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◄ Burial: Provided for the Common People►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, burial was a significant practice among the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. It was considered an essential duty to ensure that the deceased were properly interred, reflecting respect for the dead and adherence to cultural and religious customs. The Bible provides numerous references to burial practices, highlighting its importance for people of all social standings, including the common people.

Old Testament Practices

The Old Testament contains several accounts of burial practices, emphasizing the importance of providing a proper burial for all individuals, regardless of their social status.Genesis 23 details the purchase of the cave of Machpelah by Abraham as a burial site for his wife Sarah, illustrating the care taken to secure a proper resting place for loved ones. This practice was not limited to the patriarchs; it extended to the common people as well.

InDeuteronomy 21:22-23, the law stipulates that even those executed for crimes must be buried the same day, "for anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance." This command underscores the belief that burial was a necessary act of respect and purification, ensuring that the land remained undefiled.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues to reflect the importance of burial, with several passages indicating that it was a common practice for all, including the less affluent. In the account of the burial of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple, provides his own tomb for Jesus' body (Matthew 27:57-60). This act of kindness highlights the communal responsibility to care for the dead, a principle that would have extended to the common people as well.

Acts 5:6 describes the burial of Ananias, a member of the early Christian community, by young men who "wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him." This passage suggests that the community took responsibility for ensuring that even those of modest means received a proper burial.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Burial practices in biblical times were deeply rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. The act of burial was seen as a way to honor the deceased and provide them with a dignified transition to the afterlife. The common people, like their wealthier counterparts, were afforded this respect, as burial was a communal obligation that transcended social and economic boundaries.

The practice of burial also had eschatological implications. The belief in the resurrection of the dead, as articulated in passages likeDaniel 12:2 and1 Corinthians 15:42-44, reinforced the importance of burial. It was seen as a preparation for the eventual resurrection, a hope shared by all believers, regardless of their earthly status.

Conclusion

In summary, burial was a fundamental practice in biblical times, provided for all individuals, including the common people. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the importance of ensuring a proper burial, reflecting a deep-seated respect for the dead and adherence to religious and cultural traditions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 26:23
And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him to Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Knox's Book ofCommon Order.
... the minister was restricted to the formsprovided both in... we know, preached a sermon
after theburial of the... the directions in the Book ofCommon Order clearly...

The Age of Knox: the Formative Period of Presbyterian Worship.
... for in speaking of the Book ofCommon Order as... is still prevalent, that the book
provided a form... of the Sacraments, solemnization of marriage andburial of the...

Centenary Commemoration
... out in all its offices from baptism toburial; on these... preserved for them in the
Book ofCommon Prayer, But... burden was too pressing not to beprovided against...

The Anointing of Jesus.
... Had the familyprovided a home for Him or given... Of many expensescommon in society,
and especially of expenses... Against myburial she has kept this unguent; for...

Modern Movements in Presbyterian Churches Respecting Public...
... Sacraments, visitation of the sick, marriage,burial, ordination, etc.... sick a responsive
service isprovided, as also... Founded on the Book ofCommon Order (1560...

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha...
... glow of God dishonoured by open blasphemies,provided not a... of humanity to the dead
in theirburial, we should... war, since, with one consent, incommon with the...

Huss and Jerome.
... But Heaven hadprovided other agencies for the... shall arise one from among thecommon
people, without sword... The dead, deniedburial in consecrated ground, were...

Huss and Jerome
... But Heaven hadprovided other agencies for the... shall arise one from among thecommon
people, without sword... The dead, deniedburial in consecrated ground, were...

Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... sacred body and wrapped about His head at Hisburial.... all the days of the year not
otherwiseprovided for... in our churches is intended to be "common praise," and...

Appendix V in the Directory.
... Parliament resolved to abolish the Book ofCommon Prayer, and... of the Covenant of
grace," theyprovided against the... is the page which touches theBurial of the...