FUNERAL

FUNERAL Burying was among the Jews the only mode of disposing of corpses (Genesis 23=>19; 25=>9; 35=>8, 9, etc.). The first traces of burning the dead are found in 1 Samuel 31=>12. The burning of the body was affixed by the law of Moses as a penalty to certain crimes (Leviticus 20=>14; 21=>9). To leave the dead unburied was regarded with horror (1 Kings 13=>22; 14=>11; 16=>4; 21=>24, etc.). In the earliest times of which we have record kinsmen carried their dead to the grave (Genesis 25=>9; 35=>29; Judges 16=>31), but in later times this was done by others (Amos 6=>16). Immediately after decease the body was washed, and then wrapped in a large cloth (Acts 9=>37; Matthew 27=>59; Mark 15=>46). In the case of persons of distinction, aromatics were laid on the folds of the cloth (John 19=>39; comp. John 12=>7). As a rule the burial (q.v.) took place on the very day of the death (Acts 5=>6, 10), and the body was removed to the grave in an open coffin or on a bier (Luke 7=> 14). After the burial a funeral meal was usually given (2 Samuel 3=>35; Jeremiah 16=>5, 7; Hos. 9=>4).