Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the practice of burial was deeply significant, reflecting beliefs about death, the afterlife, and respect for the deceased. One notable aspect of burial customs in ancient Israel and surrounding regions was the choice of location, with hills often serving as preferred sites for burying places.Biblical References and Context The use of hills as burial sites is mentioned in several instances throughout the Bible. Hills were often chosen for their elevation, which symbolized a closer proximity to the divine and provided a sense of protection and permanence. The elevated terrain also offered practical advantages, such as natural drainage and visibility, which helped prevent desecration by animals or enemies. One of the earliest references to burial on hills is found in the account of Abraham purchasing the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite. Although the cave itself was not on a hill, the surrounding area of Hebron is hilly, and the choice of this location reflects the broader cultural practice. Genesis 23:19 states, "After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan." The burial of Samuel, the prophet, also highlights the use of hills for burial. In 1 Samuel 25:1 , it is recorded, "Then Samuel died, and all Israel gathered to mourn for him, and they buried him at his home in Ramah." Ramah, located in the hill country of Ephraim, served as a fitting resting place for the revered prophet. Cultural and Theological Significance The choice of hills for burial sites can be understood within the broader cultural and theological context of ancient Israel. Hills and high places were often associated with worship and divine encounters. For instance, altars and places of worship were frequently established on elevated ground, as seen in the numerous "high places" mentioned throughout the Old Testament. Theologically, the use of hills for burial may also reflect the belief in resurrection and eternal life. The elevation of a hill could symbolize the hope of rising again, a theme that resonates with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and resurrection. Archaeological Insights Archaeological findings have provided further insight into the practice of burying on hills. Excavations in the ancient Near East have uncovered numerous burial sites located on elevated terrain, often marked by cairns or stone markers. These sites reveal a consistent pattern of utilizing natural topography to honor the dead and ensure their remembrance. Conclusion The practice of burying on hills in biblical times was a multifaceted tradition that combined practical considerations with deep spiritual and cultural significance. By choosing elevated sites, the people of ancient Israel expressed their reverence for the deceased and their hope in the promises of God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 23:16And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchers that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchers, and burned them on the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 24:33 Library God, the All-Seeing One God, the All-Seeing One The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) The First Theban Empire Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden. In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ... Pagan Cemeteries. The Ancestral Home Resources Is burial the only option a Christian can consider? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was a burial place so important in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is the Shroud of Turin authentic? | GotQuestions.org Burial: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Burial for Criminals, Marked by Heaps Burial of Enemies, Sometimes Performed by the Conquerors Burial of Persons Embalmed, Deferred for Seventy Days Burial of Persons Hanged, Always on the Days of Execution Burial of the Friendless, a Kind Act Burial were Ceremonially Unclean Burial: An Ignominious, Compared to the Burial of an Ass Burial: Antiquity of Coffins For Burial: Antiquity of Purchasing Places For Burial: Attended by Family of the Dead Burial: Attended by Female Friends Burial: Attended by Great Lamentation At Burial: Attended by Hired Mourners Burial: Attended by Numbers of Friends Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends of Jacob Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends: Abner Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends: Child of Jeroboam Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends: Stephen Burial: Attended by Relatives and Friends: The Son of the Widow of Nain Burial: Burial of Gog (Multitude) Requiring Seven Months Burial: Burying Places for Poor and Strangers Burial: Burying Places in Caves Burial: Burying Places in Gardens Burial: Burying Places in Houses Burial: Burying Places in Valleys Burial: Burying Places of Kings Burial: Burying Places with Shelves Burial: Burying Places: A Place of Honor Burial: Burying Places: And Inscriptions Burial: Burying Places: Anyone Who Touched, Were Unclean Burial: Burying Places: Bought by Abraham Burial: Burying Places: Closed With Stones Burial: Burying Places: Demoniacs Lived In Burial: Burying Places: Family Burial: Burying Places: Joseph Burial: Burying Places: King Saul's Burial: Burying Places: Marked With Pillars, Rachel's Burial: Burying Places: On Hills Burial: Burying Places: Painted and Garnished Burial: Burying Places: Refused to the Dead Burial: Burying Places: Robbed Burial: Burying Places: Sealed Burial: Burying Places: Under Trees, Deborah's Burial: Directions Given About, Before Death by Jacob Burial: Directions Given About, Before Death by Joseph Burial: Frequently Prepared and Pointed out During Life Burial: Held in High Veneration Burial: Illustrative of Regeneration Burial: Members of a Family Interred in the Same Burial: Often Desecrated by Idolatry Burial: Often Took Place Immediately After Death Burial: Orations Sometimes Made At Burial: Places Used for Caves Hewn out of Rocks Burial: Places Used for Gardens Burial: Places Used for Houses of the Deceased Burial: Places Used for Natural Caves Burial: Places Used for The City of David for the Kings of Judah Burial: Places Used for Tops of the Hills Burial: Places Used for Under Trees Burial: Privation of, Considered a Calamity Burial: Privation of, Threatened As a Punishment Burial: Provided for Aliens and Strangers Burial: Provided for the Common People Burial: Sometimes had Inscriptions Burial: Sometimes not Apparent Burial: The Body Was: Anointed For Burial: The Body Was: Carried on a Bier To Burial: The Body Was: Preserved With Spices Burial: The Body Was: Sometimes Burned Before Burial: The Body Was: Washed Before Burial: The Body Was: Wound in Linen For Burial: The Jews Anxious to be Interred in Their Family Places of Burial: The Right of all Nations Burial: Visited by Sorrowing Friends Related Terms |
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