The City of Our Forefathers
Hevron is situated in in the southern Judean Hills, about 1000 meters above sea-level. At this height, it is the highest city in Israel. Hevron has a pleasant climate – cool in the summer and cold with occasional snow ,in the winter. The landscape is full of vineyards and olive trees with a wonderful view of the mountains. However, the uniqueness of the city does not lie in its location or geographical properties, rather, with its history.
Hevron is one of the most ancient cities in Israel and in the whole world. It has been inhabited for 5000 years and has been the stage for many historical events that are of great importance in the history of the Jewish People and the Land of Israel.
Here, in Hevron, the special bond between Am Yisrael and its land was formed. This bond is alive and eternal and has been continuing over thousands of years. Our Forefathers and mothers, the roots of the Jewish People are buried in Hevron. Avraham Avinu was the first to purchase property in Israel about 3800 years ago. He acquired Sdei HaMachpela. This purchase is discussed at great length and detail in the Torah, showing its importance for all generations (Bereshit, Chapter 23).
This portion of land became the burial place for the patriarchs and matriarchs of our nation. Buried here, are the great Mothers and Fathers who instilled us with our unique faith and identity: Avraham and Sarah, Yitzhak and Rivka; Yakov and Leah. They made their homes in Hevron and laid the foundations for the Jewish people. All of them are buried at Mearat HaMachpela, chosen by Avraham Avinu as the family gravesite.
Our Forefathers connected their lives to Hevron and to Mearat HaMachpela and left this bond as a legacy to their sons and future generations. In his will, Yakov detailed the history of Mearat HaMachpela and commanded his sons to buy him there (Bereshit, Chapter 49 -50.
In this way, the central significance of Hevron as The City of Our Forefathers, was established for all generations.
David reigned over Yehuda in Hevron for seven years during the first years of his reign. Here, he established himself and was strengthened spiritually until he was recognized by all of the Tribes of Israel:
And all of the Tribes of Israel came to Hevron ….. and anointed David as the King of Israel. (Shmuel Bet, Verses 2-5).
Later, David went to Jersualem, which became the holy capital city. Nevertheless, the deep foundations of our history remain in Hevron, the City of Our Forefathers. Hevron continues to be the seat of our spirituality and the reminder of the promise of Eretz Yisrael. The Jewish People draws strength from the historical roots and spirituality of the ancient city.
Our Sages tell us in the Midrash that the generation of those who dwelt in the desert were afraid to enter Israel, as they were afraid of the giants dwelling there. Calev ben Yefuneh entered and went to pray at Mearat HaMachpela, where he was influenced by the special spirit of Hevron – the spirit of faith and courage. He proclaimed:
We will arise and inherit her (Eretz Yisrael), because we can overcome it! (BaMidbar 13).
In the merit of this spirit, Calev, the leader of the tribe of Yehuda entered Hevron. In a difficult war during the days of Yehoshua, the city was finally conquered and became the capital of the kingdom of Yehuda (about 3250 years ago).
About 3000 years ago, the city became the first capital of the Kingdom of David. This occurred in accordance with Hashems commandment to him:
And David asked Hashem: Should I go up to one of the cities in Yehuda? And Hashem said to him: Go up! And David said: Where shall I go?. And Hashem said: To Hevron! (Shmuel 2, Verse 2).
During the time of the First Beit HaMikdash, Hevron was one of the leading cities in Yehuda and is mentioned as one of the walled cities during the time of Rehavam (Divrei HaYamim 2, Verse 11). Concerning the royal aspect of Hevron at the end of this period…………………
With the destruction of the First Beit HaMikdash, Hevron fell and was captured by the Edomites.
Remants of the ancient city of Hevron were uncovered during archeological excavations at Tel Hevron (Tel Romeida). To date, three different excavations have been carried out at this site. One was conducted by the American archeologist, Professor Hammond, during the years 1964-5. The second was carried out by A. Ofer during the years 1985-6, and the last was carried out by Emanuel Eisenberg in the year 2000. These excavations revealed large impressive walls that surrounded the city during the Bronze and Middle Ages (between 3500 – 4000 years ago). These walls were first uncovered by Hammond and dubbed, giant walls. This discovery gives new perspective on the verses in the Torah that describe Hevron: And there we saw the fallen children of the giants (BaMidbar 13, Verse 33).
The excavations also uncovered many more findings that bear witness to the importance and strength of the city. These include a large quantity of jewelry from the Canaanite period; an inscription on a wall with a list of beasts that were sacrificed or brought to the king; a staircase leading to the fortress of the gate of the city during the Bronze Age; a four-room house and granaries for storage from about 2900 years ago. Additionally, large wine presses were discovered dating to the period of the Mishnah and Talmud (the Byzantine era).
A great portion of these remnants of the ancient city were preserved and can be viewed on a visit to Tel Hevron.
During recent years, additional areas at Tel Hevron have been excavated and impressive findings such as mikvahs from the period of the Second Beit HaMikdash and more have been revealed. The details of these findings can be found in publications that document the findings at Tel Hevron.