Is the burial cave from Acts 7 the same as the present-day Cave of Machpelah?
The burial cave from Acts 7 is identified as the same as the present-day Cave of Machpelah. It was purchased by Abraham from the sons of Emor, later repurchased by Jacob, and remains a holy site revered by both Jews and Muslims.
Les explains that Stephen's account in Acts 7 describes the patriarchs being carried to Shechem in Canaan and laid in the sepulcher Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Emor, the father of Shechem. Les points out this is the very same burial site that is a holy site in Israel today for Muslims and Jews, the same burial cave, the cave of Mephila. It is the burial place of Abraham, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah. Abraham bought it from the Canaanites, and Jacob later had to pay for it again, yet it remains held in reverence by both Jew and Muslim. Les also notes a recent tragedy there involving a Jewish doctor and Muslim worshippers.