Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, caves were commonly used as burial places, serving as significant sites for interment and memorialization. The use of caves for burials is well-documented in the Scriptures, reflecting both practical and spiritual considerations of the ancient Near Eastern cultures.Abraham and the Cave of Machpelah One of the most notable examples of a cave used for burial is the Cave of Machpelah, which Abraham purchased as a family tomb. In Genesis 23:19 , it is recorded, "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." This cave became the burial site for several patriarchs and matriarchs, including Abraham himself, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob (Genesis 49:29-32; 50:13). The purchase of the cave from Ephron the Hittite is significant, as it represents the first piece of the Promised Land owned by Abraham and his descendants. The transaction is detailed in Genesis 23, emphasizing the importance of securing a permanent burial site for his family. Caves in the Time of the Judges and Kings Caves continued to serve as burial places during the period of the Judges and the monarchy. In Judges 8:32 , it is noted that Gideon was buried "in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites." While not explicitly stated as a cave, the use of familial burial sites was common, and caves often served this purpose. The burial of kings in caves is also recorded. For instance, 1 Kings 2:10 states, "Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David." While the specific mention of a cave is absent, the tradition of using caves or rock-hewn tombs for royal burials was prevalent, as seen in the archaeological findings in the region. New Testament References In the New Testament, the burial of Jesus Christ in a rock-hewn tomb is a significant event. Matthew 27:60 describes Joseph of Arimathea placing Jesus' body "in his own new tomb, which he had cut out of the rock." This aligns with the Jewish custom of using caves or carved tombs for burial, highlighting the continuity of this practice into the first century A.D. The use of caves as burial places in biblical times underscores the cultural and religious importance of proper burial practices. These sites were not only practical due to the natural landscape but also held deep familial and spiritual significance, serving as lasting memorials for the deceased. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 23:19And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 11:38 Library Jesus in the Tomb. The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus Pagan Cemeteries. Letter cviii. To Eustochium. The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ... Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden. In Death and after Death On the Return of Flavian the Bishop, and the Reconciliation of the ... Resources What was the Cave of Adullam? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Mithraism? | GotQuestions.org Islamic antichrist? Will the antichrist be a Muslim? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Caves were Used as Burial Places Caves were Used as Dwelling-Places Caves were Used as Haunts of Robbers Caves were Used as Hiding Placed of Wild Beasts Caves were Used as Places of Concealment Caves were Used as Resting Places Caves: Afford No Protection from the Judgments of God Caves: Found in The: Open Fields Related Terms |
    |