Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, burial practices were deeply significant, reflecting cultural, religious, and familial values. One notable practice was the use of gardens as burying places. This choice of location for burial is mentioned in several instances in the Scriptures, highlighting its importance and symbolism.Biblical References and Context 1. The Burial of Jesus: One of the most significant references to a burial in a garden is found in the New Testament concerning the burial of Jesus Christ. After His crucifixion, Jesus was laid to rest in a tomb located in a garden. The Gospel of John provides this detail: "At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid" (John 19:41). This garden tomb, owned by Joseph of Arimathea, underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and the honor given to Jesus in His burial. 2. The Tomb of Lazarus: Another reference to a garden burial is the account of Lazarus. While the specific mention of a garden is not made, the setting of Lazarus's tomb in Bethany suggests a place of peace and seclusion, often associated with gardens. Jesus's miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44) further emphasizes the garden as a place of divine intervention and hope. 3. Old Testament Practices: In the Old Testament, gardens were often associated with royal and noble burials. The burial of kings and significant figures in gardens or near them was a practice that denoted honor and reverence. For instance, King Manasseh was buried in the garden of his own house, the garden of Uzza (2 Kings 21:18). This practice reflects the desire to be buried in a place of beauty and tranquility, close to one's residence or a place of personal significance. Symbolism and Significance Gardens in the biblical narrative are often symbolic of life, growth, and renewal. The choice of a garden as a burial place can be seen as a reflection of these themes, suggesting a belief in life beyond death and the hope of resurrection. The garden, as a place of beauty and peace, provides a fitting backdrop for the final resting place of loved ones, offering solace to the bereaved. Moreover, the use of gardens for burials can be seen as a reflection of the biblical view of creation. Gardens, as cultivated spaces, represent humanity's stewardship over creation and the harmony intended between God, humanity, and the earth. In this light, burial in a garden can be viewed as a return to the earth in a manner that honors God's creation. Cultural and Historical Considerations In ancient Near Eastern cultures, gardens were often associated with temples and sacred spaces. The use of gardens for burials may have been influenced by these cultural practices, where gardens served as places of worship and reflection. The integration of burial sites within gardens could thus reflect a desire to maintain a connection with the divine even in death. Overall, the practice of burying in gardens, as seen in the biblical text, underscores themes of honor, hope, and the continuity of life. It reflects a deep-seated belief in the sacredness of life and the promise of resurrection, central tenets of the Christian faith. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 21:18,26And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index John 19:41 Library In Death and after Death The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ... God, the All-Seeing One God, the All-Seeing One The First Theban Empire The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ... Pagan Cemeteries. 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Should Christians be cremated? | GotQuestions.orgIs it true that Jesus was crucified above the tomb of Adam? | GotQuestions.org Why are the circumstances of the death of Moses so mysterious? | 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 |