Why the Cave of Machpelah Is Called the Doubled Cave

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 102:8

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"The cave of Machpelah" (Genesis 23:9): Rav and Shmuel differed. One said it was two chambers, one within the other; and one said it was a chamber with an upper story above it. It is well according to the one who says one was above the other, for this is why it is written "Machpelah" [doubled, as in folded over]. But according to the one who says two chambers, one within the other, what is the meaning of "Machpelah"? That it was doubled with pairs [of those buried in it].

Themes

MatriarchsPatriarchsHoly Land

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