Sepulchres, also known as tombs or burial places, hold significant importance in biblical narratives and ancient Jewish customs. These structures were used for the interment of the dead and are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both cultural practices and theological themes.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, sepulchres were often hewn out of rock or constructed as caves. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were buried in the Cave of Machpelah, a sepulchre purchased by Abraham as a family burial site (Genesis 23:19-20). This purchase underscores the importance of having a designated burial place, reflecting both respect for the deceased and a connection to the Promised Land.

The sepulchres of the kings of Israel and Judah are also noted, with some kings being buried in the City of David, while others were denied this honor due to their unfaithfulness (2 Chronicles 21:20). The location of one's burial was often seen as a reflection of their standing before God and the community.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, sepulchres continue to play a significant role, particularly in the accounts of Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus was laid in a new tomb, hewn out of rock, belonging to Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:59-60). This sepulchre, sealed and guarded, became the site of the resurrection, a pivotal event in Christian theology (Matthew 28:1-6).

The Gospels also recount Jesus' interactions with sepulchres during His ministry. He criticized the Pharisees and scribes, comparing them to "whitewashed tombs" that appear beautiful outwardly but are full of dead bones and uncleanness inside (Matthew 23:27). This metaphor highlights the hypocrisy of appearing righteous while harboring corruption within.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Sepulchres in biblical times were not merely places of burial but were often marked by significant cultural and religious practices. The act of burial itself was a demonstration of respect and care for the deceased, reflecting beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.

Theologically, sepulchres symbolize both death and the hope of resurrection. The empty tomb of Jesus serves as a powerful testament to His victory over death and the promise of eternal life for believers. This event transformed the sepulchre from a symbol of finality to one of hope and new beginnings.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological discoveries have provided further insights into the construction and use of sepulchres in ancient Israel. These findings reveal variations in design, from simple rock-cut tombs to elaborate family burial complexes. Such discoveries help illuminate the biblical text, offering a glimpse into the burial customs and societal values of the time.

In summary, sepulchres in the Bible are rich in cultural, historical, and theological significance. They serve as reminders of human mortality, the importance of honoring the dead, and the Christian hope in the resurrection through Jesus Christ.KINGS' SEPULCHRES

(2 Chronicles 21:20).

See JERUSALEM, VIII.

Of the Places of Burial.
... There were more common and more noble sepulchres. ... Some sepulchres were extraordinary;
that is, in reference to the place of their situation. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 100 of the places.htm

That all the Religion of the Pagans Has Reference to Dead Men.
... to the service of divine religion, says, among other things, "Then shall that land,
the most holy place of shrines and temples, be full of sepulchres and dead ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 26 that all the religion.htm

Ezekiel's vision of the Dry Bones Quoted.
... Therefore prophesy unto them, (and say), Behold, even I will open your sepulchres,
and will bring you out of your sepulchres, O my people, and will bring you ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xxix ezekiels vision of the.htm

The King's Farewell
... for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but
are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.28. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the kings farewell.htm

Kedron
... When, therefore, there might be, perhaps, some sepulchres not seen, in the way he
was to go, whereby he might be defiled, and so the whole action be rendered ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 38 kedron.htm

Proofs of the Resurrection from Isaiah and Ezekiel; the Same God ...
... cause you to come out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel; and
ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall open your sepulchres, that I ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xv proofs of the resurrection.htm

Of the Follies which the Pagans have Indulged in Regarding Jupiter ...
... Ask whose sepulchres are pointed out in Greece: call to mind, since you have been
initiated, the things which are delivered in the mysteries: then, doubtless ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxiii of the follies which.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... the left, there was a sort of suburb, containing more gardens than houses; and towards
the outer wall of the city stood some magnificent sepulchres with stone ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

Chapter xxiii
... Please listen to us, sir. Thou art a prince of God among us. Bury thy dead
in the choicest of our sepulchres. Not a one of us would ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiii.htm

Do not Accept Judaism.
... But if either of such persons do not speak concerning Jesus Christ, they are in
my judgment but as monuments and sepulchres of the dead, upon which are written ...
/.../chapter vi do not accept judaism.htm

Sepulchres (17 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia KINGS' SEPULCHRES. ... Multi-Version Concordance
Sepulchres (17 Occurrences). Matthew 23:27 Woe unto ...
/s/sepulchres.htm - 12k

Josi'ah (50 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 23:16 And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there
in the mount; and he sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and ...
/j/josi'ah.htm - 21k

Polluted (80 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 23:16 And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there
in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and ...
/p/polluted.htm - 31k

Sepulchre (57 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Genesis 23:6 Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the
choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his ...
/s/sepulchre.htm - 25k

Pleases (51 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:27 "Alas for you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are just
like whitewashed sepulchres, the outside of which pleases the eye, though ...
/p/pleases.htm - 21k

Maccabaeus
... a successful resistance; but being of advanced age and unfit for the fatigue of
active service, he died in 166 BC and was buried "in the sepulchres of his ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Nehemiah (9 Occurrences)
... with sadness of heart. For many days he fasted and mourned and prayed for
the place of his fathers' sepulchres. At length the king ...
/n/nehemiah.htm - 24k

Indeed (628 Occurrences)
... for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but
are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/i/indeed.htm - 34k

Maccabees
... a successful resistance; but being of advanced age and unfit for the fatigue of
active service, he died in 166 BC and was buried "in the sepulchres of his ...
/m/maccabees.htm - 52k

Rested (81 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:27 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city,
even in Jerusalem; for they brought him not into the sepulchres of the ...
/r/rested.htm - 29k

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