Place · Bible dictionary

Hebron

An ancient city in the hills of Judah where Abraham settled, Sarah was buried, and David first reigned as king before moving the throne to Jerusalem.

Hebron sits about thirty miles south of Jerusalem. Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah there as a burial place for Sarah, and most of the patriarchs and matriarchs were eventually buried there.

Joshua gave it to Caleb. Later David ruled there for seven and a half years before becoming king over all Israel and moving to Jerusalem. Hebron is one of the Bible's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Genesis 23:19 “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.” 2 Samuel 5:5 “In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.”

Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.