Welcome to day number seven! On this Welcome to day number seven! On
this day, we are going onto the Temple Mount. We went back to Old
Jerusalem, entering in through the Dung Gate. Because the Temple Mount is
controlled by the Palestinians (Muslims), we had to go through security.
Muslims have only recently (the last two or three years) started allowing
non-Muslims to enter into this area.
this day, we are going onto the Temple Mount. We went back to Old
Jerusalem, entering in through the Dung Gate. Because the Temple Mount is
controlled by the Palestinians (Muslims), we had to go through security.
Muslims have only recently (the last two or three years) started allowing
non-Muslims to enter into this area.
Israel - March 12, 2008
The gates in the above picture had been altered to allow non-Muslims (like ourselves) an entrance. The woman's line had been changed into the
security line while the men's line allows you to go directly into Old Jerusalem (anyone can go there). The Muslims will no longer allow infidels to go
into the Dome of the Rock, but they will allow them to go on the Temple Mount for a few hours in the morning. Interestingly, Christians and Jews are
allowed but no Bibles. Because there is some question as to where on the Temple Mount the Holy of Holies was located (only the High Priest could
enter there), orthodox Jews will not enter the Temple Mount at all, fearing they might accidentally walk into that sacred area. Secular Jews do go on
the Temple Mount.
The Temple Mount was surprisingly empty. A few sold postcards, a few guarded, and the remainder were tourist.
security line while the men's line allows you to go directly into Old Jerusalem (anyone can go there). The Muslims will no longer allow infidels to go
into the Dome of the Rock, but they will allow them to go on the Temple Mount for a few hours in the morning. Interestingly, Christians and Jews are
allowed but no Bibles. Because there is some question as to where on the Temple Mount the Holy of Holies was located (only the High Priest could
enter there), orthodox Jews will not enter the Temple Mount at all, fearing they might accidentally walk into that sacred area. Secular Jews do go on
the Temple Mount.
The Temple Mount was surprisingly empty. A few sold postcards, a few guarded, and the remainder were tourist.
Another recent change is that we were allowed to get within throwing distance of the Eastern Gates. These are the gates that have been sealed since the
Muslims built the walls in 1517. From the outside, they are completely bricked up (with stones). One of our group had been here a year or two ago and
had unknowingly wandered into the general area of the Eastern Gates, only to be instantly challenged by guards whom he had not even seen on the
Mount. His guide appeased them at that time by saying, "He's only a dumb American." We, however, could take these pictures. There are two gates, and
you are looking from the one gate to the left and then from the other gate to the right.
Muslims built the walls in 1517. From the outside, they are completely bricked up (with stones). One of our group had been here a year or two ago and
had unknowingly wandered into the general area of the Eastern Gates, only to be instantly challenged by guards whom he had not even seen on the
Mount. His guide appeased them at that time by saying, "He's only a dumb American." We, however, could take these pictures. There are two gates, and
you are looking from the one gate to the left and then from the other gate to the right.
We left the Temple Mount at another gate through the Old Jerusalem walls. It is called St. Stephen's Gate (the gate where Deacon Stephen was stoned) or
the Sheep Gate (the gate where the Jews brought the sheep in to water them). The first picture is looking through the gate out of the city. The second
looking from the gate into the city.
the Sheep Gate (the gate where the Jews brought the sheep in to water them). The first picture is looking through the gate out of the city. The second
looking from the gate into the city.
The pool where the sheep were water was Bethesda. This is where Jesus healed the man who had been impotent for 38 years (John 5). It was my
privilege to read that passage to our group at this location. This pool was surrounded by ceremonial baths and it is thought the paralyzed man might have
been laid by these baths, helping to better explain the reason he could never get to the pool. In the first picture below, the stairs lead down to the pool
with the baths being pictured to the right.
privilege to read that passage to our group at this location. This pool was surrounded by ceremonial baths and it is thought the paralyzed man might have
been laid by these baths, helping to better explain the reason he could never get to the pool. In the first picture below, the stairs lead down to the pool
with the baths being pictured to the right.
Israel has been conquered and rebuilt so many times since Jesus walked here that few things are as they were. If you see something original, it is likely
because it was found by either the Catholic Church or the Crusaders, who in turn built a church or shrine over it to protect it; or because it was buried
and rediscovered later. Unfortunately, the Catholic Church is so steeped in their traditions that Biblical truths are often hard to distinguish from the
tradition. Some of what we did today was to see the traditional Catholic sites.
For example, we next went to the Church of Saint Anne's. Tradition says that St. Anne was Mary's mother. While there is no Biblical or extra Biblical
evidence of this, the Catholics have built a church to commemorate this tradition. The church is circular and built completely of stone. The acoustics of
this church are renowned. Most every group sings while here and our group did so as well. Personally, I just took pictures. (We will have choir practice
at Saint Anne's this Sunday afternoon at 5:45. Don't be late!)
because it was found by either the Catholic Church or the Crusaders, who in turn built a church or shrine over it to protect it; or because it was buried
and rediscovered later. Unfortunately, the Catholic Church is so steeped in their traditions that Biblical truths are often hard to distinguish from the
tradition. Some of what we did today was to see the traditional Catholic sites.
For example, we next went to the Church of Saint Anne's. Tradition says that St. Anne was Mary's mother. While there is no Biblical or extra Biblical
evidence of this, the Catholics have built a church to commemorate this tradition. The church is circular and built completely of stone. The acoustics of
this church are renowned. Most every group sings while here and our group did so as well. Personally, I just took pictures. (We will have choir practice
at Saint Anne's this Sunday afternoon at 5:45. Don't be late!)
From there, we followed the Via Dolorosa. This is the supposed path,
created by the Catholics, of Jesus as He went from Pilate's Hall to the
cross. It is divided into fourteen events (called stations). Some of these
events happened, Some did not. They are only Catholic traditions.
However, with the possible exception of the first two, they could not have
happened on this route as the Catholics seem to be believe. Our guide
explained that everything related to Jesus' day would be at least 25 feet
BELOW the present-day surface. There are some original pavement blocks
on this level, but they were found 25 feet below the surface and raised to
today's level. However, that reality does not seem to stop the Catholic
Church from holding to their traditions.
For Stations One and Two, we went down into what looked to several of us
to be "catacomb-like" chambers. The area is called the Antonia Fortress
and is known to have been built by Herod. It is believed that this was the
hall called Praetorium (Mark 15:16), where Jesus was taken by Pilate's
soldier's to be mocked and beaten. This pavement is the original and was
very difficult to walk on.
created by the Catholics, of Jesus as He went from Pilate's Hall to the
cross. It is divided into fourteen events (called stations). Some of these
events happened, Some did not. They are only Catholic traditions.
However, with the possible exception of the first two, they could not have
happened on this route as the Catholics seem to be believe. Our guide
explained that everything related to Jesus' day would be at least 25 feet
BELOW the present-day surface. There are some original pavement blocks
on this level, but they were found 25 feet below the surface and raised to
today's level. However, that reality does not seem to stop the Catholic
Church from holding to their traditions.
For Stations One and Two, we went down into what looked to several of us
to be "catacomb-like" chambers. The area is called the Antonia Fortress
and is known to have been built by Herod. It is believed that this was the
hall called Praetorium (Mark 15:16), where Jesus was taken by Pilate's
soldier's to be mocked and beaten. This pavement is the original and was
very difficult to walk on.
A game had been etched into one of the stone squares. You probably cannot see the markings in the picture (I could barely see them standing where I
was), but some think this is the design the soldiers cast their lots upon to settle who would receive Jesus' garment (John 19:23-24).
was), but some think this is the design the soldiers cast their lots upon to settle who would receive Jesus' garment (John 19:23-24).
All of the stations may have had some type of shrine built on it (some of
which you could enter, some perhaps you could not), but we only stopped
at a few. We did go into Station Five, the supposed place where Simon
was constrained to carry the cross of Jesus (Luke 23:26). The inside was
beautifully decorated, and we read that Bible passage there; but what
caught my attention was a spot on the stone wall just outside the door. It
is said to be the spot where Jesus laid His hand as He rested on this path.
Of course, as I have already explained, this could not be the case, but so
many have lined up to touch that spot that the stone is being worn away!
(See the first picture below.)
which you could enter, some perhaps you could not), but we only stopped
at a few. We did go into Station Five, the supposed place where Simon
was constrained to carry the cross of Jesus (Luke 23:26). The inside was
beautifully decorated, and we read that Bible passage there; but what
caught my attention was a spot on the stone wall just outside the door. It
is said to be the spot where Jesus laid His hand as He rested on this path.
Of course, as I have already explained, this could not be the case, but so
many have lined up to touch that spot that the stone is being worn away!
(See the first picture below.)
Station Five also marks the place where Jesus began to climb Mount Calvary. This is obvious, in that, as we turned right off the main road, we started to
climb stairs leading us to the top of the mountain and to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This is a church building that now houses six different
religions. Three are major religions and three are not so well know. All six of these have a financial interests in the upkeep of this church. Inside this
church, on what is the top of Mount Calvary, a hole has been discovered which is said to be the hole in which Jesus' cross was stood. To get there, you
must go through an open outdoor area. Ronny has been told that the two chambers on that courtyard (pictured below) are two residents, where one these
churches house people who take only one meal per day and spend the remainder of the day praying.
climb stairs leading us to the top of the mountain and to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This is a church building that now houses six different
religions. Three are major religions and three are not so well know. All six of these have a financial interests in the upkeep of this church. Inside this
church, on what is the top of Mount Calvary, a hole has been discovered which is said to be the hole in which Jesus' cross was stood. To get there, you
must go through an open outdoor area. Ronny has been told that the two chambers on that courtyard (pictured below) are two residents, where one these
churches house people who take only one meal per day and spend the remainder of the day praying.
Then you go down through a small doorway which leads to a room
where a service was being conducted.
A small hall lead into another unoccupied church room.
Which lead us back outside where we turned to the right...
...before entering a gigantic, decorative hall. Almost immediately, we went up some steep stairs to a balcony area. This climb took us to the very top of
Mount Calvary; however, there were only two rock spots there, each enclosed in glass, that revealed any part of the mountain. The rest was a closed-in
building. The left side of this balcony is owned by the Greek Orthodox. The right side is owned by the Catholics (and is their Station 10). On the
Catholic side, stood a symbolic cross behind a stone table. Under the table is a small circular opening through the floor, maybe 6 inches in diameter,
just large enough for you to stick your hand through to touch the bottom of a stone hole.
Mount Calvary; however, there were only two rock spots there, each enclosed in glass, that revealed any part of the mountain. The rest was a closed-in
building. The left side of this balcony is owned by the Greek Orthodox. The right side is owned by the Catholics (and is their Station 10). On the
Catholic side, stood a symbolic cross behind a stone table. Under the table is a small circular opening through the floor, maybe 6 inches in diameter,
just large enough for you to stick your hand through to touch the bottom of a stone hole.
This is believed to be the hole in which Jesus' cross stood. As with most of the sites, no one knows for certain. No holes were found for the two thieves.
But JoyAnna and I weren't going to take any chances. We both stuck our hands in the hole to touch the bottom. Below are pictures of the only rock left
visible, both encased in glass, to the left and right of the hole. I suppose this is left there just to prove that we were on a mountain, for it is certain we
could not tell it by our surroundings.
But JoyAnna and I weren't going to take any chances. We both stuck our hands in the hole to touch the bottom. Below are pictures of the only rock left
visible, both encased in glass, to the left and right of the hole. I suppose this is left there just to prove that we were on a mountain, for it is certain we
could not tell it by our surroundings.
After placing our hands in the hole, we went down another very steep set of stairs (maybe 15 to 20 feet), back into the large hall we had first entered. In
the center is a flat rock where the body of Jesus is said to have been prepared for burying. It is called the Unction or the Anointing Stone.
the center is a flat rock where the body of Jesus is said to have been prepared for burying. It is called the Unction or the Anointing Stone.
That chamber leads ahead and to the right, into another great, round,
stone rotunda. In the middle, a large enshrined tomb (also circular) is
encased. The encasement is tall, perhaps 20 or more feet. It's
circumference was perhaps 125 feet round. We stood in line for around
75 minutes to be ushered, a few at a time, into the possible tomb of Jesus.
It consisted of two small chambers. The first had a stand containing "holy
water" for the Catholics.
stone rotunda. In the middle, a large enshrined tomb (also circular) is
encased. The encasement is tall, perhaps 20 or more feet. It's
circumference was perhaps 125 feet round. We stood in line for around
75 minutes to be ushered, a few at a time, into the possible tomb of Jesus.
It consisted of two small chambers. The first had a stand containing "holy
water" for the Catholics.
I was the last of five to stoop and enter the second chamber. The
chamber was so small that our bodies touched each other, forming a
half-moon as we pressed against the raised area where the body of
Jesus may have been laid. It likewise was encased in stone.
Unfortunately, because of the crowded conditions, I could not get a
good picture of the entire bed, but only a small portion of it.
chamber was so small that our bodies touched each other, forming a
half-moon as we pressed against the raised area where the body of
Jesus may have been laid. It likewise was encased in stone.
Unfortunately, because of the crowded conditions, I could not get a
good picture of the entire bed, but only a small portion of it.
ile we know that Jesus was crucified on Mount Calvary, there are two
popular locations for the tomb of Jesus. One is the above described
Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The second we will visit tomorrow. It is
called the Garden Tomb and is near a hill that looks like a skull or in the
Hebrew tongue, Golgotha (Matthew 27:33). I have always believed the
Garden Tomb to be the more likely spot, although it was only discovered
in the 1880's,
We had to travel through the markets of Old Jerusalem both to get to the
Church of the Holy Sepulcher and to leave it. This is an amazing place.
People both live and work inside Old Jerusalem. Their shops are usually
small, maybe 10 to 12 feet wide and twenty or thirty feet deep, but
everything you need (and a lot of things you don't) are sold there. It is
operated much like our Flea Markets, or if you have been to the
Bahamas, like their Straw Market. These shops are becoming
increasingly more modern with modern-day lighting, lavish interiors, and
glass fronts. Below are a variety of pictures.
popular locations for the tomb of Jesus. One is the above described
Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The second we will visit tomorrow. It is
called the Garden Tomb and is near a hill that looks like a skull or in the
Hebrew tongue, Golgotha (Matthew 27:33). I have always believed the
Garden Tomb to be the more likely spot, although it was only discovered
in the 1880's,
We had to travel through the markets of Old Jerusalem both to get to the
Church of the Holy Sepulcher and to leave it. This is an amazing place.
People both live and work inside Old Jerusalem. Their shops are usually
small, maybe 10 to 12 feet wide and twenty or thirty feet deep, but
everything you need (and a lot of things you don't) are sold there. It is
operated much like our Flea Markets, or if you have been to the
Bahamas, like their Straw Market. These shops are becoming
increasingly more modern with modern-day lighting, lavish interiors, and
glass fronts. Below are a variety of pictures.
I presently have no idea how many merchant shops are in Old Jerusalem, but the Green Pond gang is planning to spend the afternoon wandering from
one end of Old Jerusalem to the other tomorrow so perhaps we will have a better idea then.
After leaving Old Jerusalem, we rode the bus some 12 miles away to Ein Kerem. This is the traditional site (Catholic) of John the Baptist's birth. No,
you will not find that name in the Bible. It simply says the hill country of Judah, but this is a beautiful place and anything is possible. The name means
Spring of the Vineyard because it has water springs and was used as a place to grow vineyards.
one end of Old Jerusalem to the other tomorrow so perhaps we will have a better idea then.
After leaving Old Jerusalem, we rode the bus some 12 miles away to Ein Kerem. This is the traditional site (Catholic) of John the Baptist's birth. No,
you will not find that name in the Bible. It simply says the hill country of Judah, but this is a beautiful place and anything is possible. The name means
Spring of the Vineyard because it has water springs and was used as a place to grow vineyards.
From there, we took a residential route home through one of the oldest communities in Israel. It was tough getting the bus through some of those roads. As
Jimmy explained, when the roads were originally laid, they were laid out for horses and buggies! We drove past the residence of Benjamin Netanyahu, the
former Prime Minister of Israel.
Our trip is winding down. We said good-bye to our guide Jimmy tonight. For some reason, he will not be with us the last day of our tour. We have already
bid farewell to some of our group as well. They are taking an extension trip to Petra and wanted to do some things on their own before leaving tomorrow
afternoon. The Green Pond gang will also separate from the group for several hours tomorrow afternoon. After the Garden Tomb, the tour will be seeing a
few modern-day sights, but I want to go back to Old Jerusalem and study it more.
Pray for us. Our plane leaves from Tel Aviv, Thursday morning at 10:15 Israel time (3:15 AM, Green Pond time). We stop for several hours in Newark,
N.J. again, then, Lord willing, we arrive at Birmingham at 9:45 PM.
Time: 11:00 PM, Israel (4:00 PM, Green Pond) on March 11, 2008
Jimmy explained, when the roads were originally laid, they were laid out for horses and buggies! We drove past the residence of Benjamin Netanyahu, the
former Prime Minister of Israel.
Our trip is winding down. We said good-bye to our guide Jimmy tonight. For some reason, he will not be with us the last day of our tour. We have already
bid farewell to some of our group as well. They are taking an extension trip to Petra and wanted to do some things on their own before leaving tomorrow
afternoon. The Green Pond gang will also separate from the group for several hours tomorrow afternoon. After the Garden Tomb, the tour will be seeing a
few modern-day sights, but I want to go back to Old Jerusalem and study it more.
Pray for us. Our plane leaves from Tel Aviv, Thursday morning at 10:15 Israel time (3:15 AM, Green Pond time). We stop for several hours in Newark,
N.J. again, then, Lord willing, we arrive at Birmingham at 9:45 PM.
Time: 11:00 PM, Israel (4:00 PM, Green Pond) on March 11, 2008