Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4200 Places  »  4218 cave

A natural cavity in a rock face, often used as a place of refuge.

Caves as places of refuge

Judges 6:2; 1 Samuel 22:1-2 See also Genesis 19:30; Joshua 10:16-18,22-23,27; Judges 15:8,11; 1 Samuel 13:6; Samuel 24:2-22 Saul comes to David's cave, but David spares his life; 2 Samuel 17:9; Samuel 23:13 pp 1 Chronicles 11:15; 1 Kings 18:4,13; Kings 19:9; Psalm 57:1 Title; Psalm 142:1Title; Isaiah 2:19-21 a place of refuge in the face of divine judgment; Jeremiah 48:28; Jeremiah 49:8; Ezekiel 33:27; Hebrews 11:38 a place of refuge for those being persecuted for their faith; Revelation 6:15

Caves used as graves

John 11:38 See also Genesis 23:8-20; Genesis 25:9; Genesis 49:29-32; Genesis 50:13

See also

4354  rock
5241  burial
5490  refuge
9050  tombs