Tombs
   of the Hebrews were generally excavated in the solid rock, or
   were natural caves. Mention is made of such tombs in Judg. 8:32;
   2 Sam. 2:32; 2 Kings 9:28; 23:30. They were sometimes made in
   gardens (2 Kings 21:26; 23:16; Matt. 27:60). They are found in
   great numbers in and around Jerusalem and all over the land.
   They were sometimes whitewashed (Matt. 23:27, 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 (Matt. 28:2; comp. John 11:39). (See GOLGOTHA.)