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.)