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Tomb of the Patriarchs

historical_site_term theological_term standard

The traditional burial site in Hebron associated with the cave of Machpelah and with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives. It is a historical and biblical-location term, not a doctrine.

At a Glance

A longstanding traditional identification of the biblical burial cave at Hebron.

Key Points

Description

The Tomb of the Patriarchs is the traditional name for the burial site in Hebron identified with the cave of Machpelah, the burial place Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite (Gen. 23). In the biblical record, Sarah is buried there first, and the site is later associated with Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah (Gen. 23; 25:9-10; 35:27-29; 49:29-32; 50:13). The location is significant because it marks a tangible family burial place in the land promised to Abraham’s descendants. The later title "Tomb of the Patriarchs" is a traditional historical designation rather than a biblical doctrinal category.

Biblical Context

Genesis presents Machpelah as Abraham’s purchased burial possession in Canaan, beginning with Sarah’s burial and later connected with the patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel. The site testifies to both the faith of the patriarchs and the partial, promised possession of the land.

Historical Context

The site at Hebron has been venerated for centuries as the burial place of the patriarchs. Its traditional identification with Machpelah is longstanding, though the dictionary entry should treat the designation as a historical-traditional label rather than a matter of doctrine.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In Jewish tradition, the cave of Machpelah became an important ancestral burial site and a symbol of continuity with the patriarchs. Ancient and later Jewish reverence for the place reflects the enduring significance of the patriarchal narratives.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The Hebrew place name in Genesis 23 is connected with Machpelah, the field and cave Abraham purchased for a burial site.

Theological Significance

The site itself is not a doctrine, but it points to God’s covenant faithfulness, the patriarchs’ hope in God’s promise, and the rootedness of Israel’s story in real history and place.

Philosophical Explanation

This entry concerns a named historical location rather than an abstract theological concept. Its importance lies in its role as a concrete witness to biblical history and covenant identity.

Interpretive Cautions

The phrase "Tomb of the Patriarchs" is a traditional historical label, not a biblical title. Scripture clearly identifies the burial place as Machpelah, but later traditional identifications should be distinguished from the text itself.

Major Views

Most readers and traditions identify the site with the cave of Machpelah at Hebron, though the entry should present this as a traditional identification rather than a separate doctrine.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Do not treat the site as an object of doctrine, pilgrimage merit, or salvific significance. Its biblical importance is historical and covenantal, not sacramental.

Practical Significance

The site helps readers visualize the patriarchal narratives and remember that biblical faith is rooted in real persons, real promises, and real places.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Tomb of the Patriarchs

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