The New and the Old

Jerusalem is an amazing city.  It is so diverse and is the the subject of discussion in every nation in the world on any given day.  Zechariah said that Jerusalem would be a cup of trembling to all nations and it is so today.  The world is intent on dividing this city.  But it is the place where God said He would place His presence.  Deuteronomy 12:11, 12 says, ...there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates....  This city is the eternal capital of Israel.


The city is a mixture of new and old.  Some of the city is changing very rapidly.  The people jokingly say that the national bird is the crane because there are so many construction cranes extending into the sky around Jerusalem.  A new Waldorf Astoria hotel is being constructed just northwest of the Old City.  It is a beautiful structure with its Jerusalem stone exterior finish.  The stone is white in appearance and is the stone that all buildings in Jerusalem must have as an exterior.  The new light rail train project is done and the trains pass quickly and quietly through downtown.

There are numerous shops and malls throughout the metro area like this one.  There seems to be no shortage of people to frequent these areas.  Both tourists and residents fill the shops and businesses.  It is all very amazing considering that this is a nation and a city that has been at war since the reestablishment of the nation of Israel on May 14, 1948.  Soldiers move through these area with weapons in hand and essentially unnoticed by the shoppers.  I marvel at the resilience of the people here. 


 On the other hand, there is part of the city that has remained virtually unchanged.  The Old City of Jerusalem is an anomaly.  It is like walking back in time.  This area is divided into four parts described as the Jewish quarter, the Christian quarter, the Arab quarter and the Armenian quarter.  Each part is distinct in character and feel.

 This is the Hurva (means destruction) Synagogue and it is in the Jewish quarter.  The synagogue was destroyed twice during the history of Israel.  This structure is the third time the building was established.  Interestingly, Jewish religious tradition is that construction the third synagogue would proceed the coming of Messiah.  Come quickly Jeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus the Messiah).




In the midst of these areas is Temple Mount.  Here you see worshipers at the Western Wall with the Temple Mount in the background.   The religious Jews gather here at the Western Wall (aka Wailing Wall) to pray.  The wall is the western wall of the temple platform built by Herod the Great at the time he expanded the temple which took about sixty years to complete.  The wall is the area nearest to the Holy of Holies where the ark of the covenant rested.  So the Jewish people gather here to pray to Jehovah.  We hope to visit the Western Wall and go up on Temple Mount tomorrow.

The Arab quarter is very different.  It is a mixture of colors and wonderful smells from the Arab culture.  The shopping is interesting.  Bargaining is not natural to me.  I am accustomed to paying the price asked, but that will make you a poor man here.  Bargaining is expected and is not an insult.    After a brief shopping experience, we moved to the Damascas Gate on the north side of the Old City and walked around to the Jaffa Gate at the southwest corner...and the nearest ATM.


All in all the Old City is an exciting place to spend time.  We are thoroughly enjoying our time here and expect the Lord to guide us through our remaining time in Jerusalem.  Remember to pray for the peace of this city.  Blessings to you all!