Page 79 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies

Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs (Ma’arat
HaMachpela in Hebrew)

The Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs is the known
burial site of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
and three of the four matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, and
Leah (Rachel is buried in Bethlehem).
Traditionally, the tomb is also the burial place of Adam
and Eve and the area from where all souls enter the
Garden of Eden when they pass into the next world. The
large structure marks the origins of all three Abrahamic
religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs dates back 4,000 years – 700 years before the patriarch
Abraham set foot in Hebron. Recognized as a holy place by Abraham, the Bible (Genesis 23: 1-20)
recounts in detail his purchase of the cave for the grave of his wife, Sarah, and the future patriarchs and
matriarchs.

The compound is believed to be the oldest continuously used structure for prayer in the world and is the
oldest major building in the world that still fulfills its original function.

Tel Rumeida Bronze Age Archeological Site
This area houses the Jewish neighborhood of
Admot Yishai (Jesse’s Lands). Some of the
residential apartments are built over important and
impressive excavated areas to allow public access
to the archaeological layer.

Some of the archaeological findings that supports
Bible narrative are ancient city walls that remain
from the Iron Age II (8th-7th century BCE) and are
associated with the Kings of Judah and Israel, a
cuneiform tablet with a cuneiform script, and 8th
century BCE private dwellings, granaries, and
stamps “for the King” on jar handles.

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