This video provides the most comprehensive and complete evidence that proves the original temple of Solomon, and the rebuilt temples of Zerubbabel and Herod the Great, were located on the Temple Mount, exactly where the Dome of the Rock is today. Today, some are promoting the theory that the Temple was in the City of David and that the Temple Mount was a Roman Fort. We will answer each of their arguments with facts, the Bible, archeology, and eyewitness accounts. Temple Location Photo Gallery Places of Interest Temple Mount Location Location 1. Archaeological discoveries now reveal the location of the original temple and Temple Mount Platform location of Solomon, Hezekiah, Zerubbabel, the Hasmoneans, and Herod's temple, wherein Christ ministered. 2. Today, a growing number of people claim that the temple and Temple Mount were located in the City of David. This is simply not true. Therefore, we will attempt to show, from Scripture, historical, archaeological, and practical reasons, why their claims are untrue. 3. The Temple Mount is located on the eastern side of Old City Jerusalem 4. It occupies 1/6 of the current city. 5. It is 35 acres (14 hectares) in size, the equivalent of 35 football fields. Historical Background 1. The Temple Mount has played a “center stage” role for much of Israel’s history and has functioned as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. 2. About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 3. It will play a key part during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth as well. 4. God has chosen to focus His presence and attention there like a laser beam from heaven, like no other place. 5. Solomon built the first temple around 960 BC, which the Babylonians destroyed in 586 BC. 6. The second temple Zerubbabel oversaw after the deportation and return of the Jews. It was dedicated in 515 BC. 7. The Hasmoneans enlarged the Temple Mount to the south around 140 BC. 8. King Herod dismantled Zerubbabel’s Temple only after he had prepared the materials and workers. He then rebuilt the sanctuary on new foundations in the same sacred location, while massively expanding the surrounding Temple Mount platform and courts. It was still called the Second Temple because Jewish worship continued in the same sacred institution that began with Zerubbabel. But architecturally, by Jesus’ day, it was essentially Herod’s magnificent replacement and expansion of Zerubbabel’s much smaller Temple. Following is a 10-part series done by Leen Ritmeyer, who is probably the leading archaeologist on the Temple Mount and its history: 1. Mount Moriah 2. The Temple Mount During the Jebusite Period 3. The Temple Mount During the Time of Solomon 4. The Temple Mount During the time of King Hezekiah 5. The Temple Mount During the Times of Ezra and Nehemiah 6. The Temple Mount During the Hellenistic and Hasmonean Periods 7. The Temple Mount During the Herodian Period 8. The Temple Mount During the Roman Period 9. The Temple Mount During the Byzantine Period 10. The Temple Mount in the Early Muslim Period Places of Interest 1 . Location of Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform. Archaeological, historical, and eyewitness accounts place the location of the first and second temples directly on top of the Dome of the Rock. According to the Mishnah (Jewish writings about different aspects of Jewish laws, customs, measurements, and so forth), the original Temple Mount Platform measured 500 cubits square. Using the royal cubit, which was the standard measurement of the time (20.67 inches, or 525 mm long), Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform measured 861 feet, or 262.5 meters, in length. Amazingly, evidence supports these exact measurements on each side of Solomon's original platform. 2. The Southwest corner of the original Temple Mount Platform that Solomon built. This can be located by archaeology at Barclay's Gate. 3. Western side of original platform. Warren's Gate: Evidence can be seen by an additional gate called “Warren’s Gate,” which can be found butted up against the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform beneath the platform surface. Western Wall location today. 4. Dome of the Rock Platform Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform was at approximately the same level. 5. Northwestern Corner of Solomon's Original Temple Platform Evidence from massive stones dating back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah is visible today. They run parallel with the Eastern Wall. The boss can't be seen today as it has been covered with stone tiles, but photos from the 1960s show the boss. The boss style is from the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. This same style of stone can be seen at the base of the Eastern Gate. The distance from this corner to the eastern wall of the Temple Mount platform is exactly 500 cubits, 861 ft., or 262.5 m. 6. Antonia Fortress The Jewish historian Josephus writes that it was built on bedrock. You can see the bedrock on which it was built. Currently, a grade school is located there. There were steps in this area leading up from the Temple Mount to the Antonia Fortress. It is here where Paul addressed the angry crowd below. Acts 21:34-36: Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps , he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” The rock face has holes or sockets where beams were attached for the portico that ran along its southern side. 7. Northern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform This is on the same line as the northern part of the Dome of the Rock platform today. Evidence of a pre-Herodian wall was found underground by cistern 29. 8. Eastern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform Just north of where the northern wall of the 500-cubit mount platform meets the Eastern Wall, we find an offset in the wall located 68 feet, or 20.73 meters, to the north. This offset indicates that a tower once stood at this corner for protection purposes. Measuring from where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the Eastern Wall going south, we find a curious bend in the wall at exactly 861 feet or 262.5 meters. This bend in the wall resulted from later construction added to the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform during the Hasmonean period, around 140 BC. Their construction used a slightly different angle than the original platform. Also, there is a change in the stone style. The stones after the bend have a boss shape that dates to the Hasmonean period. The stone positioning and configurations also indicate that a corner was once located at this bend in the wall. Further south along the Eastern Wall, we see a seam in the construction. The stone styles change, and the stones are butted against one another. This marks the beginning of Herod the Great's expansion of the Temple Mount Platform. 9. Eastern Gate In the Eastern Gate area, we also see ancient stones with boss shapes that date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It is worth noting that the location of the Eastern Wall remained unchanged throughout the entire history of the Temple Mount. This is due to the Kidron Valley and its steep decline on this side. So, again, these ancient stones reveal that the Eastern side of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. 10. Solomon's Portico Important gathering place. Acts 5:12: Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico . 11. Muslim Excavations In 1999, the WAQF, the Jordanian body that retains authority over the Temple Mount and other Muslim holy places, used bulldozers to remove some 10,000 tons of dirt (400 dump truck loads) from the area known as King Solomon’s Stables to create an emergency exit for the Marwani Mosque, which can accommodate 10,000 people. This was dumped in the Kidron Valley. Israelis took this dirt to a location on Mount Scopus, where it is now being sifted. This is known as the "Sifting Project." Its contents reveal overwhelming evidence that the Temple Mount is the authentic location of the original temple. The original stone tiles of Herod's renovated Temple Mount Platform have been found. Until 1920, Muslim pamphlets describing the Dome of the Rock stated that it was built directly over the site where the original temple once stood. Today, the stairs descend to the Al-Marwani Mosque, inaugurated in 1996, located under the Temple Mount in the area once called Solomon's Stables by the Crusaders. 12. Royal Stoa It is most likely that Pentecost happened at the southern end of the Temple Mount in the area of the Royal Stoa. It is unlikely that Pentecost occurred in the Upper Room as a multitude gathered and witnessed this astounding event. The Upper Room couldn’t have handled such a large crowd of 15,000–30,000. Scripture says the coming of the Holy Spirit filled a house. It doesn’t mention the Upper Room. In many places in the Bible, the temple is referred to as the House of the Lord or just the house. The Hebrew word for "house" in Acts 2:2 is "Har Ha Bait," which means "the mountain of THE house," or "the dwelling place of God." "House" can also refer to just a covered area. At the southern side of the Temple Mount, just above the Southern Stairs, was the Royal Stoa. The coming of the Holy Spirit happened at 9:00 a.m., which was the time of morning prayers at the temple. According to Scripture, it was the custom of the apostles to visit the temple during these times of prayer. The Temple Mount and Southern Stair area could easily have accommodated the large crowd of 15,000–30,000 who gathered at Pentecost. Acts 2:41 says 3,000 were saved and baptized. Around the Southern Stairs are many mikveh cleansing pools that could have been used to baptize those who were saved. The southern part of the Temple Mount would have been a natural place for Pentecost to occur, as it was a center of public activity. The Upper Room area was a residential neighborhood, and there's no reason 15,000-30,000 people would have been there when the events of Pentecost happened that drew such a large crowd. This area also had all the mikvehs necessary for baptizing and space to handle such a large crowd. 13. Southern Stairs Area 14. South end of the Temple Mount Platform: it had slightly different length than the three other sides. It measured 495 cubits, 853 ft., 260 m. It's believed that this was due to the Ophel rise, which made it difficult to build over. 15. Al Aqsa Mosque The Al-Aqsa mosque (also “Al-Aksa”, which means “the remote” mosque). It was named after the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad’s imaginative travel from Mecca to a remote mosque. It was built around 685 to 715 AD. It has been rebuilt and restored many times. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of Solomon." Only Muslims are allowed inside. The Israeli police may enter only if necessary. The mosque can hold around 5,000 people. 16. Ancient Stone Steps These are original stones from the time of Herod or earlier, which would have been steps leading from the Court of the Gentiles to the Outer Court of the Temple. 17. Dome of the Rock It was built in 691 AD. It sits exactly over where the original temples stood. Inside is a square that is the shape of the Ark of the Covenant. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of the Lord." It is a Muslim shrine today. Only Muslims may enter. All others by permission only. 18. Recycled Decorated Stone from a Byzantine Church This is found at the base of the Dome of the Rock, just to the right of the main entrance facing east. It was placed on there in the Umayyad Period, specifically when the Dome of the Rock was being constructed under the orders of Caliph Abd al‑Malik between 691 and 692 AD. It has some crosses that have been scratched away. 19. Baptistry Chapel from the Byzantine Period The baptismal tank is near the chapel. 20. The Temple Treasury Located on the north side of the Temple sanctuary. The most notable words of Jesus in this location are “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32), and ‘Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 21. Dome of the Spirits Also known as the Dome of the Tablets, this small dome was constructed around 950 AD during the Muslim Umayyad Period. One theory suggests that it is located above the “Spirits Cave,” where the spirits of the dead gather for prayer. Another theory claims that it is called the Dome of the Tablets, referring to the tablets that were kept inside the Ark of the Covenant, implying that this might be the location of the Holy of Holies – a theory with which most scholars disagree. It was built on a large Herodian paving stone, which measures 12 feet (3.70m) by 11.5 feet (3.50m). According to Warren’s survey maps, it is situated approximately 10 feet (3m) above the natural bedrock. It was part of the pavement that was laid north of the buildings that surrounded the Temple. 22. Original Temple Location Holy of Holies According to the Mishnah, only a rectangular depression in the bedrock remained where the Ark once stood. This exact shape has been identified inside the Dome of the Rock. Holy Place Altar Nicanor Gate/Beautiful Gate Inner Court Outer Court Court of the Gentiles 23. Threshing floor of Arunah (Ornan) the Jebusite that David purchased. 24. Dome of the Chain Located just east of the Dome of the Rock, this would be the place where the Holy Place of the original temples was located. 25. Dome of the Prophet Located just northwest of the Dome of the Rock Built in 1539 AD, it is traditionally believed that on this spot, Muhammad led the former Jewish prophets (including Jesus) and angels in prayer on the night he ascended into heaven. 26. Dome of the Ascension Located just north of the Dome of the Prophet. It was built sometime between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. Some believe it was built on the spot from which Muhammad ascended into Heaven on his night journey. The Original Temple Mount Platform Location 1. It was not in the City of David but on Mount Moriah, where the Temple Mount Platform is today. After Solomon built the temple, he brought the Ark of the Covenant out of the City of David to the temple on Mt. Moriah. 2 Chronicles 5:2: "Then Solomon assembled to Jerusalem the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the City of David , which is Zion." 2. The Northern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform According to the Mishnah (Jewish writings about different aspects of Jewish laws, customs, measurements, and so forth), the original Temple Mount Platform measured 500 cubits square. Using the royal cubit, which was the universal measurement of these times, would be 861 feet, or 262.4 m eters in length. Amazingly, the measurement from the corner of this Pre-Herodian stone step is exactly 861 feet or 262.4 meters to the Eastern Wall. This northern edge of the original Temple Mount Platform also aligns with the current Dome of the Rock Platform. Additional evidence of a pre-Herodian wall can also be found underground by cistern 29. Considering these factors, we now have strong evidence of the location of the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Next, we come to the Eastern Wall. Just north of where the northern wall of the 500-cubit mount platform meets the eastern wall, we find an offset in the wall located 68 feet, or 20.73 meters, to the north. This offset indicates that a tower once stood at this corner for protection purposes. 3. The Eastern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform Measuring south from where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the Eastern wall, we find a curious bend in the wall at exactly 861 feet or 262.5 meters. This bend in the wall resulted from later construction added to the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform during the Hasmonean period, around 140 BC. Their construction used a slightly different angle than the original platform. Also, there is a change in the stone style. The stones after the bend have a boss shape that dates to the Hasmonean period. The stone positioning and configurations also indicate that a corner was once located at this bend in the wall. This archaeological evidence reveals that this point was the corner of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Again, this section of the Eastern Wall measures exactly 861 feet, or 262.5 meters, which is 500 cubits. In this Eastern Gate area, we also see ancient stones with boss shapes that date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It should be noted that the Eastern Wall location remained unchanged throughout the entire history of the Temple Mount. This is due to the Kidron Valley and its steep decline on this side. So, again, these ancient stones reveal that the Eastern side of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. 4. The Southern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform Next, we’ll look at the southern wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Measuring 495 Cubits, 853 feet, 260 meters from the southwest corner of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform, which has a bend in the wall, we come to the entrance of Barclay’s Gate. This gate was built later by Herod and was butted up against the southern wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. This slightly different measurement amounts to less than 1% and was probably the result of the two corners being obscured by the elevation of Mt. Moriah between them. 5. The Western Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform The Western Wall section of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform can be located by the established corners of the northwest and southwest corners and measures exactly 861 feet (262.5 meters). Additionally, the Excavations of Barclay's Gate show this corner as well. More evidence can be seen by an additional gate called “Warren’s Gate,” which can be found butted up against the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. In summary, we see overwhelming evidence of the original 500-cubit-square Temple Mount Platform. Evidence of the Enlargements of the Temple Mount Platform We can also see the evidence of the Hasmonean and Herodian additions to the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Hasmonean Enlargement In around 140 BC, the Hasmoneans added a section to the southern part of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Again, this is evident in the bend of the Eastern Wall and the varied stone styles employed. Herod the Great Enlargement Herod the Great embarked on a massive expansion of the Temple Mount Platform around 19 BC. Josephus, the Jewish historian who lived around the time of Christ, describes how he doubled the size of the Temple Mount after the Hasmonean expansion. He enlarged it to the south, west, and north. Today, we see this evidence throughout the expansion sections. One key place is the expansion of the southern part of the Eastern Wall. A notable seam in the wall reveals Herod’s expansion, which was added to the Hasmonean expansion. This seam clearly shows the change from Hasmonean to Herodian stone styles. The location and configuration of the Hasmonean and Herodian stones indicate that this was once a corner. Additionally, the Herodian stones along the Western Wall section attest to Herod’s expansion on this side. Additionally, at the northern wall of the Temple Mount are holes that indicate the location of a former portico. Again, the Eastern Wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform was never altered; it was merely repaired and extended to the southern end. Evidence Inside the Dome of the Rock T he location of the original temples can also be established with certainty. Inside the Dome of the Rock is the highest point of Mt. Moriah. On this massive stone, a cut-out square can be seen that once housed the Ark of the Covenant, and to the sides, the foundations of the Holy of Holies. It should be noted that the altar that David purchased from Arunah the Jebusite was just east of the top of the mountain in a flatter area. Here you can see where the altar would have been located in relation to the rock inside the Dome of the Rock. How Was the Temple Mount Supplied with Water for Sacrifices and Purification Needs? 1. The requirement for living water was only needed for three purposes: (1) defilement by a corpse (Num. 19:17), (2) by a non-routine bodily discharge (Lev. 15:11), or (3) by leprosy (Lev. 14:5, 50). In these instances, part of the purification process requires the use of living water (flows continuously). In all other cases of defilement, purification is accomplished by washing in water, without requiring running water. 2. There were massive cisterns on the Temple Mount (around 37), totaling more than 10.5 million gallons or over 40 million liters of water. Many of these cisterns date to the time of Solomon, Hezekiah, and Zerubbabel. 3. There are around 16 cisterns that are in the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform Solomon and Hezekiah built. All these water sources supplied more than enough water for the temple's use. 4. There were other large pools north of the Temple Mount as well. The need for living water was met by the close-by pools that had living water running through them (for example, the Pools of Bethesda, Pool of Siloam, and the Pool of Israel). These three pools alone provided over 54 million gallons, or approximately 205 million liters, of water. 5. A recent discovery close to the southwestern side of the Temple Mount shows a massive cistern that was fed from water from the Tyropean Valley. 6. There were aqueducts from Bethlehem to the Temple Mount that existed in at least 250 BC that supplied living water to the temple. Many archaeologists believe that the aqueducts date back to the time of Solomon. 7. There are 50-plus mikvehs on the southern steps and on the west side of the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount in the Bible 1. The Temple Mount is also called Mount Moriah and was the place where Abraham was to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. Genesis 22:1–2: After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 2 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 2. King David purchased the original Temple Mount when it was a threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21:18: Now the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan [also called Araunah] the Jebusite. 3. King Solomon then built the Temple in this exact location. 2 Chronicles 3:1: Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 4. During the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the glory of the Lord filled it in such a way that the priests had to suspend their activities until God’s glory subsided. 1 Kings 8:10–11: And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. 5. The prophets spoke to the nation of Israel from the Temple Mount. 6. The first temple was destroyed in 586 BC by Babylon because of Israel’s continued disobedience to God. 2 Kings 24:10: At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 7. The temple was rebuilt again from 538-515 BC under Zerubbabel. Ezra 6:3: In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits. 8. Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in 444 BC. Nehemiah 2:17: Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision. 9. The Temple Mount was enlarged enormously by King Herod in 19 BC to the size it is today. God, in His sovereignty, made the Temple Mount large enough to accommodate the crowds Jesus would teach, the 3,000 saved at Pentecost, the 5,000 saved in Acts 4, and a place where the Early Church could meet and grow. 10. Herod also made the temple more beautiful than any before it, and it was more than twice the size of the current Dome of the Rock. 11. Zachariah received the vision of having a son, John the Baptist, while serving at the temple. Luke 1:13: But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” 12. Jesus was dedicated to the Lord at the temple. Luke 2:22: And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 13. At the age of 12, Jesus appeared and dialogued with the religious leaders at the temple. Luke 2:46–47: After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 14. The temple was where the Devil tempted Christ to throw himself down headlong. Luke 4:9–12: And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' 11 and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 15. Christ taught at the temple frequently. Luke 19:47: And he was teaching daily in the temple. 16. Christ drove out the moneychangers on the Temple Mount. Mark 11:15–17: And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." 17. Christ was possibly tried before Pilate nearby at Herod's Palace and condemned to crucifixion. 18. Next to the Temple Mount, at the Southern Stairs, is the likely place where Pentecost took place, 3,000 were saved, and the Early Church was born. Acts 2:41: Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 19. A lame man was healed on the Temple Mount by Peter and John, causing 5,000 men to be saved. Acts 3:1–8: Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. Acts 4:4: But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 20. The Temple Mount became the meeting place of the Early Church. Acts 2:46–47: And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 21. Close to the Temple Mount, Stephen was martyred (Acts 7). 22. Because Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount were destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. Luke 19:41–44: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation. 23. The Anti-Christ will commit the abomination of desolation on the Temple Mount during the middle of the Tribulation Period. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4: Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God , displaying himself as being God. 24. Christ will reign from the Temple Mount (along with believers) for 1,000 years after the Tribulation Period. Revelation 20:6: Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Faith Lesson from the Temple Mount 1. In the Old Testament, the temple was a focal place where God dwelt; in the New Testament, believers are now the temple in which God dwells. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17: Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 2. What kind of temple are we?

See the complete history of the temple and Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Archaeological, historical, and eyewitness accounts place the location of the first and second temples directly on top of the Dome of the Rock. Sites covered include: Original Altar Location, Muslim Platform, Solomon's Porticos, Hasmonean & King Herod's Additions to the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Eastern Gate, Southern Stairs, Antonia Fortress, Royal Stoa Temple Mount Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Temple Mount Overview Introduction Welcome to this major biblical site of the Temple Mount. This is one of the most significant sites in Israel, and there is no place like it. 1. God, in his sovereignty, chose to dwell in a unique way in Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. Psalm 132:14: “This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. 2. Right here, where the Dome of the Rock stands, is where the Temple Solomon built was dedicated. The glory of the Lord appeared in such power and glory that the priests had to stop what they were doing and behold it. 3. We'll be seeing and talking about all the major things that happened here. 4. About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 5. We'll see the following: The original location of the Temple Mount built by Solomon. The expansions of the Temple Mount by the Hasmoneans and Herod the Great. The Antonia Fortress The Eastern Gate Solomon's Portico Most likely place Pentecost happened. Royal Stoa Temple layout. We'll stand where the Holy Place and the Altar of the Temple were. We'll walk in the footsteps of Jesus and see where He ministered and overturned the money changers' tables. We'll discuss all the other major events that occurred here. 6. We'll also see the Dome of the Rock Shrine, the Al Asqa Mosque, and much more. 7. This will be a highlight, so you'll want to soak it all in. Let's explore and experience this site. Location 1. The Temple Mount is located on the eastern side of Old City Jerusalem 2. It occupies 1/6 of the current city. 3. It is 35 acres (14 hectares) in size, the equivalent of 35 football fields. Places of Interest 1 . Location of Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform. Archaeological, historical, and eyewitness accounts place the first and second temples directly above the Dome of the Rock. According to the Mishnah (Jewish writings on various aspects of Jewish law, customs, measurements, and so forth), the original Temple Mount Platform measured 500 cubits square . Using the royal cubit , which was the standard measurement of the time (20.67 inches, or 52.5 cm ), Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform measured 861 feet, or 262.5 meters square . Amazingly, evidence supports these exact measurements on each side of Solomon's original platform. 2. The Southwest corner of the original Temple Mount Platform that Solomon built. This can be located by archaeology at Barclay's Gate. 3. Western side of original platform. Warren's Gate: Evidence can be seen at an additional gate called “Warren’s Gate,” which is found butted up against the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform beneath the platform surface. Western Wall location today. 4. Dome of the Rock Platform Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform was at approximately the same level. 5. Northwestern Corner of Solomon's Original Temple Platform Evidence from massive stones dating back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah is visible today. They run parallel with the Eastern Wall. The boss can't be seen today because it's covered in stone tiles, but photos from the 1960s show it. The boss's style is from the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. This same style of stone can be seen at the base of the Eastern Gate. The distance from this corner to the eastern wall of the Temple Mount platform is exactly 500 cubits, 861 ft., or 262.5 m. 6. Antonia Fortress The Jewish historian Josephus writes that it was built on bedrock. You can see the bedrock on which it was built. Currently, a grade school is located there. There were steps in this area leading up from the Temple Mount to the Antonia Fortress. It is here where Paul addressed the angry crowd below. Acts 21:34-36: Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps , he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” The rock face has holes or sockets where beams for the portico that ran along its southern side were attached. 7. Northern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform This is on the same line as the northern part of the Dome of the Rock platform today. Evidence of a pre-Herodian wall was found underground by cistern 29. 8. Eastern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform Just north of where the northern wall of the 500-cubit mount platform meets the Eastern Wall, we find an offset in the wall located 68 feet (20.73 meters) to the north. This offset indicates that a tower once stood at this corner for protection. Measuring from where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the Eastern Wall, going south we find a curious bend in the wall at exactly 861 feet or 262.5 meters. This bend in the wall resulted from later construction added to the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform during the Hasmonean period, around 140 BC. Their construction used a slightly different angle than the original platform. Also, there is a change in the stone style. The stones beyond the bend have a boss shape dating to the Hasmonean period. The stone layout and configuration also indicate that a corner once stood at this bend in the wall. Further down the Eastern Wall, we see a seam in the construction. The stone styles change, and the stones are butted together. This marks the beginning of Herod the Great's expansion of the Temple Mount Platform. 9. Eastern Gate In the Eastern Gate area, we also see ancient stones with boss shapes that date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It is worth noting that the location of the Eastern Wall remained unchanged throughout the entire history of the Temple Mount. This is due to the Kidron Valley and its steep decline on this side. So, again, these ancient stones reveal that the Eastern side of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. 10. Solomon's Portico Important gathering place. Acts 5:12: Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico . 11. Muslim Excavations In 1999, when the WAQF, the Jordanian body that retains authority over the Temple Mount and other Muslim holy places, used bulldozers to remove some 10,000 tons of dirt (400 dump truck loads) from the area known as King Solomon’s Stables to create an emergency exit for the Marwani Mosque, which can accommodate 10,000 people. This was dumped in the Kidron Valley. Israelis took this dirt to a location on Mount Scopus, where it is now being sifted. This is known as the "Sifting Project." Its contents reveal overwhelming evidence that the Temple Mount is the authentic location of the original temple. The original stone tiles of Herod's renovated Temple Mount Platform have been found. Until 1920, Muslim pamphlets describing the Dome of the Rock stated that it was built directly over the site where the original temple once stood. Today, the stairs descend to the Al-Marwani Mosque, inaugurated in 1996, located under the Temple Mount in the area once called Solomon's Stables by the Crusaders. 12. Royal Stoa It is most likely that Pentecost happened at the southern end of the Temple Mount in the area of the Royal Stoa. It is unlikely that Pentecost occurred in the Upper Room, as a multitude gathered to witness this astounding event. The Upper Room couldn’t have handled such a large crowd of 15,000–30,000. Scripture says the coming of the Holy Spirit filled a house. It doesn’t mention the Upper Room. In many places in the Bible, the temple is referred to as the House of the Lord or just the house. The Hebrew word for "house" in Acts 2:2 is "Har Ha Bait," which means "the mountain of THE house," or "the dwelling place of God." "House" can also refer to just a covered area. At the southern side of the Temple Mount, just above the Southern Stairs, was the Royal Stoa. The coming of the Holy Spirit occurred at 9:00 a.m., the time of morning prayers at the temple. The disciples frequently visited the temple during these times of prayer. The Temple Mount and Southern Stair area could easily have accommodated the large crowd of around 150,000 who gathered at Pentecost. Acts 2:41 says 3,000 were saved and baptized. Around the Southern Stairs are many mikveh cleansing pools that could have been used to baptize those who were saved. The southern part of the Temple Mount would have been a natural place for Pentecost to occur, as it was a center of public activity. The Upper Room area was a residential neighborhood, and there's no reason 150,000 people would have been there when the events of Pentecost happened that drew such a large crowd. It would have been virtually impossible for Peter to preach to a multitude in narrow streets and so forth. This area also had all the mikvehs necessary for baptizing and space to handle such a large crowd. 13. Southern Stairs Area 14. South end of the Temple Mount Platform: slightly different length, measured 495 cubits, 853 ft., 260 m. It's believed that this was due to the Ophel rise, which made it difficult to build over. 15. Al Aqsa Mosque It was built around 685 to 715 AD. It has been rebuilt and restored many times. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of Solomon." Only Muslims are allowed inside. The Israeli police may enter only if necessary. The mosque can hold around 5,000 people. 16. Ancient Stone Steps These are original stones from the time of Herod or earlier, which would have been steps leading from the Court of the Gentiles to the Outer Court of the Temple. 17. Dome of the Rock It was built in 691 AD. It sits exactly over where the original temples stood. Inside is a square-shaped area where the Ark of the Covenant would have been placed. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of the Lord." It is a Muslim shrine today. Only Muslims may enter. All others by permission only. 18. Recycled Decorated Stone from a Byzantine Church This is found at the base of the Dome of the Rock, just to the right of the main entrance facing east. This was placed here during Turkish times. It has some crosses that have been scratched away. 19. Baptistry Chapel from the Byzantine Period The baptismal tank is near the chapel. 20. The Temple Treasury Located on the north side of the Temple sanctuary. The most notable words of Jesus in this location are “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32), and ‘Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 21. Dome of the Spirits Also known as the Dome of the Tablets, this small dome was constructed around 950 AD during the Muslim Umayyad Period. One theory suggests that it is located above the “Spirits Cave,” where the spirits of the dead gather for prayer. Another theory claims it is called the Dome of the Tablets, referring to the tablets kept inside the Ark of the Covenant, implying that this might be the location of the Holy of Holies – a theory most scholars dispute. It was built on a large Herodian paving stone measuring 12 feet (3.70m) by 11.5 feet (3.50m). According to Warren’s survey maps, it is situated approximately 10 feet (3m) above the natural bedrock. It was part of the pavement laid north of the buildings surrounding the Temple. 22. Original Temple Location Holy of Holies According to the Mishnah, only a rectangular depression in the bedrock remained where the Ark once stood. This exact shape has been identified inside the Dome of the Rock. Holy Place Altar Nicanor Gate/Beautiful Gate Inner Court Outer Court Court of the Gentiles 23. Threshing floor of Arunah (Ornan) the Jebusite that David purchased. 24. Dome of the Chain Located just east of the Dome of the Rock, this would be the site of the Holy Place in the original temples. 25. Dome of the Prophet Located just northwest of the Dome of the Rock Built in 1539 AD, it is traditionally believed that on this spot, Muhammad led the former Jewish prophets (including Jesus) and angels in prayer on the night he ascended into heaven. 26. Dome of the Ascension Located just north of the Dome of the Prophet. It was built sometime between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. Some believe it was built on the spot from which Muhammad ascended into Heaven on his night journey. Historical Background 1. The Temple Mount has played a “center stage” role for much of Israel’s history and has functioned as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. 2. It will also play a key part during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth. 3. God has chosen to focus His presence and attention there like a laser beam from heaven, like no other place. 4. First Temple: the temple Solomon built. It was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. 5. Second Temple: the temple Zerubbabel oversaw after the deportation and return of the Jews. It was finished and dedicated in 515 BC. 6. King Herod’s Temple: This was a delicate project since it would involve the careful dismantling of Zerubbabel’s temple and the construction of the new temple. In consultation with religious leaders, Herod first prepared all the necessary materials for the new temple to assure the Jews that he would build it after dismantling the old one. Construction of Herod's temple began in 20 BC. Because the Temple sacrifices didn't cease, it's another reason it's referred to as the Second Temple. 7. The term "Second Temple" is a designation used for both Zerubbabel's and Herod’s temples. When Herod rebuilt the temple, it was considered a reestablishment and remodeling of the temple Zerubbabel had built. Thus, it was considered part of the Second Temple rather than a different building. 8. The temple itself was built in a year and a half, and the surrounding porticos and courtyards in eight years. However, construction of the whole complex continued for more than 80 years from its beginning and was only completed in 63 AD. 9. Herod's temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. 10. Interestingly, both temples were destroyed on the same day (the 9th of Av, normally mid-August). This date is observed today by the Jews and entails fasting, prayer, deprivation, and mourning. 11. According to the Mishnah, Herod’s temple was 100 cubits (172 feet/52.5 meters) long, wide, and high (Middot 4.6) and, like Solomon’s temple, divided into three rooms: the porch, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. The Dome of the Rock measures approximately 20 meters (66 feet) in diameter and 35 meters (115 feet) in height. Herod's temple was over twice as high as the Dome of the Rock. 12. According to biblical law (Exodus 23, 34, and Deuteronomy 16), all Jewish males were required to appear “before the Lord” (i.e., at the temple) three times a year. The three festivals are Passover, Shavuot (also known as Weeks/Pentecost), and Sukkot (also known as Tabernacles or Booths). 13. The most solemn yearly festival celebrated at the temple was the Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16. This festival was held on the tenth day of the seventh month, which began with Rosh Hashanah, initiating the fall of the new year, four days before the Feast of Tabernacles. 14. The temple is a central feature in the Gospel narratives of the life and ministry of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke opens in the temple with the appearance of the angel Gabriel to the priest Zacharias, who was officiating at the incense altar in the Holy Place (Luke 1:5–24). The Gospel of Luke ends with a note that the disciples of Jesus, after his ascension, “were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God” (Luke 24:53). 15. The Gospel of John portrays Jesus explicitly as a fulfillment of some of the symbols of the temple and its festivals. A passage at the beginning of John describes Jesus as the Tabernacle when it says, “and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). 16. About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount in the Bible 1. The Temple Mount is also called Mount Moriah and was the place where Abraham was to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. Genesis 22:1–2: After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 2 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 2. King David purchased the original Temple Mount when it was a threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21:18: Now the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan [also called Araunah] the Jebusite. 3. King Solomon then built the Temple in this exact location. 2 Chronicles 3:1: Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 4. During the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the glory of the Lord filled it in such a way that the priests had to suspend their activities until God’s glory subsided. 1 Kings 8:10–11: And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. 5. The prophets spoke to the nation of Israel from the Temple Mount. 6. The first temple was destroyed in 586 BC by Babylon because of Israel’s continued disobedience to God. 2 Kings 24:10: At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 7. The temple was rebuilt again from 535 to 515 BC under Zerubbabel. Ezra 6:3: In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits. 8. Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in 444 BC. Nehemiah 2:17: Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision. 9. The Temple Mount was enlarged enormously by King Herod in 20 BC to the size it is today. God, in His sovereignty, made the Temple Mount large enough to accommodate the crowds Jesus would teach, the 3,000 saved at Pentecost, the 5,000 saved in Acts 4, and to serve as a place where the Early Church could meet and grow. 10. Herod also made the temple more beautiful than any before it, and it was over twice as high as the current Dome of the Rock. 11. Zachariah received the vision of having a son, John the Baptist, while serving at the temple. Luke 1:13: But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” 12. Jesus was dedicated to the Lord at the temple. Luke 2:22: And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 13. At the age of 12, Jesus appeared and dialogued with the religious leaders at the temple. Luke 2:46–47: After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 14. The temple was where the Devil tempted Christ to throw himself down headlong. Luke 4:9–12: And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' 11 and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 15. Christ taught at the temple frequently. Luke 19:47: And he was teaching daily in the temple. 16. Christ drove out the moneychangers on the Temple Mount. Mark 11:15–17: And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." 17. It's possible Christ was tried before Pilate next to the Temple Mount at the Antonia Fortress. 18. Next to the Temple Mount, at the Southern Stairs, is the likely place where Pentecost took place, 3,000 were saved, and the Early Church was born. Acts 2:41: Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 19. A lame man was healed on the Temple Mount by Peter and John, causing 5,000 men to be saved. Acts 3:1–8: Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. Acts 4:4: But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 20. The Temple Mount became the meeting place of the Early Church. Acts 2:46–47: And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 21. Near the Temple Mount, Stephen was martyred (Acts 7). 22. Because Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount were destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. Luke 19:41–44: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation. 23. The Anti-Christ will commit the abomination of desolation on the Temple Mount during the middle of the Tribulation Period. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4: Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God , displaying himself as being God. 24. Christ will reign from the Temple Mount (along with believers) for 1,000 years after the Tribulation Period. Revelation 20:6: Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Faith Lesson from the Temple Mount 1. In the Old Testament, the temple was a focal place where God dwelt. In the New Testament, believers are now the temple in which God dwells. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17: Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 2. What kind of temple are we?

St. George’s Monastery is a Greek Orthodox cliff-hanging complex carved into a sheer rock wall in the Judaean Desert that overlooks an unexpectedly lush garden with olive and cypress trees. It’s one of the most striking sights in the Holy Land. It's nearby to Jericho and was located on the road leading from Jericho to Jerusalem. It was on this road that the story of the Good Samaritan takes place as told by Jesus. Inn of the Good Samaritan commemorates this event. St. George's Monastery Photo Gallery Places of Interest St. George’s Monastery Location 1. St. George’s Monastery is located about 2.5 miles (4 km.) west of Jericho in a deep and breathtaking gorge called “Wadi Qelt.” 2. It’s located on the ancient road connecting the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem and beyond. Jesus would have used this well-traveled road regularly. 3. The story of the Good Samaritan took place on this road. For more on this story and event, please see the Inn of the Good Samaritan. Historical Background 1. St. George’s Monastery is a Greek Orthodox cliff-hanging complex carved into a sheer rock wall in the Judaean Desert and is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Holy Land. 2. Starting in the 4th century, monks began to live in the many caves of Wadi Qelt. 3. The monastery of St. George was founded in the 5th century by John of Thebes, an Egyptian. He gathered a small band of five Syrian hermits who had settled around the cave where they believed the prophet Elijah was fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:1–7). 4. Tradition also holds that Elijah visited the cave by the monastery while traveling to the Sinai Peninsula as he fled the threats of Jezebel after he had killed the false prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 19:1–3). 5. However, it was named after its most famous monk, St George of Koziba, who came as a teenager from Cyprus in the 6th century to follow the ascetic life in the Holy Land after his parents died. 6. The monastery was destroyed in 614 AD by the Persians and was more or less abandoned after the Persians swept through the valley and massacred the fourteen monks who dwelt there. The bones and skulls of the martyred monks can still be seen today in the monastery chapel. 7. The Crusaders made some attempts at restoration of the monastery in 1179. However, it was abandoned after Muslims regained control of the Holy Land and drove out the Crusaders. 8. In 1878, a Greek monk, Kalinikos, settled here and restored the monastery, finishing it in 1901. History of Christian Monasticism 1. Today, in Israel, there are 33 functioning monasteries. During the 4th century, there were hundreds of monasteries built as almost every holy site had a monastery on it. 2. Because Christianity was prohibited in the Roman Empire before Constantine embraced Christianity, no monasteries or churches were permitted until 313 AD. After this point, monasteries sprung up everywhere throughout the empire. 3. The idea of a monastic lifestyle was taken from both the Old and New Testaments. The Nazarite Vow The prophets (Elijah being fed by ravens in the desert). John the Baptist living in the desert. Christ fasting for 40 days in the desert. 4. There were also the Essenes who lived in the desert by the Dead Sea at Qumran during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus. 5. Monasticism took on different forms and meanings throughout its history. Some lived like hermits all alone. Later, many lived in monasteries in communal groups. They withdrew from society to live a separated life fully devoted to seeking the Lord and becoming godly. Over the years, monasticism changed so that many monasteries prepared men and women for a life of service to God. They would live in the monastery for a few years then go out to serve the Lord. Monasteries were not always Catholic. There were many monasteries before Catholicism became what it is today, and there were different kinds of monasteries from different religious orientations, i.e., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Armenian, etc. 6. In general, monasticism is a religious way of life wherein a person denounces worldly pursuits and fully devotes themselves to seeking the Lord through religious vows and disciplines. 7. The word monk, or monastery, originates from Greek (monos) and means to “dwell alone.” 8. In different periods of monasticism, some chose lives of celibacy as well. Places of Interest 1. St. George’s Monastery It is quite a hike down into the gorge to see the monastery, so only those in good physical shape should attempt it. It can also be extremely hot through the Spring to Fall seasons as well. 2. Lookout – Just to the west of the parking area is a trail that leads to a beautiful lookout area over the monastery for those just wanting to see the site without hiking down to it. 3. Monastery Upper Level – Elijah’s Cave 4. Monastery Middle Level – Main Church 5. Monastery Lower Level – Storehouses and vault where the remains of the early monks are kept. 6. Stairs from the inner court of the monastery lead to the cave-church of St. Elijah. From this cave, a narrow tunnel provides an escape route to the top of the mountain. 7. Wadi Qelt – Fertile ravine where small-scale farming and irrigation takes place. 8. Caves where monks lived. 9. Small Chapel St. George’s Monastery In the Bible 1. It seems very unlikely that St. George’s Monastery is the location where God supernaturally fed Elijah by ravens. The Bible says the place was east of the Jordan River, and St. George’s Monastery is west of the Jordan River. 1 Kings 17:1–7: Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 2 And the word of the Lord came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan . 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan . 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 2. It is possible Elijah stayed in the cave at St. George’s Monastery when he fled after being threatened by Jezebel, but it’s not certain. 1 Kings 19:3: Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. Faith Lesson from St. George’s Monastery 1. We can certainly admire those who took God so seriously that they often sold their possessions and chose a life of solitude and strict discipline to seek the Lord. Do we love the Lord to such a degree we are willing to give up whatever God might ask us so we can be more devoted followers of Him? 2. Do we set time aside to remove the distractions of life and just seek God? 3. While it’s good to set time apart for solitude and seeking the Lord, we are also called to be in the world but not of it. Are we doing a good job of being in the world but not a part of its values and philosophies? 4. Are we disciplined in our Christian lives? 5. While monasticism has many admirable qualities, it does have some unbiblical concepts. For some, it was a withdrawal and escape from society. Like Christ, we are called to influence society and be lights to the world. Are we influencing those around us with the light of God’s Word and His love? And are we fulfilling the Great Commission in one way or another? 6. Are we part of a Bible-believing church community where we can grow and serve others?

The New Testament mentions Bethphage as the place from which Jesus sent his disciples to find a colt on which he would ride into Jerusalem. It is located between Bethany and the top of the Mount of Olives. Bethphage Photo Gallery Places of Interest Bethphage Location 1. Bethphage is about 1 mile (2 km.) from the modern village of al-Azariya. 2. It's located on the southern part of the Mount of Olives between Bethany and Jerusalem. 3. Eusebius (Jewish Historian from around 300 AD) located it on the Mount of Olives. 4. It was likely on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. 5. It was within the limit of a Sabbath-day's journey from Jerusalem, (2,000 cubits, 900 yards or meters). Historical Background 1. Bethphage means "House of Unripe Figs." This is fitting as it was in this area that Jesus caused a fig tree with no fruit to wither (Matt. 21:18-22). 2. Today, a Franciscan Church marks the spot where it's believed the disciples of Jesus got the donkey upon which Jesus would use for riding into Jerusalem in what is known as the "Triumphal Entry," which took place on the Sunday before His crucifixion (Palm Sunday). 3. The modern church, built in 1883, rests on the foundations of a 12th-century Crusader Chapel located in the ancient village of Bethphage. 4. It was built beside the steep road that descends from the Mount of Olives eastwards towards the village of el-Azariyeh (ancient Bethany). 5. The Crusader-era Chapel was built on the foundations of a 4th-century Byzantine shrine commemorating the meeting between Lazarus' sister Martha and Jesus. 6. In 1867, during the construction of a Franciscan monastery on the grounds, a cube-shaped stone covered in plaster was discovered. This stone, now called the Stele of Bethphage, was an integral part of the 12th-century Crusader Chapel and now lies near the northern wall of the church. 7. The Crusaders decorated the stone and inscribed it in Latin, as well as described biblical events that occurred in the areas of Jerusalem and Bethphage. 8. In 1950, the decorations on the stone were restored, and five years later, in 1955, frescos were drawn on the walls and ceiling of the sanctuary. Today, as in the 12th century, pilgrims hold a Palm Sunday procession that begins at the Bethphage Church. 9. Inside the Franciscan Church of Bethphage Above the altar in the church is a mural of Jesus riding the donkey and being glorified by the crowd who accompanied Him. On display in the church, protected by a wrought iron grille, is a large square rock that the Crusaders regarded as the rock upon which Jesus used to mount the donkey. On the sides of the rock are medieval paintings, restored in 1950. These depict the disciples getting the donkey, people holding palm branches, the resurrection of Lazarus at nearby Bethany, and the inscription “Bethphage.” Foundations from the Crusader Chapel can easily be seen near the floor of the apse. Behind the altar is a fresco depicting Jesus riding a donkey to the Temple, accompanied by his disciples. The church ceiling features drawings of flowers and leaves. The wall frescos, colored in shades of brown, portray people from the New Testament era preparing for the procession. On one wall, a group of rabbis holds a scroll that contains the second part of the verse from (John 12:19). The words written in Latin around the windows are those that the people used to say about Jesus during the procession into the city. The main focus of the church is the Stele of Bethphage, which is set apart by wrought iron railings. There is a mirror behind the stone so that visitors can easily see the drawings on all four sides. The drawings depict the meeting between Jesus and Martha; two disciples bringing Jesus an ass and a colt, Lazarus rising from the dead, and on the side facing the altar, a drawing of a crowd of people holding palms. 10. Just up the hill is a Greek Orthodox church whose courtyard offers a view and a place for reflection. Places of Interest 1. Bethany 2. Mount of Olives 3. Triumphal Entry Path 4. Dominus Flevit Church (where Jesus wept over Jerusalem) 5. Jerusalem 6. Garden of Gethsemane 7. Temple Mount 8. Kidron Valley Bethphege in the Bible Bethphage is mentioned in the New Testament as the place in ancient Israel where Jesus sent his disciples to find a colt upon which he would ride into Jerusalem. The Synoptic Gospels mention it as being close to Bethany, where he stayed immediately before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 1. Jesus sends two of His disciples to get an untamed donkey. Matthew 21:1-3: Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage , to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 2. This donkey had a colt, upon which no one had ever ridden. Mark 11:1-2: Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat . Untie it and bring it. This was a miracle because untamed donkeys will buck, run, and do whatever they can to dismount their rider. 3. Jesus riding a donkey fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (Is. 62:11; Zch. 9:9). Matthew 21:4-5: This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet , saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 4. Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:6-11: The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” 5. During the Triumphal Entry, Jesus pauses and weeps over Jerusalem. The Church of Dominus Flevit marks this spot today. Luke 19:41: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it , 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” 6. Jesus Cleanses the Temple Matthew 21:12-13: And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” 7. The people marvel at Christ's miracles and teachings. Matthew 21:14-16: And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them . 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did , and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” 8. Jesus curses a fig tree and teaches about prayer. Matthew 21:18-22: In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once . 20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt , you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Faith Lesson 1. Jesus embedded in the lives of His disciples that He was God. Do we believe in the deity of Christ and that He was God in the flesh? 2. Throughout Jesus's life, we see He constantly fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, which proves that He was divine and authentic. Do we believe Jesus was divine and who He claimed to be? 3. Jesus taught a powerful lesson about faith and prayer. Do we pray and believe God can help us?

Learn about Ekron and the 5 cities of the Philistines. What all happened in Ashdod? What is its history? Who were the Philistines, where did they come from, and where did they live? They are mentioned in many places in the Old Testament and were the enemies of the Israelites. The Other Cities Were: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Gath. Biblical Ekron Photo Gallery Places of Interest Ekron Location 1. Ekron (Tel Miqne) is located east of Ashdod and the Mediterranean Sea about 13 miles (20 km.) Historical Background 1. In archeological terms, Tel Ekron (Tel Miqne-Ekron) is significant because it is one of Israel's largest Iron Age sites. 2. More than 100 oil presses were found here, as well as the Ekron Inscription, which clearly identifies the site as Philistine, Ekron. 3. Just to the west of Tel Ekron is Kibbutz Revadim, where a Museum of the History of Philistine Culture shows a reconstructed Philistine street with many artifacts. Places of Interest 1. Tel Ekron 2. Kibbutz Revadim Philistine Street ~ Archaeological items from Tel Ekron have been brought here and preserved. Ekron in the Bible 1. Joshua and the Israelites failed to conquer Ekron in the conquest of the Promised Land as found in Joshua 13:3. 2. It was allotted to Judah in the division of the land and then to the tribe of Dan as found in Joshua chapters 15-19. 3. However, the tribe of Dan failed to conquer the area and moved to the northern part of Israel. Judah wound up conquering Ekron and inhabiting it as found in Judges 1:18. 4. Ekron was one of the Philistine cities where the Ark of the Covenant resided before being returned to the Israelites at Beth Shemesh. 1 Samuel 5:10: So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And as the ark of God came to Ekron , the Ekronites cried out, saying, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people!” 1 Samuel 6:13-16: Now the people of Beth-shemesh were gathering in their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced at seeing it. 14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite and stopped there where there was a large stone; and they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord. 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the saddlebag that was with it, in which were the articles of gold, and put them on the large stone; and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices that day to the Lord. 16 When the five governors of the Philistines saw it, they returned to Ekron that day. 5. After David killed Goliath in the Valley of Elah, the Israelites pursued and defeated the Philistines all the way to Ekron. 1 Samuel 17:52: Then the men of Israel and Judah rose up and shouted, and they pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron . And the Philistine dead lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron . 6. Ekron is included, among other cities, in pronouncements of judgment by the prophets Amos 1:8, Jeremiah 25:20, Zephaniah 2:4, and Zechariah 9:5–7. Faith Lesson from Ekron 1. The Israelites failed to conquer Ekron and the surrounding cities of the Philistines. For some reason, they lacked the faith, willpower, and trust in God to fulfill His command to conquer the inhabitants of the Promised Land. Do we fail to trust in God and conquer the tasks God calls us to do? 2. However, David, as a young man, and later as the king of Israel, would defeat the Philistines and fulfill God's original command to subdue and conquer all of the Promised Land. Do we exercise faith as David did and step out and do mighty things for the Lord? 3. From Ekron the Ark of the Covenant was returned to the Israelites at Beth Shemesh. It was done in a miraculous way by cows carrying the Ark on a wagon arriving at Beth Shemesh all by themselves. Miracles are one way God reveals Himself to skeptical and unbelieving people. Do we share miracles God has done in our lives with others?

If you want an in-depth Bible-centered trip and see more holy sites in Israel than other tours, then this trip is designed for you. Holy Land Trips Final Payment Secure Payment Link Holy Land Trip Final Payment To complete your final deposit payment, please send your payment of $1,650 by either credit card, PayPal, or check. Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by credit card or PayPal, a 4% fee is added to your total amount due to fees charged by the credit card and PayPal providers. If paying by credit card or PayPal, click the button below. PayPal does not require you to create a PayPal account to use your credit card. $1,650.00 Final Payment Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by check, please send your check to the following address: Holy Land Site (Make checks payable to: Holy Land Site) 6945 Burnett St., SE Salem, OR, 97317-5202 (Using regular mail is preferred as there's not always someone available to sign for certified mail).

An amazing and sobering message from the cursed town of Chorazin. Take a tour and learn all about this place. See all the sites, learn about the history, places of interest, see videos and learn a faith lesson about Chorazin (Korazim). Sites of interest include: Mount Arbel, Magdala, Gennesaret, Tabhga, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Bethsaida, Kirsi, Feeding the 5,000, Synagogue, Seat of Moses, Sea of Galilee Chorazin (Korazim) Photo Gallery Places of Interest Chorazin Introduction Welcome to Chorazin. Several significant events from the Bible took place here. These are the highlights. 1. Chorazin is one of the three towns Jesus cursed because of their unbelief in Him as the Messiah. 2. Christ performed many miracles and taught here frequently. 3. It has one of the most preserved synagogues in Israel. 4. Today, its ruins testify to the fulfillment of Christ's prophecy that it would be cursed. 5. It has a well-preserved synagogue and other buildings. 6. A replica of an ancient "Seat of Moses" can be seen here. 7. I'm confident the people living here would give everything in the world to turn back the clock and recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Location 1. Chorazin (Korazim) is located about 2 miles (3 km) north of the Sea of Galilee. 2. From Chorazin, you can see the Sea of Galilee, Bethsaida, and some of Capernaum. 3. It’s located a little off the beaten path. 4. It was built out of black basalt stone, which was common in the Galilee area. 5. The construction of the homes in Chorazin is quite well preserved and shows how the home where Jesus lived in Capernaum might have looked. 6. The walls of the homes were stone, and the roofs were commonly made of wooden beams and thatching, covered with mud. 7. This area is very dry, and the water supply was essential for sustaining life in this town. A spring is located on the northeast side of the town, which was the source of the city's water. Many homes had cisterns under or near them. 8. In the time of Jesus, Chorazin was about 15 acres (7 hectares) in size and had an estimated population of around 500–1,000. Historical Background 1. Chorazin was one of the three towns (Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) that made up what scholars call “The Evangelical Triangle.” 2. Jesus set up His home ministry base in Capernaum, which was close to Chorazin. 3. Jesus spent around 65 - 70% of His ministry time around the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, so those in Chorazin would have repeatedly heard and seen all Jesus did. 4. A Tree with the kind of thorns that would have been used for the crown of thorns Jesus wore at His crucifixion can be found here. Places of Interest 1. Synagogue Most of the ruins we see today date back to the 3rd century. The most significant recent developments at Chorazin have been led by archaeologist Achia Kohn-Tavor. By lifting the heavy basalt pavers of the 4th-century synagogue floor—a task previous excavators had avoided—his team discovered pottery and coins dating decisively to the 1st century AD. This suggests that the synagogue was built directly atop an earlier public structure, most likely the synagogue of Jesus' day. Jesus would have taught in this vicinity frequently. It has an ornamental shell, which would have been the top part of the cabinet where the Torah and Old Testament scrolls were kept. Medusa: Was from Greek mythology and was generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Supposedly, anyone who looked directly at Medusa was turned to stone. The presence of the Medusa at this synagogue indicates assimilation into the Greek and pagan practices of the time. 2. Seat of Moses In the 1920s, the excavators discovered a unique artifact: a chair carved from a single block of basalt. This is identified as a "Seat of Moses," a piece of synagogue furniture mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 23:2: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat ." From it, the Torah would have been read. The chair seen here is a replica of the original one found. The original is in a museum in Jerusalem. The “Chair of Moses” was a phrase Jesus used to signify the place of authority that the Scribes and Pharisees held in interpreting the Law and exercising their authority over the Jewish people. Matthew 23:1–3: Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 3. Synagogue to the West There was another synagogue believed to be located approximately 225 yards (200 m) west of the current synagogue. It was once thought to have been used during the time of Jesus, but recent archaeological evidence has dismissed this. 4. Mikveh baths 5. Residential homes 6. Public buildings 7. Sea of Galilee Chorazin in the Bible 1. Christ pronounced judgment upon the cities and towns that rejected the gospel. Luke 9:1-6: And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. 2. Jesus cursed those in Chorazin because they rejected Him, His teachings, and the many miracles He had done in their midst. Matthew 11:21-24: Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless, I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you. 3. To whom much is given, much is required. Luke 12:48: Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. 4. Instead of being blessed, Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum chose to be cursed. Today, each town is a testament to God’s curse upon them. Faith Lesson from Chorazin 1. Chorazin is a testament to Christ’s judgment on a people who rejected His teachings, miracles, healing, and salvation. Are we guilty of rejecting Christ and His teaching in some way? 2. Chorazin stands as a warning to us today not to do the same. Are we walking in close obedience, or living in casual obedience to Christ, or even disobedience? 3. In the same way this town lies in ruins, our lives will lie in ruins if we reject Christ and the life He offers. Are we genuinely living for Christ and putting His Word into practice? 4. It appears there will be different degrees of torment and judgment in hell because Christ said it would be more tolerable in the day of judgment for other cities than for Chorazin. What do you think? 5. Following Christ brings life and blessing, and rejecting Him brings death and destruction. Romans 8:6–8: For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

October 17-November 2, 2025, Registration Form. In-depth 17-Day Bible-centered Holy Land tour trip to Israel that allows you to see more holy sites in Israel. Holy Land Trip Registration Form October 17~November 2, 2 025 Trip How to Register and Secure Your Spot on the Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime! 1. Fill out and submit the online registration form below. 2. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 3. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Paym ent Link CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com NEXT STEPS 1. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 2. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Payment Link 3. In the meantime, check out our video teachings to the left or see other info about Holy Land Trip orientation, etc. CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com TOUR HOSTS Dr. Todd & Letsy Fink - Tour Hosts More about the Finks

How do we know that the Bible is true and God's Word? Through the fulfillment of prophecy. No other writing known to mankind dares to walk into the arena of prophecy. See a video that proves the Bible can be trusted. Filmed in Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives overlooking Old City Jerusalem and the Kidron Valley, the place where Christ will return and judge the nations. Prophecy: Proof the Bible Is True Prophecy: Proof the Bible is True Welcome to the Holy Land and the biblical site of the city of Jerusalem. See the Bible come to life as we take a look at some key prophecies in the Bible regarding Christ’s first coming. We see clearly that the Bible is the inspired Word of God as only God can foretell the future and prophecy what is to come. Heb. 10:19-23: Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Prophecies of Christ foretold in the Old Testament that Christ fulfilled in the New Testament. In the list below, the first verse(s) are the Old Testament prophecy and the second verse(s) are the New Testament fulfillment. Christ's pre-existence Mic. 5:2 - John 1:1,14 All nations blessed by Abraham's seed Genesis 12:3 - Matthew 8:5,10 From the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 - Luke 3:33 Heir to the throne of David Isaiah 9:7 - Luke 1:32-33 Called "The mighty God, The everlasting Father" Isaiah 9:6 - Matthew 1:23 Born in Bethlehem Mic. 5:2 - Matthew 2:1 Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 - Matthew 1:18 His name called Immanuel, "God with us" Isaiah 7:14 - Matthew 1:23 Declared to be the Son of God Psalm 2:7 - Matthew 3:17 His messenger before Him in spirit of Elijah Mal 4:5-6 - Luke 1:17 Preceded by a messenger Mal 3:1 - Matthew 11:7-11 Messenger crying "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" Isaiah 40:3 - Matthew 3:3 Called out of Egypt Hosea 11:1 - Matthew 2:15 Slaughter of the children Jer. 31:15 - Matthew 2:18 Would be a Nazarene Jdg. 13:5; Amo. 2:11 - Matthew 2:23 Presented with gifts Psalm 72:10 - Matthew 2:1,11 Rejected by His own Isaiah 53:3 - Mat 21:42; Mark 8:31, 12:10; Luke 9:22, 17:25 He is the stone which the builders rejected which became the headstone. Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16 - Matthew 21:42; I Peter 2:7 A stone of stumbling to Israel Isaiah 8:14-15 - I Peter 2:8 Entered Jerusalem as a king riding on an ass Zec. 9:9 - Matthew 21:5 Betrayed by a friend Psalms 41:9 - John 13:21 Sold for 30 pieces of silver Zec. 11:12 - Matthew 26:15; Luke 22:5 Forsaken by His disciples Zec. 13:7 - Matthew 26:56 Accused by false witnesses Psalm 35:11- Matthew 26:60 Silent to accusations Isaiah 53:7 - Matthew 27:14 Heal blind/deaf/lame/dumb Isaiah 29:18; 35:5-6 - Matthew 11:5 Preached to the poor/brokenhearted/captives Isaiah 61:1 - Matthew 11:5 Came to bring a sword, not peace Mic. 7:6 - Matthew 10:34-35 He bore our sickness Isaiah 53:4 - Matthew 8:16-17 Spat upon, smitten and scourged Isaiah 50:6, 53:5 - Matthew 27:26,30 Smitten on the cheek Mic. 5:1 - Matthew 27:30 Hated without a cause Psalm 35:19 - Matthew 27:23 The sacrificial lamb Isaiah 53:5 - John 1:29 Given for a covenant Isaiah 42:6; Jer. 31:31-34 - Rom. 11:27; Gal 3:17, 4:24; Heb. 8:6-10, 10:16,29, 12:24, 13:20 Would not strive or cry Isaiah 42:2-3 - Mark 7:36 People would hear not and see not Isaiah 6:9-10 - Matthew 13:14-15 People trust in traditions of men Isaiah 29:13 - Matthew 15:9 People give God lip service Isaiah 29:13 - Matthew 15:8 God delights in Him Isaiah 42:1 - Matthew 3:17, 17:5 Wounded for our sins Isaiah 53:5 - John 6:51 Messiah not killed for Himself Daniel 9:26 - Matthew 20:28 Crucified with criminals Isaiah 53:12 - Matthew 27:35 His body was pierced Zec. 12:10; Psalm 22:16 - John 20:25-27 Thirsty during execution Psalm 22:16 - John 19:28 Given vinegar and gall for thirst Psalm 69:21 - Matthew 27:34 Soldiers gambled for his garment Psalm 22:18 - Matthew 27:35 People mocked Him on the cross Psalm 22:7-8 - Matthew 27:43 People sat there looking at Him Psalm 22:17 - Matthew 27:36 My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me? Psalm 22:1 - Matthew 27:46 Darkness over the land Amos 8:9 - Matthew 27:45 No bones broken, Psa. 34:20; Num. 9:12 - John 19:33-36 Side pierced Zec. 12:10 - John 19:34 Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 - Matthew 27:57,60 Resurrected from the dead Psalm 16:10-11,49:15 - Mark 16:6 Priest after the order of Melchizedek Psalm 110:4 - Hebrews 5:5-6, 6:20, 7:15-17 Ascended to right hand of God Psalm 68:18 - Luke 24:51 Make enemies His footstool Psalm 110:1 - Mat 22:44; Mark 12:3; Luke 20:43; Acts 2:34-35; Heb. 1:13 His coming glory Mal 3:2-3 - Luke 3:17 Key Points In order for just 20 of these prophecies to come to pass by chance would be like filling the state of Texas 3 feet deep in coins, marking one with an “X,” blindfolding a person, and then having that person pick one coin and it being the one with an “X” on it. Only God can predict the future. Prophecy assures us God wrote the Bible and Christ is the Son of God. No other writings of mankind that attempts to prophecy attain to the perfection of the Bible. Some writings have mentioned a few vague prophecies, but they have not come to pass, or were so general that it’s hard to prove that they did. Christ and the Apostles all referred to most books of the Old Testament as the inspired word of God. Christ said heaven and earth would pass away but the Word of God would abide forever. Application: Do we trust the Bible as God’s word? 2 Tim 3:16-17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Pet. 1:19-21: And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Heb. 4:12-13: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity is exactly where Christ was born. See and learn all about it. Manager's Square, Manger, Star, Wise Men, Mary and Joseph, Shepherds, Rachel’s Tomb, Shepherds' Fields, Herodian Fortress, and more. Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Photo Gallery Places of Interest Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Introduction Welcome to the Church of the Nativity. Many significant events from the Bible took place here. These are the highlights. 1. The location of Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity is on top of Tel Bethlehem. Under this area is ancient Bethlehem. 2. Bethlehem is where King David lived before becoming King of Israel. 3. This is also where Jesus was born, and the Word became flesh. So, we will see and experience the very place where Jesus was born. 4. We'll see evidence of the churches built over this site to commemorate this monumental event. 5. We'll explore a cave complex where Jerome lived while translating the Bible from Hebrew and Greek to Latin, the language of the Roman Empire. This cave complex is connected to the cave where Jesus is believed to have been born. 6. This site is not disputed as the authentic site, and to think of what happened here is beyond our ability to comprehend. Location 1. The Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem, about 6 miles (9 km) south of Jerusalem. 2. It is right beside Manger Square and Manger Street. 3. It is located on the upper mountain plateau route that connects the southern Negev to the upper Galilee region. On this route were cities from the south, like Beersheba, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Bethel, Shiloh, and Shechem, to the north. It was a highly traveled route. 4. Today, Bethlehem is in the West Bank but is very safe. Thousands of tourists visit its Christian sites each month with no issues whatsoever. Historical Background of Ancient Bethlehem 1. Bethlehem means House of Bread. 2. It had a population of between 500 and 1,000 people in the time of Jesus. 3 . The area of Manger Square, Church of the Nativity, and the area around them actually sit upon a tel. This is called Tel Bethlehem and is where the original town was located. 4. Many of the homes consisted of caves and structures. Often, a house would have both a cave below it and a home above or beside it. 5. The caves would be used for living quarters and livestock keeping, as they were cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 6. Jewish, secular, and Christian scholars and archaeologists all agree that this is the birthplace of Jesus. There is no dispute that this is the authentic site. Historical Background of the Church of the Nativity Period of Abraham - 2050 BC Pottery discovered under the church dates to the time of Abraham. Period of David - 1000 BC Pottery discovered under the church dates to the time of David. Period of Christ's Birth - 4 BC The Bible attests to Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. According to archaeological evidence and eyewitness accounts, Jesus was born in a cave where animals were kept, so He was placed in a manger after birth. Under the Church of the Nativity lies a cave complex where Jesus was born. Period After Christ's Return to Heaven - 29 BC Shortly after Christ’s ascension to heaven, worshipers began marking key places associated with Jesus's life and ministry. Christ’s birthplace was marked, and worshipers began to protect and commemorate the site. Period of Roman Emperor Hadrian - 135 AD In 135 AD, Hadrian destroyed the venerated site Christians had protected. Hadrian erected a shrine to Adonis, the Greek god of beauty and desire, on top of Christ's birthplace. He desecrated many holy sites throughout Israel and built shrines to false gods on top of them. One of which is Golgotha, where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is today. There, he built a temple to Jupiter and Venus. He renamed Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina and renamed Israel to Palestine in an attempt to erase any Jewish connection to the Holy Land. Period of Early Church Fathers - 100 to 339 AD Evidence that this was Jesus's birthplace also surfaced in the writings of Justin Martyr around 160 AD. Later, Origen and Eusebius affirmed this in the 3rd century. Period of Roman Emperor Constantine - 339 AD Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, received Christ as her Savior and came to the Holy Land to build churches on key Christian sites. Constantine and his mother, Helena, commissioned the construction of the Church of the Nativity over the cave, marking the birthplace of Jesus. It was dedicated in 339 AD. It consisted of an octagonal floor plan placed directly over the cave and a large church extending westward. It was built in the shape of a cross. In the center of the octagonal part, a viewing area with a railing provided a view of the cave. Part of the original mosaic floor of the church has survived and remains visible. Period of Jerome - 382 to 405 AD Jerome, who translated Greek and Hebrew manuscripts into Latin (the language of the Roman Empire) to form the Latin Vulgate, did much of his translation work in a cave beside the Church of the Nativity from 382 to 405 AD. He was later buried here, and today it’s known as Jerome’s Grotto. The Crusaders carried his remains to Rome around 1165. Period of Samaritan Revolt - 529 AD The church was burned down during a Samaritan revolt. Period of Roman Emperor Justinian - 565 AD Justinian rebuilt a new church over Constantine's church in 565 AD, which has survived to this day. Justinian's church is the oldest functioning church in the world. Period of the Persian Conquest - 614 AD The Church of the Nativity was the only church the Persians didn't destroy during their conquest of the Holy Land in 614 AD because they saw paintings outside the church honoring the Magi from the east, who were fellow Persians. Period of the Crusaders - 1165 AD The Crusaders renovated the church, painting murals on the pillars and mosaics on the walls of the central nave. Period of Muslim Rule - 1187 to 1917 AD The Church of the Nativity suffered from long decay after the Ottoman conquest of the Holy Land in 1516 AD. The nave was largely abandoned and used for profane purposes. To prevent people from entering the church with horses and cattle, the main entrance was walled up and transformed into a small door, now known as the "Door of Humility" because visitors were forced to bend down to go through it. The church has been restored and repaired various times during this period. Period of Modern Time - 1917 to Present The church has undergone several renovations since the Crusader period. In 2012, the church complex became the first Palestinian site to be listed as a World Heritage Site by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session on 29 June. Today, the Roman Catholic, Armenian, and Greek Orthodox churches control the church. The Greek Orthodox Church cares for the Main Nave and Grotto of the Nativity. A 25 million USD renovation has recently been completed at the Church of the Nativity. Places of Interest 1. Manger Square is located directly west of the Church of the Nativity. 2. Entrance to the church The original entrance and columns are from Justinian's church (565 AD). Door Arch from the Crusader Period (1165 AD). Door of Humility – To provide a humble entrance and keep horsemen and carts from entering the church to loot it during the Muslim Ottoman Period (1500 AD). 3. Entrance Lobby To the left (south) of the entrance lobby are rooms where excavations have been conducted, revealing layers of archaeology dating from the time of Abraham to the present. 4. Main Nave The Main Nave i s from the Byzantine Period, built by Justinian ( 565 AD). The structure is supported by 40 limestone pillars, arranged in two rows on each side, all dating from the Byzantine Period. Many pillars have paintings of kings and saints from the Crusader Period (1165 AD). Above the pillars on the walls are Crusader-period mosaics. Some show the genealogy of Jesus. The mosaics of the Church of Constantine (constructed in 339 AD) are located beneath the church's modern floor. 5. High Altar (front part of the nave) Mosaics of the Church of Constantine (339 AD) are on the left side of the High Altar. 6. Birthplace Grotto Located under the main altar. The entrance is to the right of the altar, and the exit is to the left. The cave has an eastern niche, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, which contains the Altar of Nativity. A 14-pointed silver star marks the exact spot where Jesus was born beneath this altar. The significance of the 14 points on the star represents the three sets of 14 generations in Jesus Christ's genealogy: 14 from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the Babylonian captivity, and 14 from the Babylonian captivity to Jesus. In the center of the 14-pointed star is a circular hole through which one can reach in to touch the stone, which is said to be the original stone on which Mary lay when she gave birth to Jesus. The place where Christ was placed in a manger is on the right side of the grotto. The actual manger is in Italy at the Church Santa Maria Maggiore. 7. Church of St. Catherine A Roman Catholic Church named after Catherine, who was a 4th-century martyr from Alexandria. It was built in 1880 AD upon the ruins of a 5th-century monastery and a 12th-century Crusader church. Courtyard Statue of Jerome in the courtyard 8. A cave complex containing several chapels is accessed from St. Catherine's Church by a narrow staircase on the right. The Chapel of Saint Joseph commemorates the angel's appearance to Joseph, commanding him to flee to Egypt. Chapel of the Innocents commemorates the children killed by Herod. The Chapel of Jerome is where Jerome lived while translating the Bible from Hebrew to Latin (the Vulgate). This cave complex connects to the grotto where Christ was born. Birth of Christ in the Bible 1. Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of Christ. Micah 5:2: But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. 2. Christ was born in Bethlehem as prophesied. Luke 2:1–7: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 3. Many angels appeared to the shepherds near Bethlehem who were watching their flocks. Luke 2:8–16: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 4. Wise men (Magi) from the east visited and worshiped Christ in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1–12: Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 "'And you, O Bethlehem , in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem , saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 5. God warned Joseph to flee to Egypt because Herod planned to kill Jesus. Matthew 2:13-15: Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt , and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him .” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” 6. Herod had all the male children 2 years and younger murdered here in Bethlehem in his attempt to kill Christ. Matthew 2:16–18: Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” 7. After the death of Herod, Jesus and His family returned to Israel to live in Nazareth. Matthew 2:19-23: Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel , for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth , that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” Faith Lesson from the Birth of Christ 1. Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of Christ. 2. Christ fulfilled over 2 00 prophecies regarding his first coming. 3. The birth of Christ was a historical supernatural event witnessed by many. 4. The fulfillment of prophecy proves that Christ was the Son of God and that the Bible is inspired. 5. Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection were all miraculous events, proving Christ to be the very Son of God. 6. Christ claimed to be God in the flesh and proved it through His supernatural life and miracles. 7. Do we believe Christ is the Son of God, and have we received Him as our Lord and Savior?