The City of David

David took the strong hold of Zion: the same [is] the city of David...And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. 2 Samuel 5:7, 11 This Jebusite city became "the city of David", the capital of Israel and the dwelling place for the king.  Today much of the original area is overbuilt, but there are a few sites where they have unearthed parts of the ramparts and buildings that existed.  The City of of David is one of the sites visited by many groups that come to Israel.  There is an excellent 3D presentation about the history of this city near the entrance to the site which every visitor should see.

Here is a large support structure built by the Canaanites prior to David taking the city.  It is in the area known as the Royal Quarter which overlooks the Kidron Valley to the east.  It is believed to be part of the support structure for King David's house which was unearthed.    You can see parts of the walls of some of the residential development called the House of Ahiel.  This name was discovered on pottery fragments found at the site.  It was likely a four room, two story home occupied by an influential family and was destroyed by the Babylonian army in 586 BC.  There is also a stepped wall immediately adjacent to this site which is believed to have been constructed by Nehemiah and his men upon their return from Babylon as part of their efforts to reestablish the city after its destruction by the Babylonians.

There are other points of interest in this area, but probably the most intriguing is the shaft known as Hezekiah's tunnel.  The tunnel connects the Gihon spring with the Pool of Siloam.  The spring was the primary water source for the city as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 32:30.  The Assyrian army had taken the northern kingdom of Israel and now, under the leadership of Sennacherib, is knocking on the door of Jerusalem.  In order to protect their water source, Hezekiah ordered a tunnel constructed from the Gihon spring to the Pool of Siloam.  It is a marvel because the construction was started at both ends and the two shafts met in the middle.  The tunnel is through solid rock and still runs water today.  You can take the trip from the City of David through the tunnel down to the Pool of Siloam if you don't mind getting wet.  Just be sure and brings water shoes and a flashlight!  For the faint of heart, that would be me, there is another tunnel which is a dry path out from Hezekiah's tunnel to the surface and then you can walk on to the Pool of Siloam.  It is time well spent and is a fun and interesting trip down the to the pool.

Jerusalem, the City of David, is a city of history.  No matter where you turn, history unfolds before your eyes.  Every spade of earth turned over yields precious truths about this place.  It is a testimony to the veracity of the Bible as if the Bible needed verification.  In any case, it is a place every believer should go at least once in his or her life.

We love this city,  this land and the people of God.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!  Pray about making the pilgrimage to Israel.  We are currently putting together a trip for February of 2013.  Join us, if the Lord so leads.  You can contact us if you have questions.

Blessings to you, and may Yeshua be glorified in your life as you serve Him!