Jerusalem: OT Walk

Shalom!

If this post seems a bit impersonal and jumbled – it is! :o) I wrote it for class in a hurry, so hopefully it makes sense. If I can go back and clarify it at a later time, I will. Also, we just returned from our NT walk, which I will be blogging on soon!

After spending the night in the Old City, we got up early and set off on our second Jerusalem walk, heading out first to the Israelite Broad Wall, built by Hezekiah in 701 BC. The wall was made of crude boulders, and it was massive, twenty-five feet thick and possibly that high as well. Discovered by an archaeologist from Hebrew University, this wall has shed important light on the minimalist/majority views which regard the growth of the city by 8th century B.C. The wall was built for protection from the Assyrian king Sennacharib, for Hezekiah had ceased to pay tribute, breaking the practice of his wicked father. When the final showdown took place, and Assyria laid siege to the city, the Angel of the Lord wiped out 185,000 men of their army, and saved the city from being taken. Blessed be the Lord! One last word – I don’t think I could have lived in those little houses found by the wall – they were tiny!

We then went over to a little museum and learned our five key dates for our study – 2000 B.C. (Abraham), 1400 B.C. (Joshua), 1000 B.C. (David), 701 B.C. (Hezekiah), and 586 B.C. (Babylonian conquest). After studying over these dates and viewing a model of the Old City of Jerusalem, we did something really cool. We went and ate pizza on the ancient Roman road called the Cardo. It was just amazing to sit and eat good food surrounded by such a historically rich atmosphere.

Following this, we proceeded out the southern Zion Gate, and went to the tomb of David. On the way, we saw the impressive Dormitian chapel, commemorating the “sleep” of Mary. It was not so much the antiquity that struck me – it’s not very old – but the design and the size against the blue sky was beautiful. At David’s tomb, which we learned wasn’t really David’s tomb, there were a bunch of Israeli soldiers. Most of them were kids my age! It reminded me of Mexico, seeing all the guns and kids in uniform.

This was the best place we saw the entire day. Although this place is not the tomb of David, it may be several other things of importance: the upper room where the last supper took place, an early assembling place for believers (from the inscriptions found and the orientation of the room), the house of Mary, mother of Mark, and the events of the Pentecost! My mind was reeling with thoughts, trying to picture the various events in the very area I was sitting.

We then proceeded to the area known as the City of David, and viewed what may have been the place where his palace sat. The story of Solomon’s high places to the foreign gods, and David’s sin with Bathsheba were much more vivid after taking in the “lay of the land”. What also impressed me was the stepstone structure – possibly the retaining wall to where the palace once was. The coolest thing I saw was an ancient toilet – I wanted to get my picture sitting on it – I guess that will have to be some other time.

We then learned about the water system, went through an awesome tunnel and viewed Warren’s Shaft, the possible route for Joab’s entry to the city, taking it by surprise. It was interesting to learn the care taken in protecting the water supply.We then hiked through the Hinnom Valley, viewing Ein Rogel and various tombs along the way, including a sweet open tomb where we got our picture taken. The bus was once again a site for sore eyes!

Dan