6. Judean Hill Country

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The hill country of Judea is about 35 miles (56 kilometers) long and 17 miles (27 kilometers) wide. Much of the land is stony and difficult to cultivate. The hills are broken up by valleys in which the land is fairly fruitful. The earliest Israelites lived in these hills, using them for protection against invaders.

Significant Events: The Lord promised this land to Abraham and his seed (Gen. 13:14–18; 17:8). Sarah and Abraham were buried in the cave of Machpelah, in Hebron (Gen. 23:19; 25:9). David captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites (2 Sam. 5:4–9). More Old Testament events are recorded as taking place in these hills than in any other region. (See BD Judea.)