomb was located in a garden near the site of the crucifixion (John 19:41-42), emphasizing the care taken in providing a proper burial. Symbolism and Theological Implications Burying-places in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. They represent the hope of resurrection and the continuation of God's covenant with His people. The burial of the patriarchs in the Promised Land signifies the fulfillment of God's promises and the anticipation of future restoration. The act of burial itself is seen as an expression of faith in God's sovereignty over life and death. The respectful treatment of the dead, as demonstrated in biblical accounts, reflects a belief in the inherent dignity of the human body, created in the image of God. Conclusion Burying-places in the Bible are more than mere locations for the dead; they are deeply intertwined with themes of faith, promise, and hope. They serve as reminders of God's enduring covenant and the anticipation of resurrection, underscoring the belief in life beyond death. Library In Death and after Death Of the Places of Burial. Some Miscellaneous Matters Respecting the Face of the Land. At Gerasa - the Healing of the Demonised. The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3 The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ... History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 And when Jesus Entered the Temple, they Brought unto Him Blind And ... God, the All-Seeing One God, the All-Seeing One Thesaurus Burying-places (1 Occurrence)Burying-places. Burying-place, Burying-places. Bush . Multi-Version Concordance Burying-places (1 Occurrence). Genesis ... /b/burying-places.htm - 6k Burying-place (19 Occurrences) Burial (25 Occurrences) Bush (14 Occurrences) Cave (40 Occurrences) Midst (657 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of high places in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgOther Places in the Bible ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What are the heavenly places/realms? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Burying-places (1 Occurrence)Genesis 23:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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