Videos About Bethlehem and the Place Where Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz Lived In Israel. See the place where the beautiful story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz takes place in the Holy Land! The story takes place during the time of the Judges, in about 1300 BC. It shows God’s love and a welcoming embrace of non-Israelites into the family of His chosen people, even to the extent of being part of the lineage of King David and Christ. It’s a love story planned in heaven and carried out by God. Bethlehem: Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz Bethlehem: Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz Welcome to the Holy Land and the biblical site of Bethlehem. See the Bible come to life as we take a look at one of the key events from the Scriptures that took place here. One of God’s most beautiful love stories takes place in Bethlehem which is found in the book of Ruth. Here’s some key background info to help us better understand this precious story: The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges about 1300 BC. It shows God’s love and a welcome embrace of non-Israelites into the family of His chosen people, even to the extent of being part of the lineage of King David and Christ. It’s a love story planned in heaven and carried out by God. It all took place here in Bethlehem. Here’s the setting to this beautiful story – Ruth 1:1-5 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man's name was Elimelech, his wife's name Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. Now Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah, and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. Next, we see that Ruth chooses the people of God, and God Himself, to be her own God. Ruth 1:16-18: But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." Now we see how God provides physically for these two widows . Ruth 2: 1-7: Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter." So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, "The LORD be with you!" And they answered, "The LORD bless you." Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?" And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, "She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.' So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest." Next, God provides a husband for Ruth. Ruth 3: 1-5: Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not seek rest for you that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do." And she replied, "All that you say I will do." And lastly, God provides rich blessings upon Ruth and allows her to be part of the kingly line of David and of Christ the Messiah. Ruth 4: 13-17: So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him." Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi." They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. What are some lessons we see about this story that took place here in Bethlehem? We see that even though it appeared God dealt harshly with Naomi and Ruth, He had a sovereign plan to provide for them. God also wanted to show His acceptance and inclusion of any person outside the Jewish nation who wanted to make God their God. God rewarded Ruth with amazing blessing because of her choice to follow the God of the Israelites. He even allowed her to be included in the lineage of King David and Christ. This story deeply strengthens my faith in God and allows me to see how God will bless those who make sacrifices to follow Him.

David, with just 5 stones and a sling, faced the giant Goliath, who was heavily armed. The young shepherd, drawing his strength from his faith in God, shot the rock into the center of the giant's forehead, knocking him down, then took his sword and cut off his head. Places of interest include Israelite Camp, Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin, Valley of Elah, Azekah, Socoh, HaEla Stream (where David selected 5 smooth stones), Battle Location, King David’s Palace Fortress. Valley of Elah: David and Goliath Photo Gallery Places of Interest Valley of Elah David & Goliath Introduction Welcome to the Valley of Elah. Several significant events from the Bible took place here. These are the highlights. 1. This is the place where the famous battle between David and Goliath happened. 2. The Bible is very clear as to its location, and all the sites it mentions are nearby. Israelite Camp Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin Valley of Elah Azekah Socoh HaEla Stream (where David selected five smooth stones) 3. This was an epic winner-takes-all battle. David represented the Israelites, and Goliath represented the Philistines. Each party agreed that whoever won would submit to the other. 4. There is so much we can learn about David's faith at this place. 5. We'll see and walk in the very spots where this epic battle happened. Location 1. The Valley of Elah is about 15 miles (23 km) west of Bethlehem and about 20 miles (32 km) east of the Mediterranean Sea. 2. It’s located on the western edge of the Judean lower hills and was an important travel route from the coastal cities up to the center of the land of Judah and its main cities of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Hebron. 3. It’s an undeveloped site that can be seen in its natural state. It has parking alongside Hwy 38. 4. The Valley of Elah is best known for the epic battle between young David and the giant Goliath, a skilled veteran warrior. Historical Background 1. The Philistines were a Canaanite people who inhabited Israel before the Israelites arrived. 2. The Israelites were unable to conquer them, and there were battles between the two nations for much of Israel’s history. 3. The Philistine’s stronghold was on the coastal plain in the Gaza area. 4. They were powerful, cultured, and possessed iron. They were the high-tech people of the day and did all they could to prohibit Israel from gaining iron and access to their technology (1 Sam. 13:19). 5. They worshipped many false gods. Among them was the worship of Baal and Dagon. 6. At this time in Israel’s history, the Philistines were attempting to push up through the Valley of Elah towards the heart of Judah. King Saul and his army engaged with the Philistines here to stop them. 7. The battle was one of the most pivotal between the two nations, with the loser agreeing to serve the winner. It was a “winner takes all” kind of battle. 8. Later in King Saul’s life, he would be killed by the Philistines in the Gilboa area. 9. David would eventually subdue the Philistines, and during the time of Solomon, there was peace between the two nations. 10. David was probably around 16–18 years old when he fought Goliath. We'll see why this is so as the story unfolds. Places of Interest 1. Israelite Camp 2. Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin 3. Valley of Elah 4. Azekah 5. Socoh 6. HaEla Stream (where David selected 5 smooth stones) 7. Battle Location 8. King David’s Palace Fortress It sits on a high hill overlooking the Valley of Elah. This appears to have been built by David after he became king over all of Israel as a memorial to his victory over Goliath. It had fortress walls, buildings surrounding the inner walls, and a large central building that could have been David's palace when he stayed there on occasion. It was a small fortress complex that would have been a fitting place for David to contemplate and praise God for his victory over Goliath. It is not a tel but built on bedrock. That means there was nothing that existed here before it was built. It was used for approximately a hundred years, then apparently destroyed by enemy forces. An ostracon with the words inscribed on it: king, judge, widow. Words likely penned by King David, as they were common themes he wrote about in the Psalms. A replica of the temple was also found here. Something David would have likely have had carved out. Valley of Elah in the Bible 1. The battlefield setting. 1 Samuel 17:1–3: Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh , which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim . 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. 2. The battle terms defined. 1 Samuel 17:4–10: And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span [more than 9 feet tall]. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail [bronze scale armor], and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze [about 125 pounds]. 6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron [15 pounds]. And his shield-bearer went before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us .” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 3. The hearts of the Israelites were jolted to their core, and they became terrified. 1 Samuel 17:11: When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid . 4. David arrived at the Valley of Elah and accepted the challenge to fight Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:20–27: And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. 24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid . 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.” 5. King Saul reluctantly agreed to allow David to fight Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:31–37: When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth , and he has been a man of war from his youth .” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” 6. David chose not to use King Saul’s armor in the battle with Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:38–39: Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them .” So David put them off. 7. David, with just five smooth stones and a sling, went into battle against a heavily armed, experienced fighting machine, who was a giant of a man and had his armor bearer with him. 1 Samuel 17:40–47: Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand , and he approached the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel , 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.” 8. The outcome of the epic battle showdown. 1 Samuel 17:48–51: When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone , and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. 9. David’s defeat of Goliath led to a great victory over the Philistines. 1 Samuel 17:51–52: When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. Faith Lesson from the Valley of Elah 1. The outcome of the battle was far more significant than we might realize. If the Israelites lost, they would become the Philistines' servants. It was a “winner takes all” battle. 2. David’s motivation in the battle was the glory of God and the protection of His name: “So that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Sam. 17:46). 3. During David’s youth as a shepherd, he developed many skills. He learned music, how to write, use a sling, how to fight to protect his sheep, and how to love the Lord and obey Him. 4. God used David’s skill of using a sling, along with his love for the Lord, to defeat Goliath. 5. The skills David developed as a youth, he used throughout his life. He faithfully led the nation of Israel, instilled a love for the Lord in his kingdom, and wrote many psalms that were used in his time and throughout history to this day. 6. David knew that it’s not the size of our weapons but the size of our faith in God that matters. So he went into the battle full of faith and confident that God would give him the victory. 7. Do I understand that it’s my responsibility to develop my abilities, and it’s God’s responsibility to direct me in how I use them? 8. Do I realize that the most important skill I possess is my love for the Lord and my heart to obey Him? 9. What miracles might God want to do in my life that would show the whole earth that there is a God in the land where I live?

See an overview of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. This will help you see everything in perspective. Old City Jerusalem, Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Triumphal Entry, Western Wall, City of David, Kidron Valley, Southern Stairs, Temple Mount, Bethesda, Pool of Siloam, Pater Noster Church, Chapel of Ascension, Dominus Flevit Church, Cardo, House of Caiaphas, Upper Room, Kidron Valley, Hinnom Valley, Via Dolorosa, Pilate's Palace and Judgment of Jesus. Jerusalem Holy Sites Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jerusalem Sites Overview Summary of all the Biblical Sites and Their Locations 1. Mount of Olives 2. Bethphage Beginning of the Triumphal Entry. 3. Chapel of Ascension Place from which Christ ascended to heaven and will return to in power and great glory at the end of the Great Tribulation. 4. Pater Noster Church Place Christ taught the Lord’s Prayer. 5. Tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. 6. Triumphal Entry Pathway The road Christ descended on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before His crucifixion on Friday. 7. Church of Dominus Flevit Place Christ wept over Jerusalem on the Triumphal Entry and prophesied her future destruction. 8. Church of Mary Magdalene Christ cast out seven demons from Mary, and she became a passionate follower of Christ. 9. Garden of Gethsemane – Church of All Nations 10. Tomb of Mary (mother of Jesus) 11. Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat) Place Christ will gather the nations in judgment at the end of the Tribulation Period, and their blood will flow to the depth of a horse’s bridle down toward the Dead Sea and beyond. 12. Temple Mount It was enlarged by Herod the Great. It’s the size of 35 football fields (35 acres, 14 hectares). The original temple was located exactly where the Dome of the Rock is today. Place the prophets ministered. The glory of the Lord filled the temple here. Place Christ ministered. Place the apostles ministered. Place the early church met. The Antonia Fortress was located just north of the Temple Mount. 13. Dome of the Rock (not a mosque but a shrine) 14. Western Wall It was part of the original wall of the Temple Mount Herod built. It existed during the time of Christ. It is the closest place (for a large gathering) to the original temple where the Jews pray. 15. Pool of Bethesda - St. Anne Church A lame man was healed here after waiting 38 years. 16. Via Dolorosa (painful path) It’s the believed path Christ took on the way to the Cross. It has 14 stations. 17. Gordon’s Garden Tomb - Golgotha 18. Church of the Holy Sepulcher 19. Absalom’s Tomb 20. Southern Stairs Place Christ taught His disciples. Likely location of Pentecost. 21. City of David 22. David’s Palace 23. Gihon Spring 24. Wall repaired by Nehemiah 25. Pool of Siloam 26. Hinnom Valley Gehenna – Idea of hell and eternal burning. 27. House of Caiaphas Place Peter denied Christ. Place Christ was condemned before Ananias and Caiaphas the high priest. 28. Tomb of David 29. The Upper Room 30. Herod’s Palace ~ Later, it would become Pilate's Palace 31. Citadel of David Gates of Jerusalem 1. Eastern Gate (Golden Gate, Shushan Gate) Gate Christ regularly entered on His way to the temple from the Mount of Olives. Peter and James healed a lame man after entering this gate. Closed by Ottoman Turkish Muslims in the 1541 AD. 2. Lions Gate (Stephen’s Gate) 3. Herod’s Gate 4. Damascus Gate 5. New Gate 6. Jaffa Gate 7. Zion Gate 8. Dung Gate

The Judean Wilderness runs from north of Jericho to the southern end of the Dead Sea. It lies on the western side of the Jordan Rift Valley. It’s about 60 miles (95 km.) long and about 13 miles (21 km.) wide. It receives less than 2 inches (50 mm.) of rain per year. Water is scarce and hard to find. Judean Wilderness Photo Gallery Places of Interest Judean Wilderness Location 1. The Judean Wilderness runs from north of Jericho to the southern end of the Dead Sea. 2. It lies on the western side of the lower Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea area. 3. It’s about 60 miles (95 km.) long and about 13 miles (21 km.) wide. 4. It receives less than 2 inches (50 mm.) of rain per year. 5. Average high temperatures in the winter run in the 70s (21 C.) and highs in the summer run over 100 (40 C.). 6. Water is scarce and hard to find, and very little vegetation grows in the wilderness due to its lack of water and poor soil composition. Historical Background 1. Even though the Judean Desert is dry and barren, it was settled long before recorded history began. Jericho, which dates to 5000 BC, is the oldest city in the Judean Desert and the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. 2. En Gedi is another notable place that dates to about the same time as Jericho. It’s a large oasis that had cities built around it for over 5,000 years. 3. Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other three cities around the Dead Sea date back to ancient times as well. 4. It appears God changed the climate of the Judean Wilderness after He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities. Scripture says that this area used to be like a watered garden of the Lord. Genesis 13:10: And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord , like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah .) 5. God will cause the Judean Wilderness to flourish during the Millennial Reign of Christ on this earth. Ezekiel 47:6–10: Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. 9 And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. 10 Fishermen will stand beside the sea. From En Gedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Places of Interest 1. Judean Wilderness 2. Jordan River 3. Jericho 4. Qumran 5. Dead Sea 6. En Gedi 7. Masada Judean Wilderness in the Bible En Gedi and King David 1. En Gedi was one of David’s main hideouts when Saul was pursuing his life. 1 Samuel 23:28–29: So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore, that place was called the Rock of Escape. 29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi . Qumran and the Essenes 1. The Essenes lived in the Judean Wilderness from about 200 BC to around 68 AD. They were a spiritually devoted group who left Jerusalem due to their belief that the priesthood had become corrupt. They devoted themselves to the study and strict obedience of Scripture. 2. They also devoted themselves to copying and translating the Bible. When they saw the nation of Israel falling to the Romans in 68 AD, they hid their translations in caves by the Dead Sea. 3. These translated manuscripts are called the Dead Sea Scrolls and were discovered in eleven caves along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea between the years 1947 and 1956. John the Baptist 1. He was the prophesied forerunner of Christ, whose purpose was to prepare the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3). 2. His main message was a message of repentance. Matthew 3:1–12: In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea , 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'" 4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist [similar to Elijah], and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. 3. He had the privilege of baptizing Jesus. Matthew 3:13–17: Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him . 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, 17 and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 4. He was beheaded for taking a stand against sin. Herod Antipas became the ruler (‘tetrarch’) of Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to 39 AD. He ruled from his capital at Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. He divorced his first wife in order to marry Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Herod Philip. He imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist for criticizing his marriage (Matt. 14:1–12). Testing of Jesus 1. After Jesus was baptized, He was immediately led into the wilderness to be tested. Matthew 4:1-11: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted [tested] by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Faith Lesson from the Judean Wilderness 1. John the Baptist was a strong and serious witness for Jesus. John’s life is an example to us of the seriousness with which we are to approach the Christian life and our call to ministry. 2. John shows us how to stand firm in our faith no matter what the circumstances. Paul reminds us that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). 3. Christ was tested and overcame each test of Satan with Scripture. 4. God tested many of His servants before He called them to ministry, i.e., Moses, David, and the Prophets. 5. We are often tested by God as well. 6. Scripture says that leaders are to be tested before being placed into ministry (1 Tim. 3:10). 7. Has God tested me in various ways in my lifetime? 8. How have I responded to the tests He sends my way? 9. Do I know God’s Word so I can overcome the temptations of Satan?

The Cardo is a remnant of Aelia Capitolina, the Roman city built over the ruins of Jerusalem following the Jewish rebellions of 70 and 135 AD. It was a paved, 22.5-meter-wide road running southward from the Damascus Gate. The Cardo Maximus, also known simply as the Cardo, was the main north-south boulevard of the ancient Roman city of Aelia Capitolina. The Cardos In Old City Jerusalem Photo Gallery Places of Interest The Cardos In Old City Jerusalem Introduction 1. The Cardo Maximus was the grand main street of Roman and Byzantine Jerusalem, running north to south through the heart of the city. Once lined with columns, shops, and markets, it was the bustling center of daily life almost 2,000 years ago. 2. The Cardo Minor was a smaller main street that ran north and south. It was located east of the Cardo Maximus and was closer to the Temple Mount. 3. Many of its ruins remain to this day, and we'll walk on the same stones and see the same pillars that have existed for almost 2,000 years. 4. Today, visitors can still walk along sections of the restored street in the Jewish Quarter, where ancient stones meet modern galleries and shops. 5. Let's explore and experience this site. Location 1. The excavated part of Cardo Maximus Street is located in the Jewish Quarter of Old City Jerusalem, near the main Jewish Street. It has an open-air section, a small museum, and art and jewelry shops. 2. Part of the Cardo Minor has been uncovered on the western side of the Western Wall Plaza. Historical Background 1. The Cardo is a remnant of Aelia Capitolina. Aelia is derived from the emperor’s family name (Aelius, from the gens Aelia), and Capitolina refers to the cult of the Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva). 2. Aelia Capitolina was the Roman city built over the ruins of Jerusalem following the Jewish rebellions of 70 and 135 AD. The Cardo Maximus, also known simply as the Cardo, was a paved, 22.5-meter-wide road running southward from the Damascus Gate. It was the main north-south boulevard of the ancient Roman city of Aelia Capitolina. For 500 years, it was the city's main commercial avenue, lined with shops and vendors. Today, part of the street has been renovated, making it a unique experience in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter in the Old City. 3. The Cardo Maximus, also known simply as the Cardo, was the main north-south boulevard of the ancient Roman city of Aelia Capitolina. Emperor Hadrian established Aelia Capitolina in 135 AD on the site of the destroyed city of Jerusalem. The term “Cardo” is taken from the Latin word “hinge,” signifying its role as the central north-south axis in Roman cities. During the Roman period, the Cardo Maximus originated at the Damascus Gate in the north and extended southwards, splitting into two branches. The western branch led up to the modern-day Jewish Quarter. The Cardo was the eastern branch that followed the route of Ha-gay Street towards the modern-day Western Wall Plaza. Historical Periods of the Cardo First and Second Temple Period - 700 BC to 70 AD Although the Cardo Maximus is already 2.5M under the Modern street level, there are more layers of history underneath it as we go back in time. Earlier layers reveal the Hasmonean, Hellenistic, and early Roman periods. There are even remains from the 8th century BC period. Roman Period - 132 to 314 AD The Cardo in Jerusalem was initially constructed during the Roman period, following the city's reestablishment as Aelia Capitolina by Emperor Hadrian in the 130s AD. This north-south thoroughfare was designed to facilitate movement and commerce within the city. The Roman Cardo began at the Damascus Gate in the north and extended southwards, forming the central axis of the city's layout. Its western branch probably led up to the northern gate of the Tenth Legion's encampment on the Western Hill of Ancient Jerusalem. The eastern branch followed the Tyropoeon Valley, which ran parallel to the Western Wall of the Herodian Temple Mount and presumably led toward the southern city gate in the vicinity of the modern-day Dung Gate. The two branches of the street were lined with colonnades and featured a central open-air passageway flanked by porticoed sidewalks and shops, reflecting the typical Roman architectural style. The construction of the Cardos was part of a broader effort to Romanize Jerusalem, integrating it into the empire's network of cities. Byzantine Period - 314 to 614 AD The Cardo appears on the Madaba map during the Byzantine period. The map is located at St. George's Church in Madaba. This detailed map, dating to around 542 AD, shows most of the Holy Land and the city of Jerusalem. During the Byzantine period, significant developments were made to the Cardo in Jerusalem. In the 6th century AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian, the Cardo was extended southward from its original Roman layout. This extension reached the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and continued to the Zion Gate. The Byzantine Cardo maintained the colonnaded design of its Roman predecessor, featuring a central open-air passage flanked by sidewalks and shops. Excavations have revealed a Byzantine level on the southern side of the Cardo, which included restored columns and other architectural elements. The Madaba Map shows the Cardo, underscoring its importance in the city's layout during this period. The Nea Church, built by Roman Emperor Justinian to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus, is also known as the New Church (Nea). It was a massive church built on the Cardo Maximus. The false god temple that Hadrian built over Golgotha was torn down, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built in its place. As the false god temple Hadrian built was the central focus of Aelia Capitolina, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre became the central focus of the original and renamed Jerusalem. Crusader Period - 1099 to 1291 AD North of the modern Cardo shopping center in the Jewish Quarter are Arab shops. These shops are much older, owned by Arab merchants, and built over the Cardo Maximus. This section, 125m (136 yards) in length, is located between David Street (Suq el Bazar) and El Saraya Street. It is parallel and east of the Muristan section of the Christian quarter. Here, the Crusaders split the broad Cardo Street (22.5m, 74 ft) into three north-south narrow alleys, which were converted to covered markets. Along the walls are engraved inscriptions dating to the Crusaders' Period. These inscriptions, “ANNA,” “SCA ANNA,” and “SCA,” mark the owner of the Suq Lahamin market: the church of St. Anna. Other streets show inscriptions, such as Templars (“T”). The markets were one of the institutions' sources of income in Medieval Jerusalem. Muslim Period - 1291 to 1917 AD In the 7th century, when Jerusalem fell under Muslim rule, the Cardo became an Arab-style marketplace. Over the years, it slowly fell into ruins and was built over as the city was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Modern Period - 1917 to Present During the Israeli-Arab War in 1948, the Jordanians conquered the Jewish quarter and deported its Jewish residents. The quarter was left in ruins for 19 years, until 1967. However, as a result of the Six-Day War, Jerusalem was reunited, now under Israeli sovereignty. The state of Israel strived to rebuild the Jewish quarter and repopulate it. Before the construction began, a major archaeological project was launched, during which many discoveries were made. The archaeologists uncovered a section of the “Cardo Maximus.” Parts of the street, where Ottoman-era roofing was still intact, were developed into a commercial area, with some Byzantine-era columns repositioned. The modern restoration of the Cardo in Jerusalem began following its rediscovery during excavations in the Jewish Quarter in 1969. The restoration plan, heavily influenced by the depiction of the Cardo on the Madaba Map, aimed to preserve the ancient street's historical integrity while incorporating contemporary materials. A portion of the Cardo has been rebuilt as a covered shopping arcade, reflecting the style of an ancient Roman street. This restored section serves as a modern shopping lane, with stores housed in the ancient Crusader-era shops. The restoration has transformed the Cardo into a lively tourist area, maintaining its historical significance while adapting it for contemporary use. Cardo Maximus Excavated Sites of Interest Corinthian Columns Situated in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, this section's exposed length is about 150 meters and some 2.5 meters below modern street level. Only five full columns stand at their original height, and one at partial height. Simple bases supported monolithic shafts spaced 5.77 meters apart, which supported intricately carved Byzantine-style Corinthian capitals. Remains of the Shops The Byzantine street was open to the sky in the center but was covered on both sides with terra-cotta tiles supported by wooden planks. The roadway was divided into three parts: two colonnaded covered walks and a 12-meter-wide road in the center. Pavement The central open pavement served as both commercial access and ritual space. Some of the excavated Cardo sections are located under the modern houses of the Jewish quarter. The street was covered with replaceable hard limestone slabs, as was customary with paved roads. Pavers that were filed smoothly were exposed everywhere. Mural Painting A large mural painting shows what Cardo would have looked like 1,500 years ago. This vivid image of the bustling streets of Cardo displays the wears, a covered walkway, animals, and other colorful characters. Replica of the Madaba Map This can be found just south of the main excavated section of the Cardo Maximus. The part of the map depicts Jerusalem, with the Cardo Maximus, a colonnaded street, in the center. Two important structures along the Cardo were the Nea Church and the Holy Sepulchre. The Cardo's most striking visual feature was its colonnade, clearly depicted on the Madaba Map. Cardo by Damascus Gate Sites of Interest Cardo Shops by the Damascus Gate Today, the Cardo is the division between the Christian and Muslim quarters. As in ancient times, this street was the main thoroughfare in the Old City, but today, it is much narrower. For example, Suq Lahamin Street has 83 shops on both sides of the narrow alley. It is known by different names: “Vegetable Market,” “Spices Street,” “Herbs Street,” and “Butcher’s Market.” Places of Interest 1. Cardo Maximus 2. Cardo Minor 3. Damascus Gate 4. Zion Gate 5. Temple Mount 6. Muslim Quarter 7. Christian Quarter 8. Jewish Quarter 9. Armenian Quarter 10. Western Wall 11. Church of the Holy Sepulchre 12. Cardo Maximus Excavations 13. Cardo Minor Excavations 14. Model of Byzantine Jerusalem at St. Peter Gallicantu Church The Cardo In the Bible 1. Jesus' prophecy that Jerusalem would be destroyed is fulfilled in its history. Luke 19:41-44: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43For 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 44and 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.” Luke 23:28-29: But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Faith Lesson 1. God sent Israel and Judah prophet after prophet over a period of around 400 years to warn them against rejecting Him. God was more than patient with them. What about us? Do we take God's word and His warnings seriously? 2. Judah, the southern part of Israel, should have seen God's seriousness when it saw the northern part of Israel deported to Assyria in 722 BC. What about us? Do we heed what God does to others and realize He could do the same to us if we continue rebelling against Him? 3. God led all of Israel into captivity because they rejected Him. 2 Kings 24:20: For because of the anger of the Lord this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, that He finally cast them out from His presence. What about us? Do we genuinely believe there will be consequences to our rejection of God and living life as we want instead of following God's will for our lives?

See and experience an engineering wonder that happened over 2700 years ago. In order to save Jerusalem and its inhabitants, King Hezekiah orchestrated a tunnel that took the water from the Gihon Spring underground to the Pool of Siloam. This kept the water inside the city so the Assyrian army couldn't cut off their water supply and conquer them. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel Photo Gallery Places of Interest Hezekiah's Water Tunnel Location 1. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel, also known as the Siloam Tunnel, is a remarkable ancient water tunnel located in the southern part of the City of David in Jerusalem. 2. The City of David is located just south of the Temple Mount and is the original part of Jerusalem that existed before it was expanded over the centuries. 3. Today, Hezekiah's Tunnel is a popular archaeological site and tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to walk through the ancient waterway. Historical Background 1. It was constructed during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah in around 700 BC. 2. The Bible mentions it in the context of preparations for an impending siege by the Assyrians, led by Sennacherib. 3. The tunnel was designed to transport water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam, effectively securing the city's water supply during the siege by preventing the Assyrian forces from accessing it. 4. The construction of this tunnel is considered an engineering marvel of its time, as it was hewn from solid rock. It measures approximately 583 yards (533 m.) long and has an altitude difference of 12 inches (30 cm.) between its two ends. 5. The historical significance of Hezekiah's Tunnel is also highlighted by the Siloam Inscription, found at the southern end of the tunnel. This inscription describes how two teams of workers, starting from opposite ends, met in the middle to complete the tunnel. This feat is detailed in the biblical passages of 2 Chronicles 32:2–4 and 2 Kings 20:20. Biblical Background 1. After the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms (Israel and Judah), God sent prophet after prophet to warn them to turn from their sinful ways and follow Him. However, all these warnings fell on deaf ears. 2. All the 19 kings who reigned in the northern kingdom of Israel did not follow the Lord and acted wickedly. 3. As a result, the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered and taken into captivity by 722 BC by the Assyrians because of Israel’s continual disobedience. 2 Kings 18:11–12: Then the king of Assyria carried Israel away into exile to Assyria, and put them in Halah and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 12 because they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God , but transgressed His covenant, even all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded; they would neither listen nor do it. 4. The Assyrian army was brutal and known for its torturous tactics. They intentionally instilled fear in the hearts of those they conquered to cause other countries to surrender instead of fighting. 5. By 701 BC, the Assyrians, headed by Sennacherib, invaded Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel, because they disobeyed God. 6. According to an Assyrian stele found in the ruins of the royal palace of Nineveh, Sennacherib conquered 46 cities in Judea before attempting to conquer Jerusalem. 7. God allowed most of Judah to be conquered but protected Jerusalem because of Hezekiah’s obedience to Him. 8. As Hezekiah began to prepare for what he knew would be a terrible siege by a merciless Assyrian war machine, he had to figure out how to protect his people. This meant building new defenses. 9. During the time of Hezekiah, Jerusalem’s urban population had grown far outside the old walls of the city and were unprotected. 10. King Hezekiah fortified the city's existing walls and built a new wall rapidly to protect those living outside them. 2 Chronicles 32:5: He set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it, and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance. 11. Hezekiah’s new wall measured about 22 feet wide (7 m.) by 25 feet high (8 m.). 12. It was a massive undertaking and measured around 2.5 miles (4 km.) in length. 13. A portion of the wall was discovered in the 1970s by Israeli archaeologist Nahman Avigad and dated to the reign of King Hezekiah (716-687 BC). 14. Archaeologists called it “Hezekiah’s Broad Wall” because of how wide it is. 15. Additionally, King Hezekiah also built a water tunnel to keep the water from the Gihon Spring inside the city walls so the Assyrians couldn’t cut off the water supply (2 Chron. 32:3–4). Places of Interest 1. Hezekiah’s Broad Wall 2. Gihon Spring 3. Pool of Siloam 4. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel 5. City of David 6. Temple Mount Hezekiah in the Bible 1. King Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, was a wicked king. He closed the doors to the temple and burned his children in sacrificial worship to false gods. 2. King Hezekiah was a godly king who reopened the temple and restored worship to God. 2 Kings 18:3–6: And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses. 3. King Hezekiah chose not to serve the King of Assyria. 2 Kings 18:7: And the Lord was with him; wherever he went he prospered. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. 4. Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, conquered the southern part of Judah, including the mighty city of Lachish. King Hezekiah tries to keep him at bay by paying him money. 2 Kings 18:13–16: Now in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and seized them. 14 Then Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong. Withdraw from me; whatever you impose on me I will bear.” So the king of Assyria required of Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 15 Hezekiah gave him all the silver which was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasuries of the king’s house. 16 At that time Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord, and from the doorposts which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. 5. King Sennacherib makes plans to conquer Jerusalem. 2 Kings 18:17: Then the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rab-saris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a large army to Jerusalem. So they went up and came to Jerusalem. 6. King Sennacherib mocks King Hezekiah and the God of Israel. 2 Kings 18:32–35: And do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us .” 33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 35 Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’” 7. King Hezekiah humbles himself before God and sends for the Prophet Isaiah. 2 Kings 19:1–7: And when King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth and entered the house of the Lord. 2 Then he sent Eliakim who was over the household with Shebna the scribe and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, ‘This day is a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection; for children have come to birth and there is no strength to deliver. 4 Perhaps the Lord your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard. Therefore, offer a prayer for the remnant that is left.’” 5 So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 Isaiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land. And I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.” 8. King Sennacherib once again threatens King Hezekiah and speaks against the God of Israel. 2 Kings 19:9–12: So he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying, 10 “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, the nations that my fathers destroyed.’” 9. Hezekiah seeks the Lord’s help. 2 Kings 19:14–19: Then Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and he went up to the house of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. 17 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have devastated the nations and their lands 18 and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. So they have destroyed them. 19 Now, O Lord our God, I pray, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God.” 10. God answers Hezekiah’s prayer. 2 Kings 19:20–22: Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you.’ 21 This is the word that the Lord has spoken against him: ‘She has despised you and mocked you, The virgin daughter of Zion; She has shaken her head behind you, The daughter of Jerusalem! 22 ‘Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? And against whom have you raised your voice, And haughtily lifted up your eyes? Against the Holy One of Israel!’” 2 Kings 19:32–34: Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, “He will not come to this city or shoot an arrow there; and he will not come before it with a shield or throw up a siege ramp against it. 33 By the way that he came, by the same he will return, and he shall not come to this city, declares the Lord. 34 For I will defend this city to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.” 11. God miraculously destroys King Sennacherib and his army. 2 Kings 19:35–37: Then it happened that night that the angel of the Lord went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead. 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and returned home, and lived at Nineveh. 37 It came about as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son became king in his place. Faith Lesson from the Life of King Hezekiah 1. Even though Hezekiah had a wicked father, he chose to serve the Lord. 2. No matter what our background might be, and the parents we have, God can still use us greatly if we yield ourselves entirely to Him. 3. He was extremely dedicated to God. 2 Kings 18:5–6: He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel; so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he clung to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses. 4. He trusted in God during times of great trials. 5. God blessed him and protected him because of his faith and dedication to Him. 6. He worked hard to fortify the old walls, built a huge new wall, and protected the water source of the city. All this was good, but not needed as God supernaturally protected Jerusalem because Hezekiah trusted in the Lord. 7. King Hezekiah lived the kind of life God blesses. Are we following his example?

Amazing archaeological evidence that proves the Bible is true. See an overview of all discoveries that have been found here and the amazing things that happened around Jericho! See all the places at Tel Jericho (Tell Es-Sultan). Mount of Temptation, Zacchaeus Tree, St. George's Monastery, Elisha's Spring, King Herod's Palace, Jericho Cable Cars, and more. Jericho claims to be the oldest city in the world that has been continuously inhabited. Its name means “City of Palms.” Jericho ~ Tell Es-Sultan Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jericho ~ Tell Es-Sultan Overview Introduction Welcome to Jericho. Many significant events from the Bible took place here. Here are the highlights. 1. Jericho was the first city the Israelites conquered after crossing the Jordan River. 2. They marched right around this place seven times, and on the last day, the walls fell. 3. Rahab, the prostitute, was from here, and due to her faith, God spared her life and family. 4. There is so much evidence here for this miracle that it's astounding. We'll see how everything in the Bible matches perfectly with the archaeology discovered here. 5. The prophets Elijah and Elisha traversed Jericho often. 6. The miracle of a blind man healed by Jesus occurred in Jericho. 7. Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector, was from Jericho. Location 1. Jericho is in the Jordan Valley about 8 miles (13 km) north of the Dead Sea and about 15 miles (24 km) east of Jerusalem. 2. It’s situated at 900 ft. (275 m.) below sea level, making it the lowest city in the world. 3. Jericho claims to be the oldest city in the world that has been continuously inhabited. 4. Its name means “City of Palms.” 5. It was located at the crossroads of two main travel routes. It had a north-south route that ran through the Jordan Valley, and an east-west route that connected the east side of the Jordan River with Jerusalem, the Samaritan cities, and the coastal plain towns of the Mediterranean Sea. 6. It has a year-round climate with lots of sun. 7. Tel Jericho is also known today as Tell Es-Sultan. Historical Background 1. Jericho was a well-fortified Canaanite city before the arrival of the Israelites. 2. It’s an ancient city with about 6 thousand years of history. 3. Archaeologists have uncovered 23 levels of civilization in Tel Jericho. 4. The city was fortified with double walls. 5. Jericho was given by Marc Antony (Roman general under Julius Caesar) to Cleopatra (Pharaoh of Egypt) as a wedding gift in 36 BC. 6. King Herod built a winter palace in Jericho around 20 BC and would later die there as well. 7. During the Byzantine period, homes and churches were built in the area. 8. During the Crusader period, the town was moved about a mile (1.6 km) southeast of Tel Jericho. Conflict Regarding the Dating of When the Walls Fell Down 1. There have been four significant excavations carried out here: Ernst Sellin & Carl Watzinger: 1907 - 1911 John Garstang: 1930-1936 Kathleen Kenyon: 1952 - 1958 (site in the hands of Jordan) Lorenzo Nigro: 1997-2000 & 2009 to present 2. All agree on the following: This is ancient Jericho The upper brick walls fell outward There is a massive burn layer throughout the tel at the same level Full jars of burnt barley are found throughout the tel There is an abandonment layer throughout the tel Israelite occupation layer throughout the tell 3. What they don't agree upon is the date of the destruction: Ernst Sellin & Carl Watzinger (1907-1911) and John Garstang (1930-1936) all stated that the destruction occurred in 1406, the exact time the Israelites arrived. Kathleen Kenyon said the walls fell 150 years before the Israelites arrived, so there is no connection between them and Jericho. Thus, stating that there is a contradiction between the Bible and archaeology. Lorenzo Nigro: 1997-2000 & 2009 to present, followed in Kenyon's claims and is the one who promotes the information on the brochures, video, etc. 4. So, what is, in reality, a monumental discovery supporting the Bible has been turned into a discovery claiming the Bible isn't true. 5. We'll be looking at the evidence here showing you that the Bible is indeed true. Places of Interest Around Jericho 1. Tel Jericho 2. Mount of Temptation Monastery 3. Jericho Cable Cars (access to Mount of Temptation Monastery) 4. Hisham’s Palace (8th-century Muslim Palace) 5. Modern Jericho 6. Shittim (where the Israelites camped on the east side of the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land) 7. Camp Gilgal (place where the Israelites camped after entering the Promised Land) 8. Zacchaeus Tree 9. Herod’s Palace 10. St. George’s Monastery (hanging monastery with Cave of Elijah) 11. Baptismal Site of Jesus 12. Jordan River 13. Dead Sea Places of Interest at Tel Jericho 1. Elisha’s Spring (tourist viewing place) 2. Tower 3. Walls 4. Ancient Homes 5. Burn & Ash Layers 6. Palace 7. Building 8. Neolithic Tower 9. Byzantine Homes 10. Walls 11. Preserved Wall and Homes (this area is likely where Rahab lived, as it was spared in the destruction by the Lord) 12. Elisha’s Spring (primary source) Archaeological Evidence at Tel Jericho that Proves the Bible is True Eight key pieces of evidence and layers of archaeology prove this site was Jericho and that the walls fell in 1406 BC. 1. Retaining Walls The walls were constructed of large stones at the base and mud bricks continuing upwards. The exterior wall’s stone base was about 15 feet high (5 m.), and the mud-brick wall on top of it was another 25 feet tall (8 m.), for a total of around 40 feet (13 m.). The inner wall was constructed in the same way, only it rose even higher than the exterior wall, for a total height of around 50 feet (15 m). The width of the walls were around 8 ft. (2.5 m.) wide, and people lived between them. Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall (Josh. 2:15). These double walls were enormous and overwhelming in size and strength. The retaining walls can still be seen today. 2. Fallen Mud-Brick Walls Joshua 6:20–22: So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city , every man straight before him, and they captured the city. The Hebrew meaning for 'the wall fell flat' is that it fell outward beneath itself . This is precisely what archaeology reveals. When the walls of Jericho were first uncovered, the fallen red bricks were visible in large quantities. However, many of the bricks were removed so the lower layers of excavation could see what was below these walls. Nonetheless, the archaeological reports clearly reveal that these red mud bricks were discovered and existed. What was discovered under the fallen red bricks was the remains of houses (using the same red brick style) from earlier periods before cities became smaller and taller to withstand the new technology of the battering ram. The square shapes of these houses are still visible today. 3. Burn Layer Scripture says that the Israelites burned Jericho with fire after they conquered it. And they burned the city with fire , and everything in it ( Joshua 6:24). A burn layer can clearly be seen today throughout the Tel of ashes and black burn layers. This can be most notably seen in the cut-out section as you walk up the stairs of the Tel, and then in the upper part of the cut-out section. 4. Area where the burnt full Jars of barley were found. Unfortunately, this evidence has been covered back over due to the current excavation team in charge of the site. This has been intentionally done for political reasons to erase any connection from the Bible to the evidence. Because Tel Jericho is in the West Bank, it is under the control of Arabs, who are mainly against the Bible and Jewish history. The burnt clay jars of barley indicate that the battle was brief, as the Bible states . The archaeology at this site confirms this. The battle took place in the Spring during the barley harvest, just as the Bible states. 5. Preserved section of the wall where Rahab likely lived. On the east side of the Tel is a preserved section of the wall that suggests this is the area where Rahab lived, as it was not entirely destroyed. 6. Discovered abandonment layer throughout the Tel due to Joshua's curse on Jericho. Joshua cursed Jericho, and it lay abandoned for many centuries. This formed an abandonment layer that can be seen today: Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he will set up its gates” ( Joshua 6:26). 7. Jericho was rebuilt by the Israelites during the time of King Ahab, according to Joshua's prophecy. This confirms that Tel Jericho laid abandoned for quite some time until it was rebuilt: In his days Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho ; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn , and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub , in accordance with the word of the Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun (1 Kings 16:34). 8. Israelite occupation layer. After Jericho was rebuilt, the Israelites inhabited the city. This is confirmed by an Israelite layer found at the Tel today. 9. What can be seen today at Tel Jericho matches perfectly with the Biblical account of what happened. This is amazing and is just one more piece of evidence that the Bible is true and trustworthy. Jericho in the Bible 1. Rahab, the prostitute, who hid the Israelite Spies, was from Jericho. Joshua 2:1: And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho ." And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. Joshua 2:8–15: Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof, 9 and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. 11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. 12 Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign 13 that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” 14 And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.” 15 Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall . 2. The Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River near Jericho. Joshua 3:14–16: So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), 16 the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho . 3. The Israelites camped at Gilgal after entering the Promised Land. Joshua 4:19: The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they encamped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho . 4. The Israelites celebrated the Passover after crossing the Jordan River. Joshua 5:10: While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal, they celebrated the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho. 5. Jericho was the first city captured by the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land. Joshua 6:1–5: Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. 2 And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up , everyone straight before him.” Joshua 6:15–16: On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. 16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city." 6. The mud-brick walls of Jericho fell flat (beneath themselves) and formed a ramp. Joshua 6:20–22: So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat [Hebrew meaning: fell beneath themselves outward] so that the people went up into the city , every man straight before him, and they captured the city. 21 Then they devoted all in the city to destruction, both men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys, with the edge of the sword. 22 But to the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua said, “Go into the prostitute's house and bring out from there the woman and all who belong to her, as you swore to her.” 7. Joshua burned the city of Jericho with fire. A burn layer found throughout the tel confirms this. Joshua 6:24: And they burned the city with fire , and everything in it. 8. Joshua cursed Jericho, and it lay abandoned for many centuries. This formed an abandonment layer that can be seen today Joshua 6:26: Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he will set up its gates.” 9. Jericho was rebuilt during the time of King Ahab around 875 BC. 1 Kings 16:34: In his days Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun. 10. The prophets, Elijah and Elisha, traversed Jericho often. 2 Kings 2:4: Elijah said to him, "Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho ." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho . 11. Elisha healed the water source of Jericho. 2 Kings 2:19–22: Now the men of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful." 20 He said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, "Thus says the LORD, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it." 22 So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke. 12. The miracle of a blind man healed by Jesus occurred in Jericho. Luke 18:35–43: As he [Jesus] drew near to Jericho , a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. 13. Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector, was from Jericho. Luke 19: 1–10: He [Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." 9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." 14. The famous story of the Good Samaritan happened on the route from Jericho to Jerusalem (Luke 10:25–37). Faith Lesson from Jericho 1. The first lesson we can learn is that the Bible is true, and we can fully trust it. Jericho provides overwhelming evidence that the events described in the Bible can be corroborated by the archaeology of the site. Therefore, we can fully trust the Bible as the very word of God that is inspired and living. 2. The crumbling of the walls of Jericho by the shout of the Israelites proves to be one of the greatest miracles in the Bible. Do we believe God can crumble the obstacles in our lives today as well? 3. Rahab was a sinner who chose to fear the Lord and turn to Him. She was welcomed into the Jewish faith and became part of the lineage of Christ, along with Ruth, the Moabitess. Matthew 1:5–6: And Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab , and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth , and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. Amazingly, in the genealogy of Christ, two generations in a row include foreign women who were saved by grace through faith and welcomed into the Jewish faith. 4. The lives of Rahab and Ruth illustrate that salvation has always been and always will be open to anyone willing to listen to God’s call of salvation. 5. Jesus healed a blind man in Jericho because of his persevering faith. What about us? What kind of faith do we have in Christ? Do we give up easily, or do we persevere? 6. Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector, was another outsider who was willing to embrace Christ’s love and offer of salvation. Jericho resounds with examples of outsiders who were rejected by others but sought out by God. Do we believe God loves outsiders today, and do we welcome them into our lives and churches?

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 , 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 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. On the steps leading up from the Temple Mount to the Antonia Fortress, Paul addressed the 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, 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. 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. 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. 24. 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. 25. 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. 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. 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 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 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 three times bigger than 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 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?