Grave
Among the ancient Hebrews graves were outside of cities in the open field (Luke 7:12; John 11:30). Kings (1 Kgs 2:10) and prophets (1 Sam 25:1) were generally buried within cities. Graves were generally grottoes or caves, natural or hewn out in rocks (Isa 22:16; Matt 27:60). There were family cemeteries (Gen 47:29; Gen 50:5; 2 Sam 19:37). Public burial-places were assigned to the poor (Jer 26:23; 2 Kgs 23:6). Graves were usually closed with stones, which were whitewashed, to warn strangers against contact with them (Matt 23:27), which caused ceremonial pollution (Num 19:16).
There were no graves in Jerusalem except those of the kings, and according to tradition that of the prophetess Huldah.
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.
