Topical Bible: Burial: Attended by Family of the Dead

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In biblical times, burial practices were deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, with family involvement being a significant aspect of the process. The presence of family members during burial was not only a mark of respect and honor for the deceased but also a fulfillment of familial and communal duties.

Old Testament Practices

The Old Testament provides several instances where family members played a crucial role in the burial of their loved ones. In Genesis 23, Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for his wife Sarah highlights the importance of family involvement. Abraham personally negotiates the purchase, ensuring a proper burial place for his family. 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."

Similarly, the burial of Jacob, also known as Israel, involved his sons carrying out his wishes. Genesis 50:12-13 records, "So Jacob’s sons did as he had charged them. They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had bought as a burial site from Ephron the Hittite."

New Testament Practices

In the New Testament, the burial of Jesus Christ is a significant event attended by His followers. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Jesus, took responsibility for Jesus' burial. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, who brought spices for the burial. John 19:38-40 describes this event: "Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body. Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom."

Cultural and Religious Significance

The involvement of family in burial rites underscores the importance of honoring the deceased and fulfilling religious obligations. The act of burial was not merely a physical task but a spiritual duty, reflecting the belief in the sanctity of life and the hope of resurrection. The presence of family members served as a testament to the love and respect held for the deceased, as well as a means of providing comfort and closure to the bereaved.

Symbolism and Tradition

The act of burial attended by family members also carried symbolic meaning. It represented the continuation of familial bonds beyond death and the hope of reunion in the afterlife. The care taken in preparing the body and the involvement of family members in the burial process were expressions of faith and devotion, reflecting the belief in God's promises and the hope of eternal life.

In summary, the biblical tradition of burial attended by family members highlights the deep connection between faith, family, and the community in honoring the deceased. It reflects a commitment to uphold religious customs and a profound respect for the sanctity of life and death.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 50:5,6,8
My father made me swear, saying, See, I die: in my grave which I have dig for me in the land of Canaan, there shall you bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray you, and bury my father, and I will come again.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 8:21
And another of his disciples said to him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Anointed for Burial.
... a treasure shows that the Bethany family possessed considerable ... death, and thus
preparing it for burial." It is ... from two to three millions attended a passover. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/anointed for burial.htm

Appendix V in the Directory.
... together in the Congregation, and also privately in the Family," but only ... this life,
let the dead body upon the day of Burial be decently attended from the ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix v in the directory.htm

Miscellaneous.
... and a woman that anointed his body to the burial. ... is a sin in the house, in the family;
a sin ... by virtue of the mischiefs that have attended unlawful marriages ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxix miscellaneous.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... each particular; for, as to its burial"(1.) The ... for shortness, but also, that it
is attended with so ... But now being raised from the dead incorruptible, which ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Chapter l
... man Jacob had made preparations for burial during his ... lifetime made provisions for
himself and his family. ... influential that these persons who attended were in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

Affairs in the West
... Her family had suffered severely in the Gothic ... mercy the inevitable cruelties which
attended the victorious ... their shields immediately after the burial of his ...
/.../chapter lxx affairs in the.htm

The Resurrection of Christ.
... in his natural death and final burial, without even the glory of martyrdom which
attended the crucifixion ... the 'abortive-born' of the apostolic family (1:Cor ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 19 the resurrection of.htm

The First Kings.
... Attended by his armor-bearer, and clad in complete mail ... only in written rules of
conduct, family government, and ... or imposing ceremonies over the burial of the ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Jewish Homes
... every town and village sanitary rules were strictly attended to ... on its way, not to
a new life, but to burial. ... is rather a sketch of religious than of family life ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 6 jewish homes.htm

The Valleys --Experiences of Suffering and Sacrifice
... The years since have told what a blessed burial that was ... He comes of a noble, wealthy
family. He attended a mission school to study English, learned to read the ...
/.../quiet talks on following the christ/3 the valleysexperiences of suffering.htm