Absolom's Pillar

Also known as the Tomb of Absolom, this moment is attributed to David's son, Absolom. From the book of Samuel, we read: Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the Monument after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's Monument.

Here is a view from inside the pillar.

You will see Absolom's Pillar down in the Kidron Valley, between the old city, and the Mount of Olives.

The City of David

The City of David has two meanings. We read in Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. The angles referred to Bethlehem, the city where David, who became the great king of Israel was born.

As king, David built a palace in Jerusalem, located near the Gihon Spring. a This is what is now known as the City of David. Jerusalem, in David's day was located south of the old city as it is now walled. It was it's own little mount with valley's on each side. The location of the temple which was built by his son, Solomon, was just up the next hill, the highest place in Jerusalem, also surrounded by it's own valleys.

Many of the what used to be valleys have been, over time, filled either with refuse, or structures. As one civilization was destroyed by enemies, the structures were pushed off over the sides of the hills, eventually somewhat leveling the ground. It is difficult now to even imagine Jerusalem as it was in the day of David, but this photo is from the model city of Jerusalem showing what it would have looked like after Solomon built the temple. You will see just the bottom of the temple mount with the City of David below. You can also see that it is not a very large area. The valley you see to the east is the Kidron Valley. It rises up to the right to become the Mount of Olives.

From Wikipedia: "In the ancient pre-Israelite period, the area was separated from the site of the later Temple Mount by the Ophel, an uninhabited area which became the seat of government under Israelite rule. During the reign of Hezekiah, the walls of the city were expanded westward, enclosing a previously unwalled suburb in the area now known as the Old City of Jerusalem, west of the Temple Mount.

There have been extensive archeological activities since I first saw the City of David. This is part of the large stone structure that has been identified as remains of the Palace David may have built.

I am very excited to see this area as it is now open for visitors to view exciting finds from this time which has long been covered. For a look at what we hope to visit, see http://www.bibleplaces.com/areag.htm

It is sad to know that the City of David was even a dumping ground of the later city's garbage.

Solomon's Stabes

On this trip we will not get to see Solomon"s Stables, but they are a most fascinating, underground series of twelve rows of 88 arches which support a huge room. It is located in the underground section of the temple mound, making up the southeast corner. It's walls make the southern wall of the Temple Mound.

When we visited it in 1994, it was dark and not being used. Some think it was built by King Herod to keep his horses ready and close by. Others think the Roman Emperor Hadrian from the second century, built it as a water reservoir. I like the first theory, because I like anything that has to do with anything about horses.

Solomon's Stables have now been renovated and is used as a prayer hall for Muslims.

Moroccan Gate

I guess by now you can tell that I am fascinated by gates. In a walled city, like Jerusalem, walls were used to keep out intruders. They were the protection from invaders. Gates were used to determine who entered the city and what time they entered the city.

The temple compound itself is also walled. It also has gates. The walls protect it from invasion. There are various groups who feel the area is of such importance to them that they would take it over by violence if given the chance.

When we visit the temple mound, we will enter by the Moroccan Gate. It is the only gate that non-Muslims can enter.

Note the tile to the left of the gate. Built into the wall, it gives the gate its title. We will expect this to be a security checkpoint. In Israel, one is expected, even when entering grocery stores, to open their bags and to show that we bring no explosives or weapons.

Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located on the same compound as the Dome of the Rock is an extremely important site for the many of the same reasons. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third most holy site for Muslims. Muslims believe that Muhammad was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to Al-Aqsa during the Night Journey.

The mosque began as a small prayer house which was tumbled by an earthquake in 746. It was rebuilt but then in 1033 another earthquake destroyed most of it. The structure we see today was then constructed. It has been added onto during renovations.

Like the Dome of the Rock, possession went to the Crusaders in 1099 when it was used as a palace and a church. The muslim, Saladin, who I understand rebuilt the current walls of Jerusalem recaptured it in 1187. Although most of the Old City of Jerusalem is under Israeli control, but the mosque, and the whole temple compound remains under the Palestinian-led Islamic waqf.

This photo shows the mosque from outside the temple mount. We are looking at the southern wall of the compound. The silver dome is part of the mosque.


Non muslims may visit the site, but may not lead prayers or worship services. Even as recently as this week, there have been clashes, as Extremist Israeli Jews stormed the compound. Click the red letters to a link on that article dated August 18, 2013. Great tension remains as the balance of control and visitation are challenged.

Temple Mount

The Dome of the Rock is the foremost structure, and you will recognize its golden dome. It has stood since 637 when after the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem. It was constructed on the site of the Second Jewish Temple, which was destroyed during the Roman Siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE. It enshrines the rock from which Muḥammad is said to have ascended to heaven.

The structure is basically octagonal. It comprises a wooden dome, approximately 20 m in diameter, which is mounted on an elevated drum consisting of a circle of 16 piers and columns. Surrounding this circle is an octagonal arcade of 24 piers and columns. The outer facade is made of porcelain and mirrors the octagonal design.

The site's significance stems from religious traditions regarding the rock, known as the Foundation Stone, at its heart, which bears great significance for Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is considered “the most contested piece of real estate on earth," and is carefully guarded.

Biblical scholars have identified the temple mound with with Mount Moriah where the binding of Isaac took place. Consider the significance; the willingness of Father Abraham to offer his son, Isaac on the mount forshadowed the sacrifice God gave of his son, Jesus Christ on the same mount, many years later. (Most Muslims believe it was Ishmael, not Isaac, who was to be sacrificed.)

This photo shows the Foundation Stone, which would have been the highest top of temple mount. There is a small hole on the southeastern corner that enters a cavern beneath the rock, known as the Well of Souls.

According to the Hebrew Bible, Mount Moriah was originally a threshing-floor owned by Araunah, a Jebusite. The prophet Gad suggested the area to King David as a fitting place for the erection of an altar to YHWH (Jehovah). David then bought the property from Araunah, for fifty pieces of silver, and erected the altar and sanctuary. The building was to replace the Tabernacle, and serve as the Temple of the Israelites in Jerusalem. Jews traditionally face it while praying, in the belief that it was the location of the Holy of Holies in the Temple.

Over the centuries, control over the site has changed hands. During the Crusades, the Dome of the Rock was commandeered as a Christian shrine before returning to Islamic hands. Many medieval people believed it to be the famous Temple of King Solomon.

The Dome is maintained by the Ministry of Awqaf in Amman, Jordan. There have been times when only Muslim visitors were allowed. Entry is through a wooden walkway next to the entrance to the Western Wall. Visitors are subject to strict security screening.

Church of All Nations

The Church of All Nations, owned by the Roman Catholic Church is built on the Mount of Olives next to the Garden of Gethsemane. It was built around 1920 using donated funds from believers in many nations, hence its name. It was built over the site of at least two ancient churches, one a Crusader Church from the 12th century, and one a Byzantine Bascilica from 4th century! Apparently it had been destroyed from an earthquake in 746.

The church has an exposed piece of bedrock which is near where Christ would have prayed.

This photo shows the center isle; the deep blue ceiling represents the night sky. Stone for the interior was quaried from from Lifta, north-west of Jerusalem and the a rose colored stone from Bethlehem is used on the exterior.

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This young man feels the gratitude that I felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. I remember these words from D&C 19: 16-19
"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”

This photo, taken from the Garden of Gethsemane shows the north side of the Church of All Nations. We are seeing the bubble shaped domes of the left isle. Inside the church are three isles, all having beautiful ceiling domes.

I love the skyline of Jerusalem, and I like to be able to identify the various locations. The next view is taken from the west, looking onto the Mount of Olives. By recognizing the Church of All Nations, one can visualize the Garden of Gethsemane to the left of the church.

Garden of Gethsemane

Located on the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane contains a garden of Olive trees, some as old as 900 years. Though no particular trees were likely there at the time of Christ, some of the trees most likely came from the roots of those that grew anciently. Olives, in the holy land are a staple of life. The oil from them, when pressed, came out blood red. The term, Gethsemane literally meant oil press.

After the Last Supper, the disciples sung a hymn, and then followed Jesus to the garden where Christ had often gone before.

Luke 22:41 - 44 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: band his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

I am always fascinated by picture the same place, but in different times. The photo below is from 1914.

The garden is still a beautiful place to come, meditate, and pray. It is an amazing thing to find yourself in the Garden and to contemplate the sacrifice of of Savior.

It hurts to know that one of his disciples, Judas betrayed him. It was here that the Roman soldiers took him, bound him, and began took him away to mock,scourge, and try him.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

When I lived in Jerusalem I would sometimes run into tourists who were there for only a day or two. I was surprised to know that often, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was the only site they had planned to see in Jerusalem, and then their itinerary would have them off to other cities.

The site of the church lay outside the city wall at the time of Christ, and since very early Christianity, it has been worshiped as both the place of the crucifixion and the site of Christ's tomb. This is a cross section drawing of what may have been then, and what is now.

The style of worship is not what we are used to, but it is very stirring to visit this site, especially while the monks of the eastern church are singing. The beautiful sounds of their harmonies echo throughout.

There are candles to light, and teary-eyed Pilgrims line up to kiss a silver star which is designated to represent the Hill of Calvary.

Golgotha

Mathew 27:33-35 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.


The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Subject of my next post) has been the traditional site of the Crucifixion and Resurrection since about 300 AD, but in 1883 a Britsh general, Charles Gordan, suggested a different location. General Gordan noted the rocky crag, found just outside the city wall, and thought it resembled a skull. Nearby he found a water cystern and during excavation, discovered an ancient tomb was uncovered, possibly the tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, which remarkably was designed for a large,flat rolling stone to be used to seal the door.

Mathew 27:57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.


This skull-like hillside, with its nearby garden tomb, is very near the Damascus gate, and would have been in full view of a busy highway.

Mathew 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads

Today, the hill is just yards from the main bus station of Jerusalem. Thousands of people pass by it every day, not really caring, or knowing of the sacrifice of the Son of God. Others travel from the furthest corners of the earth to see, and to feel, and to just be there, to express their gratitude to their Redeemer.

I have recently become aware of a third site, near Lions Gate which appears to look like the top of a skull, or cranium. It is a blessing to remember and contemplate the sacrifice of our Savior, and to know that he gave up His life to do the will of His Father. All of these are sacred sites, and places of worship.

The Garden Tomb

If there was only one place in Jerusalem I could visit, there is no question that I would choose the Garden Tomb. There is a spirit of peace and reverence. The empty tomb reminds us of the reality of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It might seem strange that the burial spot could bring such a spirit of joy to one's soul, but the Garden Tomb reminds us of the greatest event ever to happen.

We read in the 20th Chapter Luke verses 1 - 6

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.

Lion's Gate

The walls of Jerusalem that we see today were built between 1535 and 1538 by the order of Sultan Suleiman "The Magnificent" when Jerusalem was part of the Ottoman Empire.

According to legends, Sultan Suleiman,

also known as “The Magnificent,” dreamt of lions
that were about to eat him greedily because he failed on the the defense of the city. When he woke up, he immediately ordered that the walls be constructed around the old city and that lions should be placed on the gates.

One distinctive feature of the gate is the turret seen in the detail photo to the left, also called a “machicolation” (floor opening). This was used to pour tar or boiling oil onto attackers.




The gate also has other names. Muslims call it Bab Sittna Maryam (Gate of the Virgin Mary), because the traditional burial place of the Virgin Mary is nearby in the Valley of Jehoshaphat.


The gate is also known as St. Stephen's Gate, as Christian tradition holds that the saint was stoned to death near this site. That event may also have occurred outside the Damascus Gate. It is important to remember Stephen. He was perhaps the first Christian Martyr, stoned for his testimony.

Acts Chapter 7:54-60 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

In more recent history, during the Six Day War of 1967, the Israeli paratroopers breached the gate so that they could gain access the Old City.

Follow this link to see the historic photos taken by a young Jewish solder, Yassi Shemy, on the capture of Jerusalem through the Lions gate. At the time, he was not thinking about history, or of publishing his photos. In fact, he simply wanted to survive the war and get back home. He kept the six rolls of film he had shot in his dresser drawer. Just this summer, because of the intensive urging of his son, he published the photos with "The Times of Israel" news.

Damascus Gate

Located on the northwest, Damascus Gate is the main entrance into Old Jerusalem. As one would leave Jerusalem, the road leading from this gate headed towards Damascus, the capital of Syria.

Until 1887, the gates of Jerusalem were closed at sunset and opened again at sunrise. Of all the many times Jerusalem has been under attack, the most vulnerable position was the north. The turrets and arrow holes, and battlement towers are all well used.

The steps we see, leading down into the entrance are clearly a recent improvement. The photo (above) from 1856 shows a dirt covered, unimproved entrance.

The photo to the right dates to 1927. Now the entrance to Damascus Gate it is common to see men and women in traditional Arab costume selling locally grown fruits and vegetables. Local families come to purchase fresh food, or other wares for sale.



The most important aspect of Damascus Gate is seen from the photo below. This arched, Roman era gateway has been uncovered. It is likely that the lower gate is the one through which Christ carried the cross on his pathway to crucifixion on nearby Golgatha.

Enter by the Gate

The "Old Jerusalem" is a walled city. To enter, you must pass through one of her seven gates. One gate you will not use is the oldest gate in the present walls, and the most impressive, The Golden Gate.

This gate has been sealed. I understand that it was built over the remains of an ancient gate in the 6th century AD, then walled up by Arabs in the year 810. It has stood as a double symbol now for 12 centuries! As you can see, there are two arches. The southern arch, to the left was known as the Gate of Mercy, and the northern arch, the Gate of Repentance. It's original purpose was to allow pilgrims access to the temple from the Mount of Olives. They could enter through the northern gate seeking Repentance, and later leave through the southern gate, having received Mercy. Tradition holds that the gates will not be opened until the day of Judgement when the Messiah descends from the Mount of Olives to enter Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 44 2: "This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut".

We are a comin'

So this June, I will be returning to my most beloved city, Jerusalem. I visited it once for a few days in April of 1977, and then lived there for a year with the family in 1994-95. Jerusalem has a hold of my heart. The anticipation of growing near it during my first visit as a student on a tour caused deep feelings of coming home. Leaving Jerusalem on a bus a few days later caused my heart an almost physical pain of wishing to return. For some reason, I had a fascination of feeling like I needed to know all the streets of Jerusalem. I studied maps and tried to figure out where I had been, and how I would get there if I didn't have a guide. In 1994 Terry had the opportunity of teaching at the BYU Jerusalem Center. I was given a home in Jerusalem! I ventured out cautiously at first, only daring to go with others who had been there longer than I. Later, I learned that as long as I had at least one child with me, I could go anywhere. I wandered all over that beloved city, exploring every nook and cranny that captivated my interest. I came to know and love many of those streets I had occasionally studied. You know them by their smell, by the stone steps, by the shop owners, and by the street vendors. I want to share Jerusalem with you, page by page, so that when you get there, you will know what you are seeing. I want to you have those gates, those beautiful gates already engraven in your heart. I want you to know those walls, the city walls that have held off so many armies. I want you to know which are the sacred places, what they look like and what to ponder when you are there. I think it will all be too much for me to share when we are on the spot, your eyes and heart and nose and senses will all be on overload. When I set my first foot on Jerusalem, it was all new to me, and too much to take in. I want you to savor it for the whole time we are preparing to go. From the Garden of Gethsemane, to the temple steps, to Zion's Hill. Oh, you are going to love this city. You are in for the trip of a lifetime!