Topical Bible: Burial: Burying Places with Shelves

◄ Burial: Burying Places with Shelves ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In ancient Israelite culture, burial practices were deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions. The practice of burying the dead was not only a means of honoring the deceased but also a reflection of beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife. One notable method of burial involved the use of tombs with shelves, a practice that is evidenced in various archaeological findings and scriptural references.

Biblical Context and Practices

The Bible provides several insights into burial customs, particularly in the Old Testament. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were buried in caves, which were often hewn out of rock. Genesis 23:19 records, "After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field of Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan." This cave, purchased by Abraham, became a family burial site, indicating the importance of designated burial places.

Tombs with shelves, or loculi, were a common feature in these burial caves. The shelves were carved into the walls of the tombs, allowing for the placement of bodies. This method of burial was practical, as it maximized space within the tomb and allowed for multiple burials in a single location. The use of shelves also facilitated the practice of secondary burial, where bones were collected after the decomposition of the flesh and placed in ossuaries or bone boxes.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological discoveries in the region have uncovered numerous examples of tombs with shelves. These tombs often contained multiple loculi, each designed to hold a body. The presence of such tombs aligns with the biblical narrative and provides a tangible connection to the burial practices of ancient Israel.

One significant archaeological site is the Tomb of the Kings in Jerusalem, which features a series of rock-cut tombs with shelves. These tombs, dating back to the Second Temple period, illustrate the continuation of this burial practice into the time of Jesus. The Gospel accounts of Jesus' burial also reflect this tradition. In Matthew 27:59-60 , it is written, "So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away."

Cultural and Theological Significance

The use of tombs with shelves underscores the communal and familial aspects of burial in ancient Israel. These tombs served as family sepulchers, where generations were laid to rest together, reinforcing the continuity of family lineage and heritage. The practice also reflects the belief in the sanctity of the body and the hope of resurrection, as the dead were treated with care and respect.

Theologically, the burial practices of the Israelites were intertwined with their understanding of life and death. The act of burial was seen as a final act of kindness and respect, as well as an expression of faith in God's promises. The use of tombs with shelves, therefore, was not merely a practical solution but a reflection of a deeper spiritual reality.

In summary, the practice of using burying places with shelves in ancient Israel was a significant aspect of their burial customs. It highlights the cultural, familial, and theological dimensions of burial, as evidenced in both biblical texts and archaeological findings.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 14:15
Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Carey's Last Days
... strong, and extend not merely to persons but places. ... In September of that year, when
burying Mrs. Ward ... carried William Carey to the converts' burial-ground and ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm