Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
Among the ancient Hebrews graves were outside of cities in the open field (Lk. 7:12; Jn. 11:30). Kings (1 Ki. 2:10) and prophets (1 Sam. 25:1) were generally buried within cities. Graves were generally grottoes or caves, natural or hewn out in rocks (Isa. 22:16; Mt. 27:60). There were family cemeteries (Gen. 47:29, 50:5; 2 Sam. 19:37). Public burial-places were assigned to the poor (Jer. 26:23; 2 Ki. 23:6). Graves were usually closed with stones, which were whitewashed, to warn strangers against contact with them (Mt. 23:27), which caused ceremonial pollution (Num. 19:16).
There were no graves in Jerusalem except those of the kings, and according to tradition that of the prophetess Huldah.