Note on this floor you can still see where the Roman soldiers carved out some of the games they played
Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Some interesting photos...
Here are just some interesting photos of the area that was the Antonia, which Herod built as a military compound and this was also the place that Jesus was taken after His arrest...we read of this place in John 19:13-17.
Note on this floor you can still see where the Roman soldiers carved out some of the games they played
Posted from my iPad
Note on this floor you can still see where the Roman soldiers carved out some of the games they played
Posted from my iPad
Holocaust museum...being mistaken for a Local...and substitute congregants!
I went to the holocaust museum yesterday or Yad Vashem, unfortunately I chose to go on the same day as some important Israeli army guy, I could tell by the fact that he had a very big entourage, people opening the door for him everywhere he went, as well as a photographer following him around...so all this meant that mere mortals such as myself were not allowed to take any photographs of the museum yesterday.
But it was a powerful and moving experience none the less, especially when I entered the hall of names (it is this big hall filled with black files which contain the names of all the Jews killed during WWII), this room is about three levels high...about six million names. It was a powerful and painful reminder of what humanity is capable of without the light of God in us guiding us, a reminder of the evil of prejudice!
I was sitting in a public park with olive trees everywhere, having my quiet time when a local came up to me asking me for directions in Hebrew, I told him that I don't understand...he then responded with, "Oh...you look like you live here.." (you see I didn't shave this morning).
I also went to the Bible lands archaeological museum, another very cool place (some find these museums very boring, I on the other hand can spend my whole day there). The photo you see is a very interesting artifact...it is from the kingdom of Sumer or Sumeria or you might know it as Mesopotamia. It is a small limestone figurine of a male worshippers. They were used in the temple by both male and female Sumerian citizens (dating back to about 2600-2300 B.C.E)...what did they use them for you ask.
They would put these figurines in the temple in their place, so that they could go and do their thing i.e. do the washing or plough the fields, do whatever...and these clay figurines would then be in church in their place representing them.
Now I can just imagine me arriving at church one Sunday only to find a church full of limestone figurines instead of people because they are all out shopping at Clearwater Mall. Imagine that...how would we take up the offering?
- Posted from my iPad
But it was a powerful and moving experience none the less, especially when I entered the hall of names (it is this big hall filled with black files which contain the names of all the Jews killed during WWII), this room is about three levels high...about six million names. It was a powerful and painful reminder of what humanity is capable of without the light of God in us guiding us, a reminder of the evil of prejudice!
I was sitting in a public park with olive trees everywhere, having my quiet time when a local came up to me asking me for directions in Hebrew, I told him that I don't understand...he then responded with, "Oh...you look like you live here.." (you see I didn't shave this morning).
I also went to the Bible lands archaeological museum, another very cool place (some find these museums very boring, I on the other hand can spend my whole day there). The photo you see is a very interesting artifact...it is from the kingdom of Sumer or Sumeria or you might know it as Mesopotamia. It is a small limestone figurine of a male worshippers. They were used in the temple by both male and female Sumerian citizens (dating back to about 2600-2300 B.C.E)...what did they use them for you ask.
They would put these figurines in the temple in their place, so that they could go and do their thing i.e. do the washing or plough the fields, do whatever...and these clay figurines would then be in church in their place representing them.
Now I can just imagine me arriving at church one Sunday only to find a church full of limestone figurines instead of people because they are all out shopping at Clearwater Mall. Imagine that...how would we take up the offering?
- Posted from my iPad
Location:יצחק קריב,Jerusalem,Israel
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The Israel Museum...a very cool place...best day ever!
Sample of a Roman water pipe
Some of the granite art found at Caesarea Maritime
8th century altar note the serpent on the front right (ancient fertility symbol)
Artemis, the greek goddess of the hunt, wild animals and fertility (notice all the boobs)
Aphrodite the greek goddess of love and beauty
The ossuary of Caiaphas the high priest
The only known object of the time that bears the inscription of Pontius Pilate found in the theater at Caesarea
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Bethlehem
I had another interesting and fun day as I took a taxi to Bethlehem which is in the west bank and is today a Palestinian town. There were a couple of army checkpoints and I had to take my passport with. I wanted to see the birthplace of Jesus as this is one of the best authenticated sites in all of Israel. It got very interesting when I wanted to leave the west bank to go back to Jerusalem. When we stopped at the checkpoint, I showed the Israeli soldier my passport and after examining my passport for several seconds he wanted to know where my visa was? "Visa, what visa?" I asked...he was adamant that I needed a visa...I protested and finally the matter went to his supervisor who told him that I didn't need a visa...and all was well with the world. For a moment I thought here I am stuck in Palestine!
Background...
There is a church built on the supposed site of Jesus's birth, called the Church of the Nativity.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah,out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2)
Bethlehem is about 9 kilometres south of Jerusalem just off the main road to Hebron and Egypt. The town of Bethlehem is mentioned frequently in the Bible. Its location became sacred when Jacob buried his beloved wife Rachel by the road side near the entrance to Bethlehem. (Genesis 35:19; 48:7). It is possible that Salma, the son of Caleb, built the first Jewish settlement there (1 Chronicles 2:51). The town and surrounding fields also feature prominently in the romantic love story of Ruth and Boaz who became the great-grandparents of David (Ruth 1; 2:4; 4:11). The town grew in prominence when Samuel anointed the shepherd boy David, to be king of Israel there (1 Samuel 16:4-13). By New Testament times Bethlehem had come to be known as 'The town of David' (Luke 2:4,11).
Around 700 B.C. the prophet Micah predicted that someone greater than David would be born in Bethlehem whose origins, incredibly, would be earlier than his human birth (Micah 5:2). When the Magi came from the East searching for the one to be born king of the Jews, Herod consulted with the chief priests and biblical scholars, who it seems knew full well the significance of Micah's prophecy (Luke 2:1-8; John 7:42).
Bethlehem is therefore unique. It is the place where Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, entered our world and became a human being. It is hard to comprehend the wonder and enormity of this fact. Words cannot improve on the declaration of the angels to the shepherds, "Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11).
Faith Lesson...
To enter the church one must first stoop low below the lintel. Now I know what you are thinking...it cant be that low, only really tall people must stoop, but no...even I had to stoop! (this current entrance was designed in the 16th century to protect the worshippers from attack by hostile Muslim neighbors.) But isn't that what Jesus did when He came to earth? Humbled Himself for our sake...
The tallest must stoop the furthest, only children can enter without bending down.
What a lesson in humility.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, asking, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” So Jesus called a child to come and stand in front of them, and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child. (Matthew 18:1-4 GNT)
Incidentally, in Hebrew, Bethlehem means 'The house of bread'. How appropriate that the One who said "I am the Bread of Life" should be born in the house of bread. On another occasion Jesus said, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink." (John 6:54-55). Let us indeed feed on Him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
- Posted from my iPad
Background...
There is a church built on the supposed site of Jesus's birth, called the Church of the Nativity.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah,out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2)
Bethlehem is about 9 kilometres south of Jerusalem just off the main road to Hebron and Egypt. The town of Bethlehem is mentioned frequently in the Bible. Its location became sacred when Jacob buried his beloved wife Rachel by the road side near the entrance to Bethlehem. (Genesis 35:19; 48:7). It is possible that Salma, the son of Caleb, built the first Jewish settlement there (1 Chronicles 2:51). The town and surrounding fields also feature prominently in the romantic love story of Ruth and Boaz who became the great-grandparents of David (Ruth 1; 2:4; 4:11). The town grew in prominence when Samuel anointed the shepherd boy David, to be king of Israel there (1 Samuel 16:4-13). By New Testament times Bethlehem had come to be known as 'The town of David' (Luke 2:4,11).
Around 700 B.C. the prophet Micah predicted that someone greater than David would be born in Bethlehem whose origins, incredibly, would be earlier than his human birth (Micah 5:2). When the Magi came from the East searching for the one to be born king of the Jews, Herod consulted with the chief priests and biblical scholars, who it seems knew full well the significance of Micah's prophecy (Luke 2:1-8; John 7:42).
Bethlehem is therefore unique. It is the place where Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, entered our world and became a human being. It is hard to comprehend the wonder and enormity of this fact. Words cannot improve on the declaration of the angels to the shepherds, "Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11).
Faith Lesson...
To enter the church one must first stoop low below the lintel. Now I know what you are thinking...it cant be that low, only really tall people must stoop, but no...even I had to stoop! (this current entrance was designed in the 16th century to protect the worshippers from attack by hostile Muslim neighbors.) But isn't that what Jesus did when He came to earth? Humbled Himself for our sake...
The tallest must stoop the furthest, only children can enter without bending down.
What a lesson in humility.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, asking, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” So Jesus called a child to come and stand in front of them, and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child. (Matthew 18:1-4 GNT)
Incidentally, in Hebrew, Bethlehem means 'The house of bread'. How appropriate that the One who said "I am the Bread of Life" should be born in the house of bread. On another occasion Jesus said, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink." (John 6:54-55). Let us indeed feed on Him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
- Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
Friday, July 27, 2012
En Gedi -Living Waters
David left and went to the region of Engedi, where he stayed in hiding. (1 Samuel 23:29 GNT)
Background...
Along the western shore of the Dead Sea, the barren hills of the Judean wilderness descend through deep ridges and, for most of the year, dry gullies. Freshwater springs are rare but the most spectacular and abundant is to be found about mid-way along the shore at En Gedi, some 30 kilometres south east of Hebron.
Hot water springs burst from the ground about 100 metres above the cliff base forming a beautiful cascading waterfall sustaining a semitropical oasis of rich vegetation all year round.
Aptly named, En-Gedi means 'spring' or 'fountain of the kid'. It was first known as Hazezon Tamar which means 'pruning of palms' suggesting that date palms also once grew here (Genesis 14:7; 2 Chronicles 20:2). En-Gedi was inhabited by the Amorites in the days of Abraham (Genesis 14:7), was allotted to Judah (Joshua 15:62), and in the reign of Solomon was renowned for its vineyards (Song 1:14). It was also an important source of aromatic and medicinal plants including henna and balsam. Archaeological remains dated to the time of Josiah (ca. 639-6-09 B.C.) show evidence that perfumes were produced here.
En-Gedi is probably remembered most of all for being the place of refuge where David hid from king Saul and his army of 3,000 men (1 Samuel 23:29-24:1). There are many caves in the area of En Gedi and on one occasion the rugged terrain enabled David to take advantage of Saul who had entered a cave to relieve himself. David's men took this as a providential sign that they should kill Saul (1 Samuel 24:4). This would have secured David's claim to the throne, already confirmed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). David, however, resisted the temptation. In his conscience he knew that such an action was wrong. It was not cowardice but courage David displayed in refusing to kill Saul. He acknowledged that God had appointed Saul and God alone would judge between them vindicating David at the right time (1 Samuel 24:12-15, 26:10-11).
Faith lesson...
During this difficult time in his life David learnt about patience and trusting in the revealed character of God. Perhaps David shared this experience with his son Solomon for he later wrote, 'The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.' (Proverbs 21:1).
David's experience in En-Gedi remind us not to interpret our own circumstances too quickly. Instead we should weigh our circumstances carefully in the light of our conscience and above all in the light of God's word. Just another thought...after my hike up and down mount Masada I thought I was going to die, I was absolutely drenched with sweat and completely overheated. When I saw this waterfall and nobody was around I jumped in and I was transported from "hell" into "heaven" (To think David could have swam in that same stream). How refreshing and life giving that fresh mountain water was - I was reminded of Jesus's conversation with the woman at the well in John's gospel. Jesus quenches our "thirst", as we remain in Him and carry His word with us.
The best way to develop a similar intimacy with God (as David) is to take time alone with him and with an open Bible find nourishment and refreshment at your very own spiritual En-Gedi. The psalms, many of which were inspired in this region, are a good place to start (see Psalms 18; 54, 56-57, 59, 63, 142).
- Posted from my iPad
Background...
Along the western shore of the Dead Sea, the barren hills of the Judean wilderness descend through deep ridges and, for most of the year, dry gullies. Freshwater springs are rare but the most spectacular and abundant is to be found about mid-way along the shore at En Gedi, some 30 kilometres south east of Hebron.
Hot water springs burst from the ground about 100 metres above the cliff base forming a beautiful cascading waterfall sustaining a semitropical oasis of rich vegetation all year round.
Aptly named, En-Gedi means 'spring' or 'fountain of the kid'. It was first known as Hazezon Tamar which means 'pruning of palms' suggesting that date palms also once grew here (Genesis 14:7; 2 Chronicles 20:2). En-Gedi was inhabited by the Amorites in the days of Abraham (Genesis 14:7), was allotted to Judah (Joshua 15:62), and in the reign of Solomon was renowned for its vineyards (Song 1:14). It was also an important source of aromatic and medicinal plants including henna and balsam. Archaeological remains dated to the time of Josiah (ca. 639-6-09 B.C.) show evidence that perfumes were produced here.
En-Gedi is probably remembered most of all for being the place of refuge where David hid from king Saul and his army of 3,000 men (1 Samuel 23:29-24:1). There are many caves in the area of En Gedi and on one occasion the rugged terrain enabled David to take advantage of Saul who had entered a cave to relieve himself. David's men took this as a providential sign that they should kill Saul (1 Samuel 24:4). This would have secured David's claim to the throne, already confirmed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). David, however, resisted the temptation. In his conscience he knew that such an action was wrong. It was not cowardice but courage David displayed in refusing to kill Saul. He acknowledged that God had appointed Saul and God alone would judge between them vindicating David at the right time (1 Samuel 24:12-15, 26:10-11).
Faith lesson...
During this difficult time in his life David learnt about patience and trusting in the revealed character of God. Perhaps David shared this experience with his son Solomon for he later wrote, 'The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.' (Proverbs 21:1).
David's experience in En-Gedi remind us not to interpret our own circumstances too quickly. Instead we should weigh our circumstances carefully in the light of our conscience and above all in the light of God's word. Just another thought...after my hike up and down mount Masada I thought I was going to die, I was absolutely drenched with sweat and completely overheated. When I saw this waterfall and nobody was around I jumped in and I was transported from "hell" into "heaven" (To think David could have swam in that same stream). How refreshing and life giving that fresh mountain water was - I was reminded of Jesus's conversation with the woman at the well in John's gospel. Jesus quenches our "thirst", as we remain in Him and carry His word with us.
The best way to develop a similar intimacy with God (as David) is to take time alone with him and with an open Bible find nourishment and refreshment at your very own spiritual En-Gedi. The psalms, many of which were inspired in this region, are a good place to start (see Psalms 18; 54, 56-57, 59, 63, 142).
- Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
Fun day
Hi All
I had a really fun day today. It started nice and early (about 3:30am) I arrived at Masada before sunrise and hiked up to the ancient ruins atop the mountain...here are some photo's.
Masada has an interesting history. Herod build a fortress here about 30 BC. Then the Jews revolted in 66 CE and took possession of the fortress and defended it for months before their final demise.
This is the western side of the fortress which is where the Romans breached the defenses
Guard towers
This is a Byzantine or crusader church
This is the Northern Palace
The Store rooms
The Army Commander's residence
I thought I was fit but goodness me it was tough getting up there ( and back down again, there is a cable car but I am on a budget) even at 5 in the morning it must have been close to 30 degrees (it is summer in the Judean Wilderness). I then went to En Gedi (see next blog), on the way to the dead sea we stopped at the qumeran mountains you will remeber that this is the place where they found the dead sea scroll (see photo)
and finally I went to the dead see.
That is Jordan on the other side of the dead sea. This whole region I was in today is in the West bank.
- Posted from my iPad
I had a really fun day today. It started nice and early (about 3:30am) I arrived at Masada before sunrise and hiked up to the ancient ruins atop the mountain...here are some photo's.
Masada has an interesting history. Herod build a fortress here about 30 BC. Then the Jews revolted in 66 CE and took possession of the fortress and defended it for months before their final demise.
This is the western side of the fortress which is where the Romans breached the defenses
Guard towers
This is a Byzantine or crusader church
This is the Northern Palace
The Store rooms
The Army Commander's residence
I thought I was fit but goodness me it was tough getting up there ( and back down again, there is a cable car but I am on a budget) even at 5 in the morning it must have been close to 30 degrees (it is summer in the Judean Wilderness). I then went to En Gedi (see next blog), on the way to the dead sea we stopped at the qumeran mountains you will remeber that this is the place where they found the dead sea scroll (see photo)
and finally I went to the dead see.
That is Jordan on the other side of the dead sea. This whole region I was in today is in the West bank.
- Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Explanation...
Just a note
What I will do with most blog entries is first give some background and then at the end try and apply it with a Faith lesson. So if you are not interested in all the background info you can scroll down to the bottom for a little devotion (I won't mind...really)
Blessings
Paul
P.S. Tomorrow it's the dead sea...
- Posted from my iPad
What I will do with most blog entries is first give some background and then at the end try and apply it with a Faith lesson. So if you are not interested in all the background info you can scroll down to the bottom for a little devotion (I won't mind...really)
Blessings
Paul
P.S. Tomorrow it's the dead sea...
- Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
Garden of Gethsemane
Background...
After the last supper, the NT tells us, Jesus and His disciples came to a place called "Gethsemane". There he agonized, and prayed, and there in the end, He was betrayed and arrested.
"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Grief and anguish came over him, and he said to them, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
He went a little farther on, threw himself face downward on the ground, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.”
Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, “How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me for even one hour? Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Once more Jesus went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” He returned once more and found the disciples asleep; they could not keep their eyes open.
Again Jesus left them, went away, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then he returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me!”
Jesus was still speaking when Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs and sent by the chief priests and the elders. The traitor had given the crowd a signal: “The man I kiss is the one you want. Arrest him!”
Judas went straight to Jesus and said, “Peace be with you, Teacher,” and kissed him. (Matthew 26:36-49 GNT)
Gethsemane gets its name from the Aramaic or Hebrew word for "oil press". What is interesting to me is that according to some botanists these old olive trees could be older than christianity itself.
Faith lesson...
Funny story...I left nice and early and walked to the Mt. Of Olives and when I got to the garden of Gethsemane there was not a soul anywhere to be found and I sat for a long time all by myself in quiet contemplation...only it wasn't the garden of Gethsemane...I was sitting in some guy's private garden until he came and chased me away. He was not impressed with me at all.
Eventually I found the "real" garden of Gethsemane (don't get me started on that issue). I must say I found today much more meaningful and real because this was just a quiet garden with no fancy, shiny, touristy adornments and decorations. Perhaps that is why I struggled so much yesterday because everything I saw was the exact opposite of everything Jesus was and stood for...and today in the quiet of the garden away from the glitz and glam, I saw that these ancient trees are still bearing fruit and what a powerful image that was for me.
Firstly, I see myself as that fruit. Here I am thousands of years later, the result of the passion of Christ all those years ago, I am the result of his prayers and obedience all those years ago...here I am! I am that New Fruit.
Secondly, all the people I tell about Jesus are that new fruit. Every time you and I step out in faith for God and share with the world His love for humanity...who knows what the result will, who can imagine the fruit that, that act of obedience will bear...how many generations will be changed because of my obedience today.
What fruit will your actions bear?
- Posted from my iPad
After the last supper, the NT tells us, Jesus and His disciples came to a place called "Gethsemane". There he agonized, and prayed, and there in the end, He was betrayed and arrested.
"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Grief and anguish came over him, and he said to them, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
He went a little farther on, threw himself face downward on the ground, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.”
Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, “How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me for even one hour? Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Once more Jesus went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” He returned once more and found the disciples asleep; they could not keep their eyes open.
Again Jesus left them, went away, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then he returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me!”
Jesus was still speaking when Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs and sent by the chief priests and the elders. The traitor had given the crowd a signal: “The man I kiss is the one you want. Arrest him!”
Judas went straight to Jesus and said, “Peace be with you, Teacher,” and kissed him. (Matthew 26:36-49 GNT)
Gethsemane gets its name from the Aramaic or Hebrew word for "oil press". What is interesting to me is that according to some botanists these old olive trees could be older than christianity itself.
Faith lesson...
Funny story...I left nice and early and walked to the Mt. Of Olives and when I got to the garden of Gethsemane there was not a soul anywhere to be found and I sat for a long time all by myself in quiet contemplation...only it wasn't the garden of Gethsemane...I was sitting in some guy's private garden until he came and chased me away. He was not impressed with me at all.
Eventually I found the "real" garden of Gethsemane (don't get me started on that issue). I must say I found today much more meaningful and real because this was just a quiet garden with no fancy, shiny, touristy adornments and decorations. Perhaps that is why I struggled so much yesterday because everything I saw was the exact opposite of everything Jesus was and stood for...and today in the quiet of the garden away from the glitz and glam, I saw that these ancient trees are still bearing fruit and what a powerful image that was for me.
Firstly, I see myself as that fruit. Here I am thousands of years later, the result of the passion of Christ all those years ago, I am the result of his prayers and obedience all those years ago...here I am! I am that New Fruit.
Secondly, all the people I tell about Jesus are that new fruit. Every time you and I step out in faith for God and share with the world His love for humanity...who knows what the result will, who can imagine the fruit that, that act of obedience will bear...how many generations will be changed because of my obedience today.
What fruit will your actions bear?
- Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
Golgotha and the Garden Tomb
"At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there." (John 19:41-42)
Background...
There are two places associated with Calvary in Jerusalem today. The traditional site has been venerated since before Hadrian (117-138) built a pagan shrine to Venus over the tomb and a statue to Jupiter on Golgotha to eliminate the Christian churches. In 326 Queen Helena, the mother of the emperor Constantine was shown the site by Bishop Macarius, and had the pagan temple demolished.
In its place she built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to encompass both the site of Calvary and the tomb of Jesus.
The other location, north of the Damascus Gate, has been venerated since 1885 when the rather eccentric General Charles Gordon popularised the notion that a rocky hill at the back of a disused quarry appeared to match the skull like description of Calvary. One of its names Betha-Sekilah means 'Place of Stoning'. Its proximity to a tomb discovered in 1849 seemed to corroborate this assertion. The tomb itself may date from the time of Herod Agrippa (A.D. 37-44), although the doorway and windows appear to be Byzantine or later. Gordon disputed the authenticity of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre because it lie within the walls of Jerusalem. Jews would not bury their dead within a populated area because tombs were regarded as unclean. What Gordon did not appreciate, however, was that the Ottoman walls of the 16th Century were built further north than those of the 1st Century Roman Jerusalem so later encompassing the area around the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre. (On the floor just inside the entrance is this pink stone of Unction, where it is said, the body of Jesus was cleansed and prepared for burial)
Evangelical tastes also came to prefer the simplicity of the Garden Tomb to the ornate and complex oriental religious shrines within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Scriptures give us some clues as to the location of Calvary. Matthew, Luke and John specifically mention that this was a new tomb in which no one had yet been buried, one that was sealed with a rolling stone (Matthew 27:59-60; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:41). John and the writer of Hebrews emphasise that Jesus was crucified outside the city walls (John 19:20; Hebrews 13:12) while John specifically mentions that the tomb was within a garden (John 19:41). Matthew adds that Jesus was buried in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin who had not consented to the execution of Jesus but was himself a secret disciple (Matthew 27:57-60).
The place where Christ was crucified is called Golgotha in the Gospels. This is the transliteration of an Aramaic word meaning "the place of the skull" (Mark 15:22). The word is also used twice in the Old Testament literally of the skulls of Abimelech and Jezebel (Judges 9:53; 2 Kings 9:35). Our English word "Calvary" means the same thing and comes from the Latin "calvaria". It is probable that the location was given this name because it was a place of execution and a skull symbolised death.
In ancient Palestine, caves were commonly used as graves or tombs. Over several generations, members of the same family would share a cave to bury their deceased. The word "sepulchre" is translated from the Hebrew and refers to a niche that was carved out of the side of the cave in which the body of a deceased person would be placed (Genesis 23:6). When only the bones remained they would be gathered and placed at the back of the cave, sometimes in a sarcophagus. Jewish tombs had small niches carved out of the walls in which bodies were placed. 1st Century examples of these can still be seen at the back of the Syrian chapel within the Church of the Resurrection, ironically named the Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
Faith Lesson...
The most significant fact about the tomb of Jesus, however, is not its exact geographical location. What matters is that it empty! "He is not here He is risen" (Luke 24:6). Only after they had encountered the risen Lord did the disciples begin to comprehend his incredible promise, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26). At Golgotha heaven and earth unite, where time and eternity meet. The place uniquely demonstrates to us the extent of God's unconditional love, the cost of achieving forgiveness for our sin, and proclaims the assurance of life everlasting. Have you acknowledged that Jesus died in your place in order that you may share his risen life? (1 Peter 3:18; Romans 5:8).
- Posted from my iPad
Background...
There are two places associated with Calvary in Jerusalem today. The traditional site has been venerated since before Hadrian (117-138) built a pagan shrine to Venus over the tomb and a statue to Jupiter on Golgotha to eliminate the Christian churches. In 326 Queen Helena, the mother of the emperor Constantine was shown the site by Bishop Macarius, and had the pagan temple demolished.
In its place she built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to encompass both the site of Calvary and the tomb of Jesus.
The other location, north of the Damascus Gate, has been venerated since 1885 when the rather eccentric General Charles Gordon popularised the notion that a rocky hill at the back of a disused quarry appeared to match the skull like description of Calvary. One of its names Betha-Sekilah means 'Place of Stoning'. Its proximity to a tomb discovered in 1849 seemed to corroborate this assertion. The tomb itself may date from the time of Herod Agrippa (A.D. 37-44), although the doorway and windows appear to be Byzantine or later. Gordon disputed the authenticity of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre because it lie within the walls of Jerusalem. Jews would not bury their dead within a populated area because tombs were regarded as unclean. What Gordon did not appreciate, however, was that the Ottoman walls of the 16th Century were built further north than those of the 1st Century Roman Jerusalem so later encompassing the area around the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre. (On the floor just inside the entrance is this pink stone of Unction, where it is said, the body of Jesus was cleansed and prepared for burial)
Evangelical tastes also came to prefer the simplicity of the Garden Tomb to the ornate and complex oriental religious shrines within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Scriptures give us some clues as to the location of Calvary. Matthew, Luke and John specifically mention that this was a new tomb in which no one had yet been buried, one that was sealed with a rolling stone (Matthew 27:59-60; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:41). John and the writer of Hebrews emphasise that Jesus was crucified outside the city walls (John 19:20; Hebrews 13:12) while John specifically mentions that the tomb was within a garden (John 19:41). Matthew adds that Jesus was buried in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin who had not consented to the execution of Jesus but was himself a secret disciple (Matthew 27:57-60).
The place where Christ was crucified is called Golgotha in the Gospels. This is the transliteration of an Aramaic word meaning "the place of the skull" (Mark 15:22). The word is also used twice in the Old Testament literally of the skulls of Abimelech and Jezebel (Judges 9:53; 2 Kings 9:35). Our English word "Calvary" means the same thing and comes from the Latin "calvaria". It is probable that the location was given this name because it was a place of execution and a skull symbolised death.
In ancient Palestine, caves were commonly used as graves or tombs. Over several generations, members of the same family would share a cave to bury their deceased. The word "sepulchre" is translated from the Hebrew and refers to a niche that was carved out of the side of the cave in which the body of a deceased person would be placed (Genesis 23:6). When only the bones remained they would be gathered and placed at the back of the cave, sometimes in a sarcophagus. Jewish tombs had small niches carved out of the walls in which bodies were placed. 1st Century examples of these can still be seen at the back of the Syrian chapel within the Church of the Resurrection, ironically named the Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
Faith Lesson...
The most significant fact about the tomb of Jesus, however, is not its exact geographical location. What matters is that it empty! "He is not here He is risen" (Luke 24:6). Only after they had encountered the risen Lord did the disciples begin to comprehend his incredible promise, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26). At Golgotha heaven and earth unite, where time and eternity meet. The place uniquely demonstrates to us the extent of God's unconditional love, the cost of achieving forgiveness for our sin, and proclaims the assurance of life everlasting. Have you acknowledged that Jesus died in your place in order that you may share his risen life? (1 Peter 3:18; Romans 5:8).
- Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Healing - Pool of Bethesda
Next to the lions gate you will find the church of St. Anne, it was built by the crusaders in 1140. According to tradition the virgin Mary was born in a grotto over which the church was built and is named after her mother.
In the same compound are the excavated pools of Bethesda. This was a large public reservoir in use during the 1st century BC and the first century AD.
The actual bathing pools were the small ones and the Crusaders built the church over the bigger pools to the east.
Faith lesson...
After this, Jesus went to Jerusalem for a religious festival. Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool with five porches; in Hebrew it is called Bethzatha. A large crowd of sick people were lying on the porches—the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. A man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus saw him lying there, and he knew that the man had been sick for such a long time; so he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
The sick man answered, “Sir, I don't have anyone here to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am trying to get in, somebody else gets there first.”
Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” (John 5:1-3, 5-8 GNT)
Jesus asks what to me is a very intriguing question, "do you want to get well?" In Luke's gospel Jesus had another encounter, this time with a blind beggar...
As Jesus was coming near Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the road, begging. When he heard the crowd passing by, he asked, “What is this?”
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him.
He cried out, “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!”
The people in front scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David! Have mercy on me!”
So Jesus stopped and ordered the blind man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Sir,” he answered, “I want to see again.”
Jesus said to him, “Then see! Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 18:35-42 GNT)
You will notice that Jesus asks him pretty much the same question: what do you want me to do for you...
Now this is interesting to me because I would have thought that it was pretty obvious...they needed to and wanted to be healed!
Could Jesus perhaps have asked this question because he understands that the inner person (the eternal) is far more important than the the earthly body (the temporal). God looks at the heart...and so I am reminded of an earlier conversation Jesus had with a woman in Luke's gospel. She said that blessed and happy must be the woman who gave birth to Him. Jesus replied no - happy, blessed (healed) is the person who hears and obeys the word of God.
So Jesus asked, "what do you want me to do for you?"
I think that we must understand that our healing, true healing is and always will be closely connected to hearing and obey the word of God, for a healthy soul is more important than a healthy body (not saying that a healthy body is not important).
Posted from my iPad
In the same compound are the excavated pools of Bethesda. This was a large public reservoir in use during the 1st century BC and the first century AD.
The actual bathing pools were the small ones and the Crusaders built the church over the bigger pools to the east.
Faith lesson...
After this, Jesus went to Jerusalem for a religious festival. Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool with five porches; in Hebrew it is called Bethzatha. A large crowd of sick people were lying on the porches—the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. A man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus saw him lying there, and he knew that the man had been sick for such a long time; so he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
The sick man answered, “Sir, I don't have anyone here to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am trying to get in, somebody else gets there first.”
Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” (John 5:1-3, 5-8 GNT)
Jesus asks what to me is a very intriguing question, "do you want to get well?" In Luke's gospel Jesus had another encounter, this time with a blind beggar...
As Jesus was coming near Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the road, begging. When he heard the crowd passing by, he asked, “What is this?”
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him.
He cried out, “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!”
The people in front scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David! Have mercy on me!”
So Jesus stopped and ordered the blind man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Sir,” he answered, “I want to see again.”
Jesus said to him, “Then see! Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 18:35-42 GNT)
You will notice that Jesus asks him pretty much the same question: what do you want me to do for you...
Now this is interesting to me because I would have thought that it was pretty obvious...they needed to and wanted to be healed!
Could Jesus perhaps have asked this question because he understands that the inner person (the eternal) is far more important than the the earthly body (the temporal). God looks at the heart...and so I am reminded of an earlier conversation Jesus had with a woman in Luke's gospel. She said that blessed and happy must be the woman who gave birth to Him. Jesus replied no - happy, blessed (healed) is the person who hears and obeys the word of God.
So Jesus asked, "what do you want me to do for you?"
I think that we must understand that our healing, true healing is and always will be closely connected to hearing and obey the word of God, for a healthy soul is more important than a healthy body (not saying that a healthy body is not important).
Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
The Western Wall
"Do not be angry beyond measure, O Lord; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray, for we are all your people. Your sacred cities have become a desert; even Zion is a desert, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and glorious temple, where our fathers praised you, has been burned with fire, and all that we treasured lies in ruins. After all this, O Lord, will you hold yourself back? Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure?" (Isaiah 64:9-12).
David's lament has epitomised the deep feelings and aspirations of Jews down the centuries who have come to the Western or "Wailing" Wall to pray (Psalm 79:1,4-5). When the Temple was destroyed in July 70 A.D. the Western Wall became the focus of Jewish religious life in Jerusalem. The Hebrew prophets themselves gave an answer to this lament, although their message has not always been welcomed or heeded. "Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing..." (Joel 2:13-14)
The lowest seven courses of stone visible in the Western Wall date back to the Jewish Temple built by Herod the Great between 18 B.C. and A.D. 28. Below the pavement level a further 19 courses reach a depth of 21 metres. Some of these stones which make up the retaining wall of the Temple Mount measure more than 12 metres in length and one is known to weigh 400 tons. The Temple walls were constructed so precisely that there was no need for mortar or cement, the stones simply resting one on top of the other. The entire Western Wall of the Temple Mount is 485 metres long although only 57 metres is accessible today. Above the Herodian foundations, the stone work is made up of progressively smaller and smaller stones which date back to the Roman, Muslim and Ottoman periods.
It is possible that the open area adjacent to the Wall today was at the time of Christ an open plaza used for public gatherings, described by Josephus as the Xystos. It lies on top of some 21 metres of debris built up during the Hellenistic and Roman periods filling in and levelling what was once the Tyropoeon Valley. Archaeology has also revealed that this area was previously the site of a Hellenistic gymnasium built by Jason (2 Maccabees 4:12). Even earlier burial remains discovered here indicate that this area was outside Solomon's walls in the 8th Century BC. before the city expanded west.
Jews were prohibited from entering Jerusalem following the destruction of the city in A.D. 70 and it was not until sometime after the death of Harian in 138 that they were allowed to return annually on the 9th July to lament the destruction of the Temple. Gradually as the prohibition was relaxed Jews began to settle in Jerusalem in small numbers and come to pray near the Temple Mount on other occasions. With the capture of Jerusalem by the Muslims and the construction of shrines on the Temple Mount area Jews were again denied access and the Western Wall became the nearest location for pilgrimage. For many centuries Jews came here to pray, especially on Friday evenings at the beginning of their Sabbath, to lament the downfall of Jerusalem and the Temple. In 1930 the League of Nations declared the area around the Western Wall, known as the Moors Quarter, to be a Moslem holy place, although the narrow ally adjacent to the Wall measuring 47 metres by 4 metres remained accessible to Jews for prayer. However, when Israel occupied the city in 1967 they demolished Arab homes and mosques next to the Wall to create the wide plaza now utilised by Jews as a synagogue for prayer, celebrations and Barmitvah ceremonies.
Faith Lesson...
Today the Western Wall is a vivid reminder that God no longer dwells in temples made by hands (Acts 17:24). Jesus fulfilled and annulled the role of the Temple in the purposes of God. Jesus cleansed the Temple which was originally intended to be for all nations (John 2:13-17; Malachi 3:1). He also predicted the destruction of the Temple because the Jews rejected their Messiah (Matthew 23:37-24:2). Jesus taught that He Himself was greater than the Temple (Matthew 12:6) and when His authority was questioned described His body as the Temple that mattered (John 2:19). Jesus also taught that the Church would be the new eschatological Temple (Matthew 18:19-20; John 14:23) a theme developed by the Apostles (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16). By His death Jesus has opened a new way into the presence of God making the Jewish Temple unnecessary (Ephesians 2:14-22). The New Jerusalem which will one day come down from heaven needs no Temple for we shall see God face to face (Revelation 21:22; 22:4). God's answer therefore to those who still seek Him at the Western Wall may be summarised in Jesus reply to the Samaritan woman, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem... Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:21-24)
- Posted from my iPad
David's lament has epitomised the deep feelings and aspirations of Jews down the centuries who have come to the Western or "Wailing" Wall to pray (Psalm 79:1,4-5). When the Temple was destroyed in July 70 A.D. the Western Wall became the focus of Jewish religious life in Jerusalem. The Hebrew prophets themselves gave an answer to this lament, although their message has not always been welcomed or heeded. "Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing..." (Joel 2:13-14)
The lowest seven courses of stone visible in the Western Wall date back to the Jewish Temple built by Herod the Great between 18 B.C. and A.D. 28. Below the pavement level a further 19 courses reach a depth of 21 metres. Some of these stones which make up the retaining wall of the Temple Mount measure more than 12 metres in length and one is known to weigh 400 tons. The Temple walls were constructed so precisely that there was no need for mortar or cement, the stones simply resting one on top of the other. The entire Western Wall of the Temple Mount is 485 metres long although only 57 metres is accessible today. Above the Herodian foundations, the stone work is made up of progressively smaller and smaller stones which date back to the Roman, Muslim and Ottoman periods.
It is possible that the open area adjacent to the Wall today was at the time of Christ an open plaza used for public gatherings, described by Josephus as the Xystos. It lies on top of some 21 metres of debris built up during the Hellenistic and Roman periods filling in and levelling what was once the Tyropoeon Valley. Archaeology has also revealed that this area was previously the site of a Hellenistic gymnasium built by Jason (2 Maccabees 4:12). Even earlier burial remains discovered here indicate that this area was outside Solomon's walls in the 8th Century BC. before the city expanded west.
Jews were prohibited from entering Jerusalem following the destruction of the city in A.D. 70 and it was not until sometime after the death of Harian in 138 that they were allowed to return annually on the 9th July to lament the destruction of the Temple. Gradually as the prohibition was relaxed Jews began to settle in Jerusalem in small numbers and come to pray near the Temple Mount on other occasions. With the capture of Jerusalem by the Muslims and the construction of shrines on the Temple Mount area Jews were again denied access and the Western Wall became the nearest location for pilgrimage. For many centuries Jews came here to pray, especially on Friday evenings at the beginning of their Sabbath, to lament the downfall of Jerusalem and the Temple. In 1930 the League of Nations declared the area around the Western Wall, known as the Moors Quarter, to be a Moslem holy place, although the narrow ally adjacent to the Wall measuring 47 metres by 4 metres remained accessible to Jews for prayer. However, when Israel occupied the city in 1967 they demolished Arab homes and mosques next to the Wall to create the wide plaza now utilised by Jews as a synagogue for prayer, celebrations and Barmitvah ceremonies.
Faith Lesson...
Today the Western Wall is a vivid reminder that God no longer dwells in temples made by hands (Acts 17:24). Jesus fulfilled and annulled the role of the Temple in the purposes of God. Jesus cleansed the Temple which was originally intended to be for all nations (John 2:13-17; Malachi 3:1). He also predicted the destruction of the Temple because the Jews rejected their Messiah (Matthew 23:37-24:2). Jesus taught that He Himself was greater than the Temple (Matthew 12:6) and when His authority was questioned described His body as the Temple that mattered (John 2:19). Jesus also taught that the Church would be the new eschatological Temple (Matthew 18:19-20; John 14:23) a theme developed by the Apostles (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16). By His death Jesus has opened a new way into the presence of God making the Jewish Temple unnecessary (Ephesians 2:14-22). The New Jerusalem which will one day come down from heaven needs no Temple for we shall see God face to face (Revelation 21:22; 22:4). God's answer therefore to those who still seek Him at the Western Wall may be summarised in Jesus reply to the Samaritan woman, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem... Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:21-24)
- Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
The Walls of Jerusalem - The Things that Divide us...
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem." (Psalm 51:17-18)
Golden (Mercy) Gate — Facing the Mount of Olives on the eastern side of the Old City, this gate was constructed in the post-Byzantine period. According to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will enter Jerusalem through this gate. To prevent this, the Muslims sealed the gate during the rule of Suleiman.
The ancient city of Jerusalem is situated on a spur of land where three deep wadis, the Kidron, Tyropoean and Hinnom merge to form one valley sloping south toward the Dead Sea. Jerusalem was first settled by the Amorites and Hittites (Ezekiel 16:3,45). The name "Jerusalem" means "founded by the god Shalem" after one of the Amorite gods. Jerusalem's long history is written in its walls as they were built up, seiged, demolished, rebuilt and expanded by its successive inhabitants; so much so that Jerusalem has been the scene of conflict on over 40 occasions during its history.
The earliest walls of ancient settlements were often made of earth or clay bricks mixed with reed. Over time these were vulnerable to erosion from the weather, structural instability or destruction by fire. For this reason they are often difficult to locate or date with certainty (Isaiah 30:13; Amos 1:7,10,14). The earliest known walls of Jerusalem were made of stone and exploited the natural defensible terrain to the east, south and west (Isaiah 2:15; 9:10; Zephaniah 1:16).
Although mentioned in the demarcation of the land taken by Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 18:15), Jerusalem first gained significance to the Israelites when David captured the Jebusite city and made it his capital. He may have done so because it was more central than Hebron to the emerging kingdom formed from the twelve tribes of Israel. David made use of the Jebusite fortifications which may have included only one gate (2 Samuel 15:2). Solomon was probably the first to incorporate the northern hill of Mount Moriah within the city walls having built the Temple there around 1010 B.C. In 722 B.C. with the fall of the Northern kingdom, refugees arrived in Jerusalem and Hezekiah enlarged the walls to the west to contain the burgeoning population.
These walls were sufficiently impregnable to survive the seige of Sennacherib in 702 B.C. and traces remain today (2 Chronicles 32:5). Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, destroyed the city in 586 B.C. following a siege that lasted three years (2 Kings 25; Jeremiah 39). The Temple and palaces were destroyed by fire and the walls again razed to the ground. These were rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah in around 430 B.C. following the return of some of the Israelites from exile in Babylon (Nehemiah 2-3). Nehemiah's description of the walls and gates of Jerusalem is the most comprehensive to be found any where in the Bible. It is likely that use was made of the existing foundations and that the gates were given their former names (Nehemiah 12:31-39).
Josephus, the Jewish historian, provides us with the most detailed record of the walls of the 1st Century A.D. in his book The Jewish Wars. He specifically mentions three walls which incorporated the work of Solomon, Hezekiah, Nehemiah, the Hasmoneans and Herod the Great. Remains of a wall and tower dated to the 7th Century B.C. have been found under the Roman Cardo which are 4 metres thick and 8 metres high. Another discovery known as the Broad Wall, dated to the work of Hezekiah in the 8th Century B.C., is 7 metres wide.
With the capture of Jerusalem by the Romans, the city witnessed significant changes to its shape and size. In 41 A.D., for instance, Herod Agrippa doubled the size of the city by building a third wall on the north and west sides of the city which also, incidentally, brought the site of Calvary inside the wall. This was, however, never completed as the entire city was destroyed in A.D. 70 by the Romans. Hadrian eventually rebuilt the city, including its walls, renaming it Colonia Aelia Capitolina. His work included the enlargement of the northern wall which became 6 metres wide and 13 metres high with 90 towers. The walls of Jerusalem today, with their thirty-five towers and eight gates, are largely the work of Suleiman the Magnificent and date from the 16th Century. In places they are built over a patchwork of much earlier walls and gates and the immense layers of rubble accumulated over thousands of years.
Faith Lesson...
In the Bible, walls are used to symbolise many things but especially to describe salvation. It is good to remember that our security should never rest in stone defences but in God alone who is our eternal rock (Isaiah 26:1; 60:18). So often walls are built to exclude or divide people. Jesus Christ has broken down the wall of separation between Jew and Gentile that had once existed in the Temple, enabling all people to come to know God through Him. It is for us to live out this equal grace and common justice in our divided world (Ephesians 2:14). We are called to break down the walls that divide ...
- Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
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