Hebron is a city of antiquity still standing today. It was built on the southern end of the highlands which run north to south through the length of Palestine. In patriarchal times it was known as Kirjath-arba (or Kiriath-arba; see Gn 23:2), and stood on the hill known as El Arbain. The modern city straddles both ridges of the mountain range.

In OT times Hebron included Mamre, the place where Abraham built an altar to the Lord after parting from Lot (Gn 13:18). It was here too that he learned of the capture of his nephew Lot (14:12-16); and, years later, entertained three angels and was told of the judgment soon to fall on Sodom and Gomorrah (ch 18).

(Elwell, Walter A. ; Beitzel, Barry J.: Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Baker Book House, 1988, S. 949)

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