Day 08 - Jerusalem: City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Davidson Center, Southern Steps, Yad Vashem

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.‘ Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:1-2). We once again began our day overlooking the city from the hotel’s terrace as Pastor Ben led our devotional. He read Psalm 122 as we recalled the history we’ve experienced in this beautiful city. We paused to pray for Jerusalem. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels” (Psalm 122:6).

We then loaded onto the bus to spend the morning at the City of David. This excavation site revealed the ancient city Jebusite city which David conquered and rebuilt as his capital to unite the 12 tribes. Recent discoveries of a pillar matching the work of Hiram King of Tyre confirm this location as David’s palace (2 Samuel 5:11). We read 2 Samuel 11 and considered the story of David’s sin with Bathsheba that began in this location. Pastor Brad reminded us how earlier in the week we discussed little compromises that can lead to a major drift away from the Lord and to consider what God has been revealing in our lives over our time together.

We next headed under the ancient city to see the water system and made our way toward the impressive Hezekiah’s tunnel. These tunnels, chiseled by hand, total a half mile long. This infrastructure allowed the city to protect its water source and resist a long siege. We wound our way through the underground pathway, shoulders brushing each wall at times, crouching in many stretches, all while sloshing through clear, cool spring water. A round of singing even broke out! 

We exited the tunnel at the Pool of Siloam (which means "sent"). In recent months major excavation has revealed a much larger pool than previously thought. We read the story of Jesus healing the man born blind from birth (John 9) while workers dug and cleared dirt and stone in front of us revealing the pool Jesus (the sent one, see John 3:34, 6:29, 8:42) sent the blind man to cleanse in.

We then descended again, this time into the old sewer system, leading up to the western wall in the Davidson Center. After seeing traces of the Romans’ destruction of the temple, we rounded the corner to sit on the Temple Mount’s southern steps. There Pastor Brad walked us through the events of Pentecost in Acts 2. Peter preached to a crowd likely gathered here at these steps. Three thousand believed in Jesus that day and were potentially baptized in the mikvah pools surrounding the temple. Pastor Brad reminded us that we are the sent ones and asked how we will carry the Gospel message home with us (Matthew 28:19-20).

Next, we enjoyed falafel sandwiches (we’ve been waiting for this!) at a nearby park before heading to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. Our guide, Dan, walked us through the powerful Hall of Remembrance with the eternal flame and the children’s memorial. We headed to the main museum where we individually walked through with quiet reverence as we absorbed and mourned this painful part of history.

Throughout the evening, we split up as various groups explored parts of the Old City while others relaxed at the hotel. It’s hard to believe we have just one (jam-packed) final day of touring. Our hearts and heads are full and we are grateful for all God has revealed, healed, and challenged us with during our time. Our prayer is that we will continue to grow and allow God to transform us in the coming weeks, months, and years.