Bible Location

Mamre Plain

Mamre was a location near Hebron closely associated with Abraham and the patriarchal narratives. Genesis describes Abraham dwelling by the oaks or terebinths of Mamre, where he built an altar to the Lord.

At Mamre Abraham received the three visitors who announced that Sarah would bear a son. The nearby field and cave of Machpelah subsequently became the family burial property purchased by Abraham.

Mamre is securely associated with the Hebron region, although identifying the exact location of Abraham's encampment is more difficult.

Biblical Significance

After Abraham and Lot separated, Abraham moved his tent and settled by the oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord.

Genesis 14 identifies Mamre as an Amorite and ally of Abraham together with his brothers Eshcol and Aner. Abraham was living near Mamre when he learned that Lot had been captured and organized the expedition to rescue him.

Genesis 18 records one of the most important events associated with Mamre. The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks while he sat at the entrance of his tent. Abraham received three visitors, and the promise was given that Sarah would bear Isaac.

The field and cave of Machpelah purchased as a burial place for Sarah were described in relation to Mamre, linking the location with the patriarchal burial tradition.

Historical Background

The biblical name Mamre refers both to an Amorite associated with Abraham and to the location or grove connected with him near Hebron.

Later Jewish, Roman, and Christian traditions continued to associate a particular location north of ancient Hebron with Mamre. The site became a gathering and cultic location in later antiquity.

Herodian, Roman, and Byzantine remains at the traditional site demonstrate its continuing importance, but they do not identify the precise trees or campsite described in Genesis.

Modern Identification

Mamre was unquestionably associated with the immediate region of Hebron. Genesis itself explicitly places the oaks of Mamre at Hebron.

The traditional site is Ramat el-Khalil, also known as Haram Ramet el-Khalil, north of the historic center of Hebron. Ancient traditions support this identification, although the exact relationship between the later monumental site and Abraham's dwelling place cannot be demonstrated archaeologically.

AVWJ should distinguish the secure biblical association with Hebron from the less certain identification of a precise spot.

Scripture References

Genesis 13:18 Genesis 14:13 Genesis 18:1 Genesis 23:19 Genesis 35:27

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: Genesis 13:18, Genesis 14:13-24, Genesis 18:1-15, Genesis 23:17-19, Genesis 25:9, Genesis 35:27, Genesis 49:30; Josephus; Eusebius; archaeological and historical studies of Ramat el-Khalil and Hebron