Description
The Cave of Machpelah is the tomb of the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives. This small parcel of land was purchased by Abraham form Ephron for a burial site.Â
… ABRAHAM BURIED SARAH HIS WIFE IN THE CAVE OF THE FIELD AT MACHPELAH FACING THE MAMRE (THAT IS HEBRON) IN THE LAND OF CANAAN. Genesis 23:19 NASB
Later, when Abraham died … HIS SONS ISAAC AND ISHMAEL BURIED HIM IN THE CAVE OF MACHPELAH IN THE FIELD OF EPHRON … Genesis 25:9 NASB
The site of Machpelah is important to all three great monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – since all trace their heritage back to Abraham. FOr it was Abraham who set the example of faith which we today are to follow: BY FAITH ABRAHAM, WHEN HE WAS CALLED, OBEYED … Hebrews 11:8
Machpelah is located in the ancient city of Hebron. Archaeologists have found levels of civilization dating back to the beginning of agriculture making Hebron the oldest continuously inhabited, unwalled city in the world.Â
The stone building over the cave was constructed by Herod the Great. Since that time the building has been added to by various conquering armies, and a place of prayer for the Jews.
