Jerusalem Model Tour

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Location

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The Jerusalem Model is located at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The museum has several sections, and the model is located right beside the Shrine of the Book section.

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Historical Background

 

1. The Holyland Model of Jerusalem, also known as the Model of Jerusalem at the end of the Second Temple period, is a 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem from around 66 AD.

 

2. It covers an area of about 1,000 square meters and recreates the city at the height of its glory before the Jewish revolt against the Romans.

 

3. It was designed by Michael Avi-Yonah and moved from its original location at the Holyland Hotel in Bayit Vegan, Jerusalem, to its new site at the Israel Museum in June 2006.

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4. The model was built from 1962 to 1966. At this time, almost the entire area it represents was under Jordanian rule and, therefore, off-limits for Israeli archaeologists and visitors. Thus, its layout was based mainly on historians and the Bible.

 

5. The model is not entirely accurate, as many discoveries have been made since it was built in 1966.

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6. However, it still gives us a fantastic example and layout of what Jerusalem looked like shortly after the time of Jesus. 

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Sites of Interest

 

View of Old City Jerusalem

 

Temple & Temple Mount Layout

1. The outer courts of the Temple Mount were called the courts of the Gentiles. All non-Jews, unless they converted to Judaism, were allowed in this area but not in the inner courts of the Temple.

2. Next, we have the Beautiful Gate. It was the gate leading into the Women's Courtyard. It was here that Peter and John healed the lame man as found in Acts 3. 

3. In each corner of the Women's Court were chamber rooms. We have the Chamber of Wood, Chamber of the Nazarites, Chamber of Lepers, and Chamber of Oils.

4. Moving toward the temple was the Nicanor Gate. It led into the Inner Courtyard. Here was the Altar and Bronze Laver.

5. From the Inner Court, you would enter the Holy Place, and then, beyond the curtain, the High Priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, also called Yom Kippur, would enter the Holy of Holies.

6. On the outer edges of the southern end of the Temple Mount Platform was the Royal Stoa. This is where we believe the area was where Pentecost took place.

7. Antonia Fortress

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City of David

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Southern Stairs

 

Robinson's Arch

 

Wilson's Arch

 

Pool of Siloam

 

Pilgrims' Road

 

Western Hill Expansion by Hezekiah

 

Hezekiah's Broad Wall

 

Herod's Palace Complex

 

Jesus' Route to the Cross

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Via Dolorosa

 

Golgotha

 

Gennath Gate

 

Walls of Jerusalem, Time of Jesus

 

Walls of Jerusalem in 44 AD

 

Pools of Bethesda

 

Damascus Gate

 

Lions' Gate

 

Stephen's Gate

 

Faith Lesson from Jerusalem

 

1. Jerusalem has played a key role as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth.

 

2. Since the time it was first captured by King David, until now, it has been a place of extreme blessing and punishment. When the Israelites obeyed God, they experienced supernatural blessings, protection, and miracles, and became a voice from God to minister to the surrounding nations. 

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3. However, when they disobeyed God, they experienced punishment, a lack of protection, and judgment, and were a terrible example to minister to the surrounding nations. What about us? Do we want God's blessings in our lives or be under his hand of punishment and judgment?

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4. It's estimated that Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt around 40 times. It was destroyed as a result of God's judgment for disobedience, and rebuilt due to His blessings as a result of obedience. What about us? When we disobey God, our lives are destroyed. However, when we obey, our lives are rebuilt and become testimonies of God's work and blessing. If we are wise, we'll seek the Lord and obey Him.