Topical Bible: Burial: The Jews Anxious to be Interred in Their Family Places of

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In ancient Jewish culture, burial practices were deeply rooted in tradition and religious significance. The desire to be interred in family burial sites was a reflection of the Jewish emphasis on family lineage, heritage, and the covenantal promises of God. This practice is evident throughout the Old Testament, where patriarchs and key figures express a strong desire to be buried with their ancestors.

Patriarchal Burials

The patriarchs of Israel, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrated a clear preference for family burial sites. Abraham, after purchasing the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite, established it as a family burial place. Genesis 23:19 states, "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 site became the burial place for Abraham himself, as well as Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob.

Jacob's insistence on being buried in the family tomb is particularly noteworthy. In Genesis 49:29-31 , Jacob commands his sons, "I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field as a burial site from Ephron the Hittite. There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah."

Covenantal Significance

The desire to be buried in family plots was not merely a matter of tradition but was deeply tied to the covenantal promises given by God to the patriarchs. The land of Canaan, promised to Abraham and his descendants, held significant spiritual and eschatological importance. Being buried in this land was a testament to the faith in God's promises and a connection to the future hope of Israel.

Joseph, despite his high status in Egypt, also expressed a desire to be buried in the Promised Land. In Genesis 50:24-25 , Joseph tells his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." He made the Israelites swear to carry his bones up from Egypt when God fulfilled His promise.

Cultural and Religious Practices

Jewish burial customs were marked by simplicity and respect for the deceased. The body was typically washed, anointed, and wrapped in linen. The burial took place soon after death, often on the same day, in accordance with Deuteronomy 21:23 , which states, "You must not leave his body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse."

Family burial sites served as a tangible link to one's heritage and a reminder of the continuity of God's promises through generations. The practice of being buried with one's ancestors underscored the importance of family unity and the hope of resurrection and eternal life, themes that resonate throughout the Scriptures.

Conclusion

The Jewish practice of burial in family places reflects a profound connection to heritage, faith, and the promises of God. It underscores the importance of family, the hope of resurrection, and the enduring covenant between God and His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 47:29-31
And the time drew near that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, If now I have found grace in your sight, put, I pray you, your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray you, in Egypt:
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Genesis 49:29,30
And he charged them, and said to them, I am to be gathered to my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,
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Genesis 50:25
And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from hence.
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2 Samuel 19:37
Let your servant, I pray you, turn back again, that I may die in my own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good to you.
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Library

Christian Cemeteries.
... 346-350), although a stanch Christian and anxious to abolish ... severity the tribute
from the Jews and those ... 158] These concessions refer to burial-plots above ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... an entrance into the ancient burial-place of ... by a bold and active general, were anxious
to distinguish themselves, and the probabilities of their final success ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... piety secured his own and his family's happiness. ... tinker, considering these passages
in their literal import ... Anxious for some ocular demonstration that he had ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... during their respective reigns, kept anxious watch upon ... that they could not procure
honourable burial for their ... a welcome change in the fortunes of the Jews. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and spake with them, and with all the family of the ... and the result was proportionate
to their increased activity. ... or to the period when the Jews, without any ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm