Credit: Ian Scott
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
Credit URL: https://www.flickr.com...
Comments: A reconstructed tomb with rolling stone at Nazareth Village
Credit: Ian Scott
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
Credit URL: https://www.flickr.com...
Comments: Entrance to the Garden Tomb. The so-called "Garden Tomb". This tomb was first proposed in the 19th century as the site of Jesus' burial, in part as an alternative to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Unfortunately, it is very doubtful that this was actually Jesus' tomb. Not only was there no ancient tradition associated with this location, but the tomb is not of the correct age. It was originally an ancient Israelite tomb and seems to have gone out of use during the time of Jesus. Hence it was not re-shaped in the distinct "niche" or "kokkhim" pattern of Second Temple Jewish burials. The tomb was then only re-used in the Byzantine period. Nevertheless, a dedicated Protestant group maintains a beautiful garden around the tomb and many (Protestants in particular) find the site more condusive to prayerful reflection than the busy and ornate Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
From Easton: Tombs - of the Hebrews were generally excavated in the solid rock, or were natural caves. Mention is made of such tombs in Judges 8:32; 2 Samuel 2:32; 2 Kings 9:28; 2 Kings 23:30. They were sometimes made in gardens (2 Kings 21:26; 2 Kings 23:16; Matthew 27:60). They are found in great numbers in and around Jerusalem and all over the land. They were sometimes whitewashed (Matthew 23:27, Matthew 23:29). The body of Jesus was laid in Joseph's new rock-hewn tomb, in a garden near to Calvary. All evidence is in favour of the opinion that this tomb was somewhere near the Damascus gate, and outside the city, and cannot be identified with the so-called "holy sepulchre." The mouth of such rocky tombs was usually closed by a large stone (Heb. golal), which could only be removed by the united efforts of several men (Matthew 28:2; comp. John 11:39). (See GOLGOTHA)