Hee´bruhn
One of the “central” cities in the southern hill country of Judah some twenty miles south-southwest of Jerusalem. A reference to its antiquity is found in (Num 13:22). Hebron’s original name (Gen 23:2; Josh 20:7) was Kiriath-arba (Heb., “fourfold city”). It was at Hebron that Sarah died, and it was there that Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah from Hittites in the area for use as a family tomb (Gen 23:7-16). At the time of the entry of the Israelites, Hebron was held by three of the legendary Anakim, the “giants” (Num 13:22), who apparently reestablished themselves there after the conquest (Josh 14:12). After falling to Joshua (Josh 10:1-27; Josh 10:36-39, Josh 11:21-23) and having been secured again by Caleb (Josh 15:13-14), Hebron was allotted to Caleb (Josh 14:12) and subsequently became a city of the Kohathite Levites and one of the six cities of refuge (Josh 20:7). Hebron also played a prominent role in the early years of David (1Sam 30:31), and it was there that he was anointed “king of Judah” (2Sam 2:11) and reigned for seven and a half years (2Sam 5:5), while Saul’s son Ishbosheth ruled in the north. David’s son Absalom began his revolt against his father at Hebron (2Sam 15:7-10). In the period of the Divided Monarchy, Rehoboam strengthened Hebron’s defenses (2Chr 11:5; 2Chr 11:10).
