Oaks of Mamre (Hebron, Israel)
City:
Hebron
State, Province, Region, or District:
West Bank; Hebron Governorate
Country:
Israel
Overview
Hebron is one of the oldest and most significant cities in the Holy Land, and the site of the nation’s roots and origins. Hebron is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible and is central to several major historical and theological narratives. The Oaks of Mamre is a significant biblical site in Hebron where Abraham pitched his tents, built an altar, and received God's covenant. The original ancient grove is now primarily divided into two revered sites: Ramat el-Khalil (the historical/ancient site) and Khirbet es-Sibte (the site of "Abraham's Oak").
Since the 1997 Hebron Accords that divided Hebron, the Ramat el-Khalil site has been off-limits to Israelis and visitors. Recently the Palestinian Authority has made the tree more accessible, and named the site “Haram Ramat Al Khalil.” There are very few visitors to the el-Khalil site, and a few Christian tours visit the Khirbet es-Sibte site each year.
Alternate Names
Oaks of Mamre; Alonei Mamre; Ramet Haram Al-Khalil; Haram er-Rama; Haram Ramat Al Khalil; Khirbet es-Sibte; Ain Sibta
Geography & Location
Located within Hebron, Mamre is set in the Judean Mountains about 20 miles (32 km.) south of Jerusalem.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Hebron Historical Timeline
Architecture
Ramat el-Khalil
Biblical & Historical References
Hebron, located in the Judean Hills south of Jerusalem, is one of the most significant cities in biblical history serving as Abraham’s primary base of operations, the burial site of the patriarchs and matriarchs, and King David’s first royal capital.
Spiritual Lessons and Application
The Abrahamic Covenant establishes that every person is saved by grace through faith, regardless of whether they lived in the Old Testament period or the New Testament period and beyond. Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). In the Old Testament, faith was expressed by believing in God, and then later, when the Law was given at Mt. Sinai, by believing and obeying the sacrificial system. In the New Testament and beyond, faith is expressed in believing in Christ and obeying Him. What about us?
Etymology
The name Hebron appears to trace back to two northwest Semitic languages, which coalesce in the form ḥbr, having reflexes in Hebrew and Amorite, with a basic sense of 'unite' and connoting a range of meanings from 'colleague' to 'friend'. In the proper name Hebron, the original sense may have been 'alliance.'
Planning a Visit
Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.
Places of Interest
Cave of the Patriarchs (Machpelah)