Hebron
“Association, league, or confederation”
Summary
Hebron was one of the most ancient and significant cities in Palestine, where Abraham lived and Sarah was buried, where David was first crowned king, and which became a Levitical city of refuge.
☩Ancient History
Hebron, originally called Kirjath-arba ("city of Arba" or "city of four"), was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. Abraham dwelt there near the oaks of Mamre, and there Sarah died. Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite as a burial place, which became the family tomb for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives.
☩Conquest and Assignment
Hebron's king Hoham joined the coalition against Joshua, and the city was conquered during the campaign against southern Canaan. Caleb, who had faithfully brought a positive report as a spy, received Hebron as his inheritance and drove out the three sons of Anak who lived there. It was later designated a Levitical city and city of refuge.
☩David's Capital
After Saul's death, David was anointed king of Judah at Hebron, where he reigned for seven years and six months before capturing Jerusalem and uniting all Israel under his rule. During this time, six of his sons were born there. Later, Absalom launched his rebellion from Hebron, exploiting its distance from Jerusalem and perhaps its memories of an independent Judean kingdom.
Related Verses71 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hebron," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Hebron," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Hebron," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Hebron," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).