Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Location: Machpelah is a significant biblical site located near Hebron in the land of Canaan. It is primarily known as the burial place of the patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel. The site is traditionally identified with the modern city of Hebron in the West Bank. The name "Machpelah" is often understood to mean "double" or "portion," possibly referring to a double cave or a field with a cave. Biblical References: The first mention of Machpelah is found in Genesis 23, where it is described as the burial site that Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite. The transaction is detailed in Genesis 23:17-20 : "So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—the field with its cave and all the trees anywhere within the boundaries of the field—was deeded over to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city. 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. So the field and its cave were deeded by the Hittites to Abraham as a burial site." Significance in the Patriarchal Narratives: Machpelah holds great importance as the family burial site for the patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel. After Sarah's burial, Abraham himself was later interred there, as noted in Genesis 25:9-10 : "His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. This was the field that Abraham had bought from the Hittites. Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah." The site continued to serve as a family tomb, with Isaac and Rebekah, as well as Jacob and Leah, also being buried there. Genesis 49:29-31 records Jacob's instructions to his sons: "Then Jacob instructed them, '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, the field that Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah.'" Cultural and Theological Importance: Machpelah is not only a burial site but also a symbol of the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. The purchase of the field and cave represents the first legal acquisition of land in Canaan by Abraham, signifying the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to his descendants. The site serves as a tangible connection to the patriarchs and the covenantal promises made by God. Historical and Archaeological Context: The traditional site of Machpelah is marked by the Cave of the Patriarchs, also known as the Ibrahimi Mosque, a structure built by Herod the Great. The site has been revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims throughout history, and it remains a place of pilgrimage and religious significance. Modern Relevance: Today, Machpelah continues to be a focal point of religious devotion and a symbol of the shared heritage of the Abrahamic faiths. It is a place where the biblical narrative intersects with contemporary religious and political realities, reflecting the enduring legacy of the patriarchs and the ongoing significance of their account in the faith and identity of millions around the world. Concordance Mach-pe'lah (6 Occurrences)Genesis 23:9 Genesis 23:17 Genesis 23:19 Genesis 25:9 Genesis 49:30 Genesis 50:13 Thesaurus Mach-pe'lah (6 Occurrences)Mach-pe'lah. Machpelah, Mach-pe'lah. Maconah . Multi-Version Concordance Mach-pe'lah (6 Occurrences). Genesis 23:9 that he may give ... /m/mach-pe'lah.htm - 8k Machpelah (6 Occurrences) Maconah Resources What is Occam's Razor? Does Occam's Razor disprove the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |