The City of David is a special place. Rich history and a bit of fun thrown in!
When there, about half our group chose to walk through Hezekiah’s water tunnel. It is dark and it is wet, so headlamps or flashlights are helpful, and one can expect to get wet up to mid-thigh! We did it!
Hezekiah’s water tunnel is a marvel, as the 1/3 mile hand carved tunnel was made to move water from outside the city to inside. The project began from two directions and perfectly joined at a point underground. How amazing!
Next up was the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a blind man and where common people would have gone for ritual cleansing prior to making the long, difficult climb up to the Temple. During that climb, they would have passed various shops, some of which are depicted on the Pilgrim’s Road.
Visiting the Jewish Quarter of the Old City is always pleasant, and provides a realistic glimpse of Jewish life in the city. Soldiers are everywhere, either patrolling or on an educational day trip.
We had entered through the Zion gate, so saw the bullet-riddled gate as a result of the 1967 Six Day War. That gate provided access for us to the Upper Room, then to King David’s tomb (though highly unlikely that is really the place).
Bullet-riddled Zion Gate, the Upper Room, a view over the city of Jerusalem
Because we were up early and it was a very long walking day, we headed back to the hotel in time to allow everyone a time to relax before dinner. As we left, we spotted another group of soldiers…this time from the Israeli Air Force.
Once back at the hotel, we were met by a representative of a jewelry maker who we met several days ago at Misgav Am. Many in our group purchased special rings or necklaces with names or Bible verses written in Hebrew. Fantastic momentos!
Tomorrow will be spent at Yad Vashem, the Israel Museum (Shrine of the Book and Model City) and Ben Yahuda Street. Keep following for more updates!
Blessings and Shalom from Jerusalem!
Looking for the Blessed Hope 