Biblical city
Hebron
Hebron, West Bank · Judean hills
Abraham settled at Hebron and bought the cave of Machpelah there as a burial place for Sarah; the patriarchs and their wives were laid to rest in it. David reigned seven years in Hebron before taking Jerusalem. The Herodian enclosure over the cave still stands.
History in Scripture
Abraham settled by the oaks of Mamre and bought the cave of Machpelah here as a burial place for Sarah; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Rebekah and Leah were buried there. Caleb received Hebron at the conquest, and David reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years before taking Jerusalem.
The ancient city
Standing high in the Judean hills on the watershed road, Hebron controlled the southern approach to Jerusalem and was surrounded by vineyards and pasture — the country of the patriarchs' flocks.
The site today
Hebron is a large Palestinian city. The Herodian enclosure over the cave of the patriarchs, revered by Jews and Muslims alike, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the old town preserves its Mamluk-era streets.
Key passages
Sources & notes
Description summarizes standard historical and archaeological reference works. Imagery is added separately and is labeled by type.