Lost Temple Mount FOUND? Pt. 1

Many assume today that the Temple Mount within the old city of Jerusalem is where the Jewish or Old Testament temple originally stood. However, what if this was not the case? What if the temple were located elsewhere?

There is a theory that is gaining popularity that places the temple not on the traditional Temple Mount, but instead within the city of David. In our last trip to Israel, Elder Don Esposito with the Congregation of YHWH, Jerusalem, was gracious enough to help coordinate and serve as our tour guide. While there in Israel, he introduced the group to this theory.

While I was hesitant to believe this theory, it was difficult to refute. After returning home in November of 2016, I sought every reference I could find supporting this theory, including: The Temples that Jerusalem Forgot by Ernest Martin and Temple by Robert Cornuke. I also considered the counter-evidence. In all, I spent several hundred hours reviewing this theory.

Important, but Not Salvational

Before launching into the evidence supporting the temple as being located within the city of David, let us consider the importance of this theory. While this is not a salvational belief, it is a belief that may have far-reaching impact on prophecy.

The traditional Temple Mount contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Both of these buildings are sacred to Islam. For this reason it’s impossible today for the Jews to build a third temple on the Temple Mount. As a side note, Muslims call the Temple Mount the Haram esh-Sharif, meaning “the Noble Sanctuary.”

While it may not be possible for the Jews to rebuild a temple on today’s Temple Mount, nothing would hinder them from rebuilding within the city of David. However, for this to occur the Jews would also have to acknowledge that the current Temple Mount is not the location of the temple. Considering that the Temple Mount and Wailing Wall, which is believed to be the outer western wall to the ancient temple, is the holiest site in Judaism, such acceptance would not be easy.

For the Jews to accept that the temple was not on the Temple Mount, but instead within the city of David, evidence would have to be found so conclusive that even the most ardent Jew could not reject this realization. While this may never happen, considering the current excavations occurring within the city of David, the thought of such evidence being found is within the realm of possibility.

Reviewing the GeographyTemple Mount

As seen in the graphic, we can see several important geographical features, including the Mount of Olives, the traditional Temple Mount, the Kidron Valley, the Central Valley, the Gihon Spring, and the current site for the city of David. Below is additional information on each these locations:

The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge on the east side of the city of Jerusalem. At one point, it had olive trees covering its slopes. Today there is a Jewish cemetery with approximately 150,000 graves. This mountain ridge was a significant location during Yahshua’s ministry. It was the place where He delivered His Olivet Prophecy and where He retreated hours before His death, i.e., the Garden of Gethsemane.

The traditional Temple Mount is where many believe the Jewish temple once stood. Again, Muslims call this place the Haram esh-Sharif, translated as, “the Noble Sanctuary.” Both the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site, and the Dome of the Rock reside on the traditional Temple Mount.

The Kidron Valley separates Jerusalem, including the city of David and the traditional Temple Mount, from the Mount of Olives. This valley continues east through the Judean Desert and toward the Dead Sea.

The Central Valley, also called the Tyropoeon Valley and the Valley of the Cheesemakers, is a rugged ravine on the west side of the City of David or the ancient city of Jerusalem and marks its western boundary, as the Kidron Valley does on the east.

The Gihon Spring is along the Kidron Valley near the ancient City of David. The name “Gihon” comes from the Hebrew gihu, meaning, “gushing forth.” It is one of the world’s largest intermittent springs and made life possible for ancient Jerusalem. While the water from the spring was used for irrigation in the Kidron, it was also central to temple worship. We will explore the Gihon further in this article.

The City of David is the location for the ancient Jebusite City that David conquered and renamed to the City of David or Jerusalem. It is approximately 12 acres in size. It begins at the Millo (i.e., a ravine that separated the City of David from the Ophel, which Solomon filled in during his reign) and extends southward.

Today the City of David is an Israeli national park and a major archaeological site. Archaeologists have discovered many subterranean tunnels, reservoirs, and possibly an ancient room that was used for animal sacrifices. Also discovered underneath the City of David is Hezekiah’s tunnel and the Gihon Spring. On the southwest side of the city is the Pool of Siloam.

City of the David = Zion

We begin our investigating for the real temple mount by turning to the Bible. As with so many other truths, Yahweh’s Word holds the key in unlocking the truth as to where the original temple stood. Following is a compilation of Scripture confirming that the city of David and Mount Zion (i.e., the location of the temple) are synonymous:
“Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David,” 2Samuel 5:7.

This passage clearly states that Zion and the city of David are the same. This point is critically important, as Scripture also shows that Mount Zion was the location of the temple.

“And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David,” 1Chronicles 11:5.

As noted in the previous passage, 1Chronicles 11 confirms that Zion is also the city of David. The word “castle” here comes from the Hebrew matsuwd and refers to a place of defense. Because Jebus was located between the Kidron and Central valleys, it was a well defensible area.

“In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion,” Psalm 76:2.

The word “Salem” derives from the Hebrew shalem. Strong’s states that this word is “an early name of Jerusalem.” This passage is critically important, as it shows a connection between the ancient city of David, the temple, and Zion and offers indisputable evidence for the temple being located within ancient Jerusalem and not on the Haram esh-Sharif.

Remember that the old City of David only included the 12-acre plot of land between the Kidron and Central valleys. It did not include the 36-acre Temple Mount located a third of a mile north. As we will explain in part two of this article, the current Temple Mount platform was developed much later.

Using only the Bible as a roadmap and knowing the location for the ancient city of David, a strong case can be made for the temple being located within the City of David and not on today’s Temple Mount. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

The Akra, Millo, and Ophel

When it comes to the location of the temple, there are three terms to understand – the Akra, Millo, and Ophel. The Akra was another name of the City of David. The Millo was a ravine that King Solomon filled in. And the Ophel is where the temple was originally located.

In 2Samuel 5:9 we find a description of the boundaries of ancient Jerusalem during the reign of King David: “So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.”

The word “fort” refers to the impregnability of the City of David. This was due to its location between the Kidron and Tyropoeon valleys. We see that David built his city from the Millo inward. Tis ravine separated ancient Jerusalem from the Ophel.

Scripture records that Solomon later filled in this ravine: “And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father,” 1Kings 11:27.

The word “repaired” here comes from the Hebrew cagar and is a primitive root meaning, “to shut up,” Strong’s. By filling in the Millo, Solomon shut up the ravine known as Millo. In doing so, he also connected the City of David with the Ophel.

This is why Psalms 122:3 describes Jerusalem as a city “compact together.” The word “compact” comes from the Hebrew chabar and according to Strong’s means to “join.” When Solomon filled in the Millo, he enlarged the City of David by joining it with the Ophel.

Now what connection do the Millo and Ophel have to the temple? According to 1Maccabees 13:52 the Ophel is the location of the temple. The KJV with Apocrypha reads, “…Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.” As a secondary reference, the Catholic Study Bible states, “…He also strengthened the fortifications of the temple mount alongside the citadel, and he and his people dwelt there.”

Even though Maccabees is not considered inspired or part of the canon of Scripture, it still offers invaluable historical insight during the time of the Maccabees and Hasmoneans.

As seen in the above citation, the biblical temple mount or “temple hill” was located alongside the tower or citadel. As 2Samuel 5:9 shows, the “fort” or “citadel” refers to the City of David: “So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David….”

This provides conclusive evidence for the temple being located on the Ophel and alongside the City of David. This also places the biblical temple mount approximately a third of a mile south from the traditional Temple Mount.

Ornan’s Threshing Floor

Temple mount

Rock under the Dome of The Rock

Another biblical clue to the location of the temple is the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. This threshing floor is found in 2Chronicles 3:1, “Then Solomon began to build the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where Yahweh appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.”

Scripture records that Solomon built the Temple on Mount Moriah and over the threshing floor that David purchased from Ornan the Jebusite. The mention here of Mount Moriah and Zion is important. It shows that these locations are synonymous, as is also the City of David and Zion.

The threshing floor where Solomon built the temple belonged to a Jebusite. This fact suggests that it was likely within the borders of the Jebusite city. If true, this would place the threshing floor within the City of David and not on today’s Temple Mount. Remember that what they call the Temple Mount today is a third of a mile from the ancient Jebusite city.

What is a threshing floor? This was an area where farmers would separate the grain from the straw and husks. This required a surface that was flat, smooth and hard. The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia (ISBE) states,

The threshing-floors are constructed in the fields, preferably in an exposed position in order to get the full benefit of the winds. If there is a danger of marauders they are clustered together close to the village. The floor is a level, circular area 25 to 40 ft. in diameter, prepared by first picking out the stones, and then wetting the ground, tamping or rolling it, and finally sweeping it. A border of stones usually surrounds the floor to keep in the grain. The sheaves of grain which have been brought on the backs of men, donkeys, camels, or oxen, are heaped on this area, and the process of tramping out begins. In some localities several animals, commonly oxen or donkeys, are tied abreast and driven round and round the floor. In other places two oxen are yoked together to a drag, the bottom of which is studded with pieces of basaltic stone. This drag, on which the driver, and perhaps his family, sits or stands, is driven in a circular path over the grain.”

The surface of a threshing floor had to be flat, smooth, and hard. This allowed the oxen to tread the grain. It must also be in a location where there would be sufficient wind to separate the grain. This is key as it pertains to the temple.

Most believe that Ornan’s threshing floor was under the Dome of Rock on the traditional Temple Mount. The problem is, as seen in the image below, the surface underneath the Dome of the Rock is not flat. This fact alone makes it highly unlikely this area served as a threshing floor.

Since the Temple Mount location is the highest of the three hills, i.e., when compared to the City of David and Ophel, many claim that the wind conditions would be better suited on the Temple Mount. While it’s true that the elevation of the traditional Temple Mount is higher than the City of David and Ophel, such elevation is not required.

Another issue with the threshing floor being located on the traditional Temple Mount is that threshing floors were prone to robbery. ISBE states, “Threshing-floors are in danger of being robbed (1 Sam 23:1). For this reason, someone always sleeps on the floor until the grain is removed (Ruth 3:7). In Syria, at the threshing season, it is customary for the family to move out to the vicinity of the threshing-floor. A booth is constructed for shade; the mother prepares the meals and takes her turn with the father and children at riding on the sledge,” “Threshing-Floor.”

With this in mind, does it make sense that Ornan and his family would place their threshing floor a third of a mile from the “fort”? Keep in mind that during this time the traditional Temple Mount contained no walls or defense. It was completely open to attack. It is far more likely that Ornan’s threshing floor was within the confines of the old Jebusite city and not on an unguarded hill a third of a mile away.

The Gihon Spring

One of the most compelling reasons for the temple’s being located within the City of David is the location of the Gihon Spring. This spring sets along the Kidron Valley near the ancient City of David. The name “Gihon” comes from the Hebrew gihu, meaning, “gushing forth.” It is one of the world’s largest intermittent springs and made life possible for ancient Jerusalem. While the water from the spring was used for irrigation in the Kidron, it was also central to temple worship.

The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary speaks to the ancient and modern history of this famous spring, “The intermittent spring that constituted Jerusalem’s most ancient water supply, situated in the Kidron Valley just below the eastern hill (Ophel). This abundant source of water was entirely covered over and concealed from outside the walls and was conducted by a specially built conduit to a pool within the walls where a besieged city could get all the water it needed. ‘Why should the kings of Assyria come and find abundant water?’ the people queried in the time of Hezekiah (2 Chron 32:2-4). Hezekiah’s Tunnel, 1,777 feet long, hewn out of the solid rock and comparable to the tunnels at Megiddo and Gezer, conducted the water to a reservoir within the city. From the top of Ophel the ancient Jebusites (c. 2000 B.C.) had cut a passage through the rock where waterpots could be let down a 40-foot shaft to receive the water in the pool 50 feet back from the Gihon. Early excavations at Jerusalem by the Palestine Exploration Fund under the direction of Sir Charles Warren (1867) resulted in finding the 40-foot rock-cut shaft. It is now known as Warren’s Shaft. Conrad Shick in 1891 discovered an ancient surface canal that conveyed water from the Gihon Spring to the old pool of Siloam, located just within the SE extremity of the ancient city. Isaiah seems to have alluded to the softly flowing waters of this gentle brook when he spoke poetically of ‘the gently flowing waters of Shiloah’ (Isa 8:6),” “Gihon.”

As stated, the Gihon is Jerusalem’s most ancient water supply. Without the Gihon there would have been no Jebusite city for David to conquer. Jerusalem today would likely not exist without this spring.

The location of the Gihon Spring is just east from the Ophel, which joins the ancient city of David. Again, this is one-third mile from the traditional Temple Mount. Knowing that the Gihon is the only major water source in Jerusalem, does it make sense that Israel would have built their temple a third of a mile away from their only water source on the traditional Temple Mount?

This is especially perplexing considering the thousands of animals that Israel offered on the Sabbath and annual Feast days for which thousands of gallons of water are needed.

History says that Rome built aqueducts from Bethlehem to the Temple Mount. While this theoretically could have provided a water source for Herod’s temple, it could not have for Solomon’s. So while there is evidence of ancient reservoirs underneath the traditional Temple Mount dating to the time of Rome, there is no evidence of a water source prior to Rome’s rule. This presents a real problem for the traditional Temple Mount site.

Ancient Witnesses to Temple Location

History speaks of 70 Jewish families who relocated from Tiberius to Jerusalem in the 7th century CE. Tiberius is located in northern Israel along the Sea of Galilee. Reuvin Hammer, in his book Jerusalem Anthology, describes this relocation: “Omar decreed that seventy households should come. They agreed to that. After that he asked: ‘Where do you wish to live within the city?’ They replied, ‘In the southern section of the city, which is the market of the Jews.’ Their request was to enable them to be near the site of the Temple and its gates, as well as to the water of Shiloah, which could be used for immersion.

This was granted them by Omar, the Emir of the Believers.”

Omar was the companion of Mohammed and the second caliph or Islamic leader within Islam.

Several important points need to be made here. These Jewish families insisted on the southern section of the city, near the Pool of Siloam. There is only one section of Jerusalem that is in the southern portion and contains the Pool of Siloam and that is the ancient city of David.

According to these Jewish families, this was also the area where the temple once stood. This is hard evidence for the temple location within the city of David and not on the traditional Temple Mount.

This author also states that the water from the Pool of Siloam could be used for immersions, which would have included ceremonial washings. What was the water source for the Pool of Siloam? This was the Gihon Spring.

In our expedition to Israel several in the group walked through the Gihon Spring channel underneath the City of David to the Pool of Siloam.

The fact that water from the Gihon could be used for ceremonial purposes verifies that not all water was equal. It also adds credence to the importance of the Gihon for temple worship. Again this begs the question why the Jews would have built their temple a third of a mile from their only water source. Such an idea seems completely preposterous.

A Gushing Spring

The smoking gun for the temple as it relates to the Gihon Spring is eyewitness testimony of a spring-like reservoir within the temple precincts. Two men provide evidence for this.

The first eyewitness to confirm this fact is a man named Aristeas, a Jew who lived during the 2nd or 3rd century BCE. Eusebius, the 4th century church historian, records his account.

“There is an inexhaustible reservoir of water, as would be expected from an abundant spring gushing up naturally from within; there being moreover wonderful and indescribable cisterns underground, of five furlongs, according to their showing, all around the foundation of the Temple, and countless pipes from them, so that the streams on every side met together. And all these have been fastened with lead at the bottom of the side-walls, and over these has been spread a great quantity of plaster, all having been carefully wrought,” Eusebius’ recording of Aristeas, chapter 38.

Aristeas was an eyewitness to the temple location from the 2nd or 3rd century BCE. It’s important to realize that this was not Herold’s temple, but the temple of Ezra and Nehemiah. Aristeas said that there was an “inexhaustible reservoir of water, as would be expected from an abundant spring gushing up naturally from within.”

The only spring within Jerusalem is the Gihon. If what this eyewitness said is true, the only possible location for the Temple would be within the City of David and above the Gihon Spring.

Remarkably, Aristeas is not the only eyewitness of a spring-like reservoir within the temple area. Tacitus, a Roman historian dating to the 2nd century CE, describes a similar account. He states, “The temple resembled a citadel, and had its own walls, which were more laboriously constructed than the others. Even the colonnades with which it was surrounded formed an admirable outwork. It contained an inexhaustible spring; there were subterranean excavations in the hill, and tanks and cisterns for holding rainwater. The founders of the state had foreseen that frequent wars would result from the singularity of its customs, and so had made very provision against the most protracted siege.”

Before describing what Tacitus saw, it should be noted that this man lived nearly 400 years after Aristeas and was not a Jew, but a Roman. He would have also been referring to Herold’s temple and not to the temple during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. However, even with these differences, both men refer to an inexhaustible spring within the temple. Again, the only spring they could be referring to is the Gihon. This is the only spring and major water source within the ancient city of Jerusalem. Tacitus also describes subterranean excavations or tunnels in the hill along with cisterns for holding rainwater. This provides additional credibility to the ancient City of David and not the traditional Temple Mount. From firsthand experience I can attest that there are many subterranean tunnels and cisterns within the City of David. The sheer size and number of tunnels are astonishing.

Along with these eyewitness accounts, Joel 3:18 provides a prophetic description of the future temple and shows similar evidence of a spring. “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of Yahweh, and shall  water the valley of Shittim.”

This is a future prophecy of the temple within the millennial Kingdom. Joel confirms here that a fountain will spring forth from underneath the temple, i.e., house of Yahweh. So not only do we see ancient eyewitness testimonies that the temple contained a springlike reservoir gushing up from underneath the temple precincts, but a similar account is provided from the prophet Joel as it pertains to the future temple.

Again, these facts present a real problem for those who claim that the temple was on the traditional Temple Mount. The only way to reconcile the accounts from Aristeas, Tacitus, and the Book of Joel is to relocate the temple from the traditional Temple Mount to the Ophel, near the Gihon Spring.

In part two (Coming soon!), we will continue exploring the evidence that the temple was located within the ancient City of David. We will review biblical prophecies and historical documents on the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, along with an in-depth look at Fortress Antonia and the Tenth Legion.

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Kenneth Isgrigg
Kenneth Isgrigg
6 years ago

I read Ernest Martin’s book several years ago, and became convinced that he was correct. The Temple was in the City of David, to the south of what is called the temple mount, but is actually the Roman Fort Antonia. Excavations going on will soon provide proof of this in my humble opinion. Once this new information is accepted, the 3rd Temple could literally be built within a year. The muslims will be stunned, but there will be nothing they can do. Very interesting to watch…

cody
cody
Reply to  Kenneth Isgrigg
3 years ago

The Third Temple is largely a scam being run to get a continual money flow from mostly gullible American Christians. I hate to say it, but it’s true. Rabbi Zev Porat is interviewed where he and another pastor talk about how the Jews in Israel are really not interested in a temple, but it is more of a money racket. Sorry. I know that is disheartening. Here is the video if you’re interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFxzSG36JS8
Hey, we’ll see though. I’m open-minded. Someone may build something. It would not have to be a Solomon-like Temple. A tent would do.

Kevin
Kevin
Reply to  cody
3 years ago

Sorry Cody, I will have to disagree. I am under the impression there are about 300 sects of Judaism in Israel. Not all agree and take the same thought on things. It just like saying all Christians would take the same position of the Vatican being the master temple for all Christians. I believe some would welcome the new temple in Jerusalem, some would find it inconvenient to have to go watch sacrifice and observe tradition.

Last edited 3 years ago by Kevin
Don and Ellis Furst
Don and Ellis Furst
Reply to  cody
2 years ago

Julian the Apostate tried to have a third temple rebuilt to slake the thirst of the Jews and antagonize the Christians. Look it up.

cody
cody
Reply to  Don and Ellis Furst
2 years ago

Yes, thanks, I know the history about Julian the Apostate. According to the story, every time they tried building the Temple, something kept them from building it. There is even an account of fire coming up from the ground.

trackback
6 years ago

[…] Also, check out part 1 of the series Discovering the Real Temple Mount , Pt. 1 […]

Stephen Dehnke
Stephen Dehnke
6 years ago

Greetings! I read Ernest Martin’s books ten years ago prior to my first trip to Israel. Since then, I also have read Robert Cornuke’s book on the subject of the location of the Temples. While they make a very compelling case, the main problem I found with accepting their views was trying to determine the actual position wherein the ancient temples stood. When I use Google maps to try to determine the precise location, it seems the Kidron Valley would need to be reconfigured in order to fit the temple platform and tower within the space where it was thought… Read more »

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Stephen Dehnke
5 years ago

Israel was completely destroyed. I don’t think it unreasonable to believe that the stone from the temple area was relocated and used in rebuilding other areas of the city. If there is any salvageable stone, I doubt it would be ignored while they went to mine more…

Sam Green
Sam Green
Reply to  Stephen Dehnke
4 years ago

Have you determined any new information? I myself lived in Israel for a time and although I love this theory, I can’t see it working with all of the iron age houses that sit directly south of that Archaeological park where the diagram supposes the Temple was. How can these be reconciled?

Cyril Godwin
Cyril Godwin
5 years ago

One problem with the threshing floor picture provided is that the chaff is neatly spread around the site. Normally the breeze is in obe direction – from west to east in Jerusalem so the chaff should be accumulated towards the eastern side of the threshing floor.

Robert Ward
Robert Ward
5 years ago

Then Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David. (2 Chronicles 3:1). The Bible clearly states the Temple was built on Mt Moriah and not Ophel though they are both right next to each other.

Darryl
Darryl
Reply to  Robert Ward
5 years ago

In Wycliffe translation, Genesis 22v2 Abraham is told to go to the land of Moriah Wycliffe translates
this as the” land of vision” in 2 Chronicles 3v1 or Wycliffe 3 kings 6 v2 Mount Moriah is not to be seen soon after this translation the Jews were permitted to Jerusalem was this change added to hide the true location or to save them from a war like with Hadrian a fight to the death to defend the temple mount if not why is their no fight today

Chayim
Chayim
Reply to  Robert Ward
4 years ago

This is wrong > “Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah” Should read > “Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem IN Mount Moriah” which fits the landfill theory perfectly. Additionally, there is a reference by Josephus that the people living in The City of David could clearly look into the Temple and see what was going on there. This means either The Temple was literally a part of The City of David, or immediately north of it. The accepted tradition today would place The Temp way too far… Read more »

William ashley
William ashley
Reply to  Chayim
4 years ago

God’s word says the temple will be built in the city of David…

trackback
5 years ago

[…] The Gihon Spring is one of the world’s largest springs and the only one in Jerusalem near the ancient City of David. The name Gihon comes from the Hebrew Gihu, meaning “gushing forth.” It was the main source of water supply during ancient times and according to Aristeas, it was located within the Temple’s precincts meaning that the only possible location of Solomon’s Temple would be above the Gihon Spring near the City of David instead of Temple Mount a third of a mile further north – https://yrm.org/lost-temple-mount-found-pt1/ […]

Patrick MacThreinfir
Patrick MacThreinfir
4 years ago

In the video at 30:59 can you see the footstool of God, the leg of a Lamb!!!

trackback
3 years ago

[…] If this interests you and you would like to learn more, please visit http://yrm.org/shattering-traditions/ . Check out the two videos, The Lost Temple and The Temple, Lost in Time part 2. You can read more here, https://yrm.org/lost-temple-mount-found-pt1/ […]

Charles H. Koller
Charles H. Koller
3 years ago

Have always believed that the Temples past were in the City of David. I fully expect that as they continue to excavate the walk up from Pool of Saloam, the will find a place the was the step up into the Temple, about 600 feet from the outer wall of Fort Antonia. I keep looking for new findings and can’t wait to see what comes UP next.

Ron Glenm
Ron Glenm
3 years ago

In Acts 21:35 Paul is in the temple and then is led to “the steps” going to the “fortress/barracks/camp”. The context suggests that “the steps” were a known geographical landmark to ancient readers. Has anyone seen the recently excavated underground “steps” leading from the City of David to the western wall area? Seems like the same steps to me..

(Apologies if anyone already covered this observation)

God Bless

Last edited 3 years ago by Ron Glenm
Ørjan myhre
Ørjan myhre
3 years ago

Why does all the Jewish graves on mt. Olives point to Fort Antonia?
Wasn’t they buried so in the resurrection they could walk straight up to the Temple?
Are all the ancient grave directed the wrong way?
Heard about the sifting project, and all the Temple relics found?
Was all the ground level buildings around Gihon inside the retaining wall?

cody
cody
3 years ago

I am very interested in the true Temple site. I find it fascinating. This has sparked a lot of controversy and I agree with you that it definitely was not in the traditional site. BUT…there are many “strikes” against the Temple NOT being in the traditional site and they were outlined in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlZyDkHEsAE These need to be rebutted if the theory is to hold proverbial water. There are 12 major “strikes” against the City of David being the location. I do not believe it was in the traditional site because there is too much against that as well.… Read more »

trackback
3 years ago

[…] The Bible teaches that the Temple was built by the Gihon Springs because it is the only source of water in Jerusalem. “The Gihon Spring is along the Kidron Valley near the ancient City of David. The name “Gihon” comes from the Hebrew gihu, meaning, “gushing forth.” It is one of the world’s largest intermittent springs and made life possible for ancient Jerusalem. While the water from the spring was used for irrigation in the Kidron, it was also central to temple worship.” yrm.org  […]

Lori Harvey
Lori Harvey
3 years ago

Why does Israel disregard all this evidence that aligns with scripture regarding the temples true location?

Last edited 3 years ago by Lori Harvey
jj pep
jj pep
Reply to  Lori Harvey
2 years ago

Same reason they disregard all the biblical evidence that Jesus is the messiah. Religious tradition and human pride reject truth.

Dennis Maye
Dennis Maye
2 years ago

Donkey would break his leg on that floor, It would collect water not drain it.

simon
simon
2 years ago

What are your thoughts on Norma Roberton’s theory that the temple was located at modern day Al-Aqsa mosque? She wrote a book and recorded vids available at http://templemountlocation.com/

simon
simon
2 years ago

According to Norma Robertson, City of David theory does not comply to the Temple and Fort Antonia together being “six furlongs around, including fort Antonia” (600 x 1200 ft). Instead he claims the area between the Fort and the Temple was 600 x 600 feet, which distorts the text of Josephus. This also ignores the moat on Warren’s map and extends the fort right up to Bezetha hill. I will spend the most time on this theory because Christians seems to be drawn to this theory since many believe it would not cause problems with the Muslims to rebuild a… Read more »

Kevin
Kevin
2 years ago

I’ll go out on a limb here with my PERSONAL OPINIONS. The Bible says that many secrets will be revealed in the End Times. I think that the exact Temple location is one of them. If this is the case, no man is going to find what God has hidden from his view. If the Temples were destroyed to the point where “no stone stood upon another”, exactly what type of ruins do the archeologists anticipate finding? I’d guess that the original temples ARE Jerusalem, not in it…As many times as the city has been rebuilt, do you really think… Read more »

VCO
VCO
2 years ago

Mount Moriah was the name of the entire ridge from north of Dome of the Rock, all the way down south Kidron Valley past the Pool of Siloam, not a single peak, like Mount Zion. Thus Mt. Zion is in the middle of Mt. Moriah.

REAL ZION - 2 and REAL MOUNT MORIAH.jpg
Lawrence H Monroe
Lawrence H Monroe
2 years ago

I know this will not change my faith, but rock-hard truth is never to be slapped away.

cody
cody
2 years ago

What is the latest on the Temple’s true location being in the City of David?. I have heard very little. The debate appears to have subsided. Has it?. Any new archaeological developments in tis area?. I saw a video by Nelson Walters on YT listing 10-12 reasons why the Temple was in the traditional location and the City of David theory is wrong. Other than that, not many new developments. Has there been anything new in recent months or even the last year?.

Last edited 2 years ago by cody
Mero
Mero
Reply to  cody
1 year ago

The Gihon Spring could not supply the water for the temple because it does not pump water upward the necessary distance to supply water for the ritual sacrifice cleansing or the Mikvas in the upper story of the Temple for the priest’s washings. The water had to impart ritual purity by being from a spring with uninterrupted flow. Thus the cisterns were connected together, being supplied by the aqueduct/s from the Etam Spring, which source was sufficiently elevated to be able to both fill the cisterns, all of which flowed together downhill, and supply the cleansing water for the Temple… Read more »

cody
cody
Reply to  YRM
1 year ago

Thanks, I had not even heard of the Etam Spring. Thanks. I always read the Gihon was the ONLY spring with running water in that area. I just follow the story as I find it fascinating. I would like to see a new, up-to-date documentary, assuming there is anything new to report.

Tom
Tom
1 year ago

How come nobody focuses on Roman fort design? A quick image search of Roman fort designs across Europe gives a definitive answer to the question of where Fort Antonia was located. Considering all Roman forts were constructed in two types. A permanent and temporary fort. The Temporary forts consisted of a more square shape which were primarily used on the outskirts of the Roman Empire made primarily with wood. The Permanent forts were large rectangles that were always adjacent to large cities. They were built with high walls towers and gates on each side of the Roman fort. The forts… Read more »

Messenger Charles
1 year ago

Unfortunately, you have not done your Biblical research, and have led me down the swanny. Mount Moriah IS the site of Solomon’s Temple, as he built it on the site of where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac. I am surprised you have missed this crucial Truth. It was also remiss of me to not check it out and discover your errors. 2 Chronicles 3:1 (MCV) Then Solomon began to build The Temple of The Yahavah in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where The Yahavah had appeared to his father David. It was on the threshing floor of Araunah[a] the Jebusite, the place provided by David. 2 He began building… Read more »

thetruthnotdoctrine
Reply to  YRM
1 year ago

I am sorry but your reply is Yahless and the Spirit of Yah doesn’t feature in it at all – it’s a carnal minded intellectually devised protest, and not even an argument.

Abraham offered Isaac on the exact spot where Solomon would later build, not just The Temple, but The Holy of Holies, with its altar, within that Temple. This is the precise mind of Yah at work. Either you accept this Truth or chase after the wind

trackback
11 months ago

[…] – Cầu nguyện cho sự tranh chấp Giê-ru-sa-lem. Đáng lưu ý là Sáng Thế Ký 22: 2 Đức Chúa Trời phán bảo Áp-ra-ham đem con mình là Y-sác (không phải Ích-ma-ên) đi đến xứ Mô-ri-a để dâng con mình một trong các núi tại Mô-ri-a mà Chúa sẽ chỉ cho! Địa danh này có liên quan hơn 3000 năm với tổ tiên dân Do Thái chứ không hiểu như người Palestine hiện đại đòi quyền sở hữu vùng đất này cho họ. – Nghiên cứu địa danh đền thờ Salomon xây dựng có thể đặt tại thành David chứ… Read more »

ELIZABETH TYRNA
ELIZABETH TYRNA
11 months ago

I now believe the Temple was in the City of David. For all the evidence stated, but most compelling the Gihon Spring which would have been necessary considering all the blood from sacrifices. The LORD has been allowing the finding of several relics to be found and perhaps something so very compelling will be found that will convince the Jews. GOD’S plan GOD’s timing. How exciting to be alive in these last days!! Bless the LORD!! Maranatha saints of the Most High GOD!!

D Eduard Linn
Reply to  ELIZABETH TYRNA
10 months ago

Recall going up to City of David on beautiful day in Jerusalem in 1994 and began dancing skipping in the Spirit and singing a song of Zion. Apparently I aroused a manifestation – a growl from an unseen being? Anyway I kept on my way but that was was supernaturally weird and scared me a little such that I stopped dancing and singing – I did continue with my head on a swivel however. Like to go back and scar that thing away – take authority ecclesia! After hearing about the City of David = Zion theory it all makes… Read more »

Ian Heard
10 months ago

I believe we may have communicated previously. My lates e-book ‘THE TEMPLE QUEST’ makes a persuasive case for the City of David site, using ONLY scriptural references. If you’ve not seen it as yet, please take a look. After my first book on the subject, which took a narrative form using some biblical and some fictional characters to unfold the story, I felt challenged to use scripture only to locate the temple. Foreword is by Marilyn Sams. Details can be seen at my site http://www.until-we-see.com

trackback
9 months ago

[…] – Nghiên cứu địa danh đền thờ Salomon xây dựng có thể đặt tại thành David chứ không ngay tại khu đền Hồi giáo hiện nay: https://yrm.org/lost-temple-mount-found-pt1/ […]

Researching the site of the temple that Solomon built can be located at the citadel of David, not right at the present mosque: https://yrm.org/lost-temple-mount-found-pt1/

Dean Blake
Dean Blake
9 months ago

This article is most frequently cited by Muslim antisemits in the promotion of their false narrative supporting the exclusivity of the Al Aksa Mosque & is counterproductive to encouraging a peaceful resolution between Jews & gentiles.

Carl Haggard
5 months ago

2 Samuel 28/ 18-20 Location of The Threshing Floor David Offers Sacrifices.18 On the same day God went to David and said to him, “Go and set up an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”19 According to God’s word, David went up as the LORD had commanded.20 Now Araunah looked down and saw the king and his servants coming toward him while he was threshing wheat.  This clearly has The Threshing Floor higher than The City of David, from where it is assumed that David would be coming. “Going up” could be ambiguous, a possibly meaningless phrase such as in someone “going up to… Read more »

Shel
4 months ago

While fasting, many years ago, I asked Yah where the original temple was. He said it is 1200ft from the Dome of the Rock on a plot of land where no one lives, where plants are growing. I don’t expect to be believed, but this is what I was told.