HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE MOUNT
In the Biblical story of the temple mount, appears first as one of the mountains of the land
of Moriah, the place where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac and built an alter...
Kind David purchased the area from Araunah the Jebusites and erected there an alter to
God. 2 Sam 24:16-25. Solomon built the first temple. 2 Chor. 3:1, Second temple was built on
the topic. According to Jewish tradition, the Summit serves as the center of the world, the
foundation of the universe.
David’s son, King Solomon erected the first temple here and dedicated it in the tenth
century BC. Countless sheep and Oxen were slaughtered there to mark the dedication.1
Kings. 8:62
Construction of the temple lasted for seven years. The palace complex was built
immediately to the south over a thirteen years period. During the renovation 586 BC Babylonians
totally destroyed.
Heraclius reign: Again Jerusalem was in the hands of Muslim Arabs. The Caliph Amar
identified that Muhammad ascended into heaven, so the first Mosque was built on the mount.
Now the attraction of many visitors is dome of the rock and El Aqsa Mosque, it is called
Mosque of Omar. The rock is one of the most beautiful Shrines in Islamic world and one of
the most exquisite land marks in Jerusalem.
EL AQSA MOSQUE
On the southern end of the mount, was built the dome of the Rock. It was apparently,
begun by Abdul Malik and completed by his son Walid - I.
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The columns, ceiling, carpets and stained glass windows dominate the mosques interior,
while the dome of the rock has presented its original plan and decoration. The El Aqsa Mosque
is entirely different from what it was originally in the eighth century.
South of the temple Archaeological garden Ophel displays historical levels of Jerusalem
for 3000 years of the past. North of the temple mount west wall tunnels revealed entire length
of western wall (approx. 500m. 1650 feet) church enclosed the Herodian temple mount. The
pool of Bethesda (Beth-Zatha) John 5:2-9.
During Byzantine lime the crusaders Christians built large churches in honour of healing
the paralysed. At the same churches commemorates Mary’s birth place, traditionally located
in the era. Today church of St. Anne stands next to the poor. It helped the water supply
system. I was built by the crusaders around 1130 and dedicated to St. Anne Mary’s Mother.
It is one of the beautiful crusader churches in the Holy land. After the defeat of the
crusaders Saladin turned the church into school to foster Islamic faith. In 1886, following the
Crimean war. The Ottomans Turk presented the site to Franking gratitude for their support
during the war.
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THE JORDAN RIVER
Jordan is the Baptismal site for Jesus. Jordan River runs from the Northern Region of the
Holy Land through the Sea of Galilee on its way south to the Dead Sea originating at the “Foot
of Mount Hermon. The river collects three streams for its water (1) The Dan, Snir (Hatz
Bani) and Hermon (Banias). The Syrian African Lift the deepest land rest in the world.
Jordan River got its own meaning “Go down” Feel adventurous people used to sky and
play there with small boats. It flows to 65 miles some it seems flow seems to be wild and
some times very soft and ends, in Dead Sea above that we can see, it as a huge snake moving
with man turish flow high.
THE MOUNT OF BEATITUDES:
From this we can learn the lesson on the values of Christianity.
Many historical places and the message of salvation and valuable ocean of Gospel of
Jesus is seen here: (1) Charity, (2) Justice, (3) Prudence, (4) Hope, (5) Faith, (6) Fortitude,
(7) Temperance, (8) Virtues eight valuable messages are included in the message.
In 1911 Antonico Barluzzia famous artist
showed his talents in the decorations of the
churches some instructions to the pilgrims
must follow: 1.Honour the nature, 2.Be
Silent, 3.Dress in Modesty, 4.Keep the
premises clean.
From this beautiful spot north of the sea
of Galilee above springs of Tabgha, Jesus
gave his most famous address.
Sermon on the mount. The church was
built in surrounded by well aimed gardens.
The church was built on 1936-8. It was
designed by Barlezzi who took special pride
its architecture. The Building is Octagonal to
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represent eight beatitudes from the
Sermon on the mount. On the mount there
is an incredible vantage pound over looking
the sea of Galilee and see the ruins of the
ancient church dedicated to the sermon
on the mount. In side the church of
beatitudes, golden plated lid for alter part
eight beautiful decorated windows were
placed.This is the place where Jesus
taught to His disciples before the trial.
MOUNT ARBEL:
1.In 1187 an important and famous battle took place here between crusaders and
Muslims. In that clash Saladin defeated. Crusaders Kingdom of Jerusalem.
2.On one stop of the mountain guests can visit a site Holy to the Druze called in Arabic
Nebi Shuayb.It is said to contain the tomb of the prophet. Jethro father in law of Moses.
In Exo.18 chapter Jethrow advised Moses.
3.It is known as Mount Nithai. In the caves of Arbel attack them King Herod’s soldiers
reached the caves by throwing rupees from above found a synagogue with several strata to
dating from Roman and Byzantine periods.
SOLOMON POOLS:
South to Bethlehem there are three famous
pods as they belong to ancient times called
Solomon pools. All the water from hills will be
accumulated King Herod built it. We cross
the road from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. In
olden days they remembered way to Egypt
only because of Moses Exodus 20:4.
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BETHSAIDA AND CHORAZIN
Mathew 11:21-23,Luke 10:13-15, Mathew: 15:21. Baptism of John Luke 1:8. Mary and
Joseph traveled (Math 2:13, 18).Jesus traveled north to these cities located on the Coast of
Modern Lebanon. Jesus pronounced “Woe” against Chorazin and Bethsaida, because they
refused to follow his teaching Tyre and Sodom will fare better also. We can see the seat of
Moses herein Chorazin.
In Korazin National Park: North of Capernaum, one can see the remains of the ancient
Jewish town of Chorazin. The excavations of Bethsaida are located in, Bert Saida Reserve
(The Plain of Bethsaida) on the North East shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Streams that
flow from Golan Heights to the Sea of Galilee show down here and create an urge and
multibranched delta with a large variety of flora and fauna.
Tabga
The fertile Tebgha spreads along the North Western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It’s
name comes from the Greek Heptapeg on which means seven springs; but has been corrupted
into the Arabic name Tabgha. The Multiplication of the Loaves and fish (Mathew 14:19-21).
In Tabgha the North Western shore of the Sea of Galilee within a beautiful Garden stands
the Catholic church of the foist feeding of the Multitudes. It contains most beautiful mosaic
flooring. The Mosaic with two fish and five conves indicate. The miracle Jesus did at that
place. In 614 A.D. The Church was destroyed in the Persian invasion. Mark 8:10.
This is the combination of 3 places. Jesus asked Peter to feed his sheep, if he could love
Him. Jesus questened him three times. A big
statue with black polished stones was seen
here is beautiful.
This is a place where Jesus did a miracle
of five loaves of bread and two fishes to feed
5000 thousand men. The mount of beatitude
is adjacent to that other places. This is North
West to the sea of Galilee. If came from great
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word Hetapegon means seven springs the Aramaic name is Tebgha. The place got importance
for healing a chiefs son’s sickness in capernaum. Actually the church of Tegba belonged to
5th Century but renovated again. They saved the same mosaic stones to use in modern
constructions. The stones used for it is called Oasald in the church. They called it chapel of
primacy. It is built in 1933.
C C A
AESAREANAMEDINHONOUROFAESARUGUSTUS
It is located on the Medilerranean Coast and was originally a phoenician trading post
called strations lower. In 25 BC Herod the great built on artificial horbor and a large city. It
was designed to like Decapoles with Rome. After Heewads death Caesarea became the
seat of the Roman by Government of India and Pilate resided here. Famous for theater,
hippodrom of our ared aqueducts.
Hamath in Tibirias: Hamath means for stress Apostles Mark, Luke wrote about Jesus
and His Ministry including Healings Mark 2:1 Luke 5;6.It is close to see of Galilee many
came to get healings here. The temperature is very high 60C (140F). Traditional Jews left 12
land marks of special figures.
Today the sight is for burial place of some
famous Jewish rabbis.One of the crusaders
church was dedicated to St.Peter here.
SHRINE OF THE BOOK
Part of the Israel Museum building was
constructed especially to house the Dead Sea
scrolls.These scrolls were found in caves
near the dead sea at Qumran.They were
written in Hebrew. They were found in Judean
desert. The building with while dome
resembles the did of the earthen ware jars in
which the scrolls were hidden. Shrine of the
blood is the house of the dead sea scrolls which
were discovered in Qumran in 1947.
YAD VASHAM:
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The Yad Vasham honours the victims of Holocaust. It is a memorial to the destroyed
community of the children’s memorial.
It means Martyrs and Heroes remembrance authority a permanent exhibit presenting the
event of Holocaust and authentic objects from the ghettoes and concentration camps. A
memorial was erected in memory of the
six million Jews who were scattered in
world war-II Baunt in 1967, the name was
taken from the prophecy 56:5, connected
with the memorial there is an institute
building containing photo graphic filmed
material:
TIBERIAS:
Today it is a nice tourist center. The anicient city western boundary was marked by
Mount Berenice which give beautiful view of sea of Galilee.
Some churches are found regarding Roman period.In
1033 liberians destroyed due to earth quake. In Southern sectors
of Tiberia hot springs attract visitors for recreational center.
Several Synagogue were found in 4 to 8 centuries.
Some increptions were famous containing a wheel with
signs of Zodiac with Jewish Symbol of Torah ark and Renorha.
(John 6:1, 28, 21:1)
Tiberias is located on the West shore of see of Galilee, 10
miles south of Capernaum. It was built by Herod. Antipas in 20
A.D. on his new capital and named for than ruling emperor of
Rome, Tiberias. It is having Therapeutic hot springs. It is nick
names to the lake it boarders John 6:1, 21:1
EMMAUS LUKE 24:13-31
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Several churches have been built to dedicate the occasion when Jesus appeared to Cleopas
and his companion. The anicient Emmaus is linked with Ayalon Valley known as Emmaus in
the 3rd Century A.D. and was granted the status of a city and named NICOPOLIS.
Many churches are established. Aylon vally is famous with historical back ground.
HEBRON
South to the Jerusalem Hebron is one of the oldest cities in the holyland. It is famous for
beautiful springs, fertile land made many to get settled in it.The information about anicient
Hebron comes from the Bible where it is called Kiriath arba and mamre located 22 miles (35
Kms) South West to Jerusalem in the territory.
Hebron became famous for the association with Abraham (Gen. 13:18). In Gen 18:1-10.
God appeared in the form of three men to Abraham near Oaks of Mamre (Elonei Mamre)
King David ruled Judah for 7 1/2 years before he made Jerusalem his capital (2 Sam 2:11).
Hebron is frequently mentioned in later sources from the Hellenistic period through the Ottoman
period.
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Abraham, Sarah, Isac and his wife Rebekah and Jacobs wife Lea barried in Machpelah.
The monument structure above the cave was built in second temple period. It is commonly
attributed to Herod the great. Hebron is seen from the Bible from different references gives
more details.
Telaviv: It is situated in 1909 means the hill of the spring. In 1909 some Jewish settlers
moved from Jaffa in the South to form new city and called it Tel Aviv. It is a home for many
immigrants, having population 400,000. It is the largest city in Israel with approximately 15%
of Israels, 3,100,000 Jewish people. It is a city of Museums, art galleries, concert halls and
theaters and a vigorous commercial and industrial center. Telaviv It is the ordest support and
also a rock of mud.
Long back it is called Joppa.This place is very strong hold for Israel. Financial organisation
is held here. It is named as Merina beach of mediterian sea.
A big stadium is built by king Herod is 20BC. In Ceseria it is famous sea port in the world.
It is capital for momas is 600 BC poulions pilot ruled this city. Philip served an person on the
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Chariot here Acts 8:40. It is also home for Israel Philharmanic Orehestra and Operahouse.
Now the city is filled with 15 Mayors house many buildings, including, Open roof cinema halls
are provided. It is an educational cultural and art center. One of the best museums is Diaspora
Important monasteries of the desert
East of Jerusalem and Bethlehem the dudean resert drifts down to the Jordan valley.
Though the desert may be smah in size, the significance fevrrogn out history has been enormons.
Hundreds of monks prayed in natural caves.
Monastery of St. Eheodisius Mar Saba Monastery Anicient Martyrius Monaslery which
was uncovered in residential area East of Jerusalem on the road to Jericho.
Jaffee or Joppa :
In hebrew “Yafo”. It is anicient Joppa. It is one of the biggest cities in the holyland. It’s
beauty is engraved in the minds of visitors since centuries. It is a port city Egyptians conquered
in 15 century BC. It is the gate way to holyland.
This is an anicient city 2 Chronich 2:2-16 dating back atleast 3,500 years named after
Japheth. The son of Noah. It is part of Davis inheritance; when Israelites settled the land. It
is known as Japho in Joshua time (Josh 19:46). During Solomons reign, it was 2 Chroni 2:2-
16.a chief sea port used to float the cedars of Lebanon to Jerusalem for use in building the
temple. Zerubbabel brought leaders here to rebuilt the temple. (Ezra 3:7). Jonah Sailed from
here to Tarshish rather than to Obey
God. (Jona 1:3). Dorcas Lived, died
and was raised from dead by Peter.
(Acts 9:36). Simon the Tanner lived
here. (Acts 9:43). Peter’s vision
and commission to take Gospel to
gentites.
Nazareth:
This is native place of mother
of Jesus Mary. It is a small village
i.e. Galilee now filled with Arabs and
Christians. It is in holy city in 1968.Church at Joppa
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Few churches were rebuilt with beautiful decorations. In the caves few found the incriptions
read XEMAPIA, means hail Mary First word of Gabriel in Greek. In the center is Mary well.
An anqueduct carried water from the spring to the well. Church of Gabriel is close to Marys
well.
CANA
Present day Kfar cana definitely not
the actual site of New testament Cana. It is
located 4 miles north east of Nazareth on
the road to Tiberias. (John 2:1-10)
The first miracle of Jesus was
performed. His public miracle in Cana of
Galilee changing water to wine.
Jesus healed nobleman’s son from
Capernaum in Cana. (John 4:46-54). It was
the home of Nathanael, one of Jesus
disciples. (John 21:2). Jesus came to the
place only two times in his life.Soon after
Jesus was tempted by Satan after his fast
for 40 days. Jesus healed the son of the
Chief . (John 4:46-54). The important church
is called Kerkana, When Jesus did his first
miracle.
The steeples of the churches stand erect
above the houses and serve as a constant
reminder of the significance of this place
for the story of Jesus.
DEAD SEA SCROLLS.
In the early spring of 1947, a young
Bedouin boy made a startling discovery in
one of the more than 250 caves that riddle
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the hills of this area. In an at-tempt to retrieve a
lost sheep, he wandered into a lonely cave and
discovered the seven most famous scrolls in the
world, the first of many finds that make up the
Dead Sea Scrolls. Unaware of the importance
of these manuscripts, the lad took them to a
Beth-lehem merchant and antique dealer named
Kando. Four of the scrolls were purchased from
this dealer by the Archbishop Metropolitan
Samuel of the Syr-ian Orthodox Church in
Jerusalem. The other three were purchased by
the Israeli archaeologist Dr. E. L. Sukenik.
Subsequently the Dead Sea Scrolls be-came
known as “the greatest archaeological discovery
of the twentieth century.”
But why are the scrolls so important?
Because they are dated between 200 B.C. and
A.D. 100. The manuscripts from which our Old
Testament is trans-lated date to about A.D.
1000. Although the Dead Sea Scrolls were
written about 1000 years earlier than these
were, both are almost identical. This
won-derfully validates the accuracy of the
Bible. For that reason these scrolls are
extremely important. In fact, a special museum
at the Hebrew University was built just to house
these scrolls. It is known as THE SHRINE OF
THE :
ROOK
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Peter's House
Eliat -Red Sea
under sea a beautiful fish
The model photographed from the northeast: in the front is the third wall.
JERUSALEM
THE THIRD TEMPLE, ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN PROPHECY:
The Bible describes two temples that existed in the past. There was Solomon’s temple,
dedicated in 959 BC., and destroyed in 586 BC. by the Babylonians. Seventy years later in
516 BC, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the Israelites returned from the Babylonian
Captivity to rebuild the temple. The second temple did not have the majesty of the former one.
Herod the Great began a renovation of this temple in 20 BC., which continued through the
time of Christ. “Herod’s Temple”, as it was commonly called, was destroyed in AD 70 by the
Roman armies. But the Bible teaches that another temple will be built, and perhaps it will be
soon.
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Model of Ancient Jerusalem
In telling about the Antichrist, who will be on earth during the Tribulation, the Bible describes
him as one “who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped;
so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (II Thess. 2:4).
In order for this prophecy to be fulfilled, another temple must be built. Since it will be used
during the Tribulation, it is sometimes referred to as the “Tribulation Temple”.
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Mount Zion and Dormition Abbey, massive Chrurchadjacent to the Last Supper Room
In trying to determine where the events of the Tribulation fit into God’s program in relation
to other events, Matthew 24 is a key passage. The disciples asked Jesus three specific questions:
“Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end
of the world?” (v.3).
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THREE PERIODS OF TIME
In answering these questions, Jesus alluded to three different periods of time these events
would take place. The first period of time is found in Matthew 24:4-6. Jesus said, “Take heed
that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall
deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for
all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet”. When the Bible refers to the “end”,
we must determine whether the subject under discussion is the end of the Church Age, the
end of God’s program for Israel or the end of the world.
Matthew was writing primarily to Jewish Christians who were concerned about God’s
program for the nation. The ‘end” they were concerned about the Tribulation, which would
precede the Kingdom Age. Jesus told His listeners that although they would continue to hear
of many who would claim to be the Messiah (Christ), this would not prove that the end had
come. In other words, such claims would not prove that the Tribulation had begun.
TRIBULATION DIVIDED INTO TWO SEGMENTS:
The seven years of the Tribulation are divided into two segments of three and a half years
each. Matthew 24:9-14 indicates what it will be like during the first segment. The second
segment will be evident when people see “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel
the prophet, stand in the holy place” (v.15).
The “abomination of desolation” has to do with the desecration of the Holy of Holies.
When the Antichrist sits in the temple and demands to be worshiped as God (see II Thess.
2:4), this is the desecration of the temple, or the “abomination of desolation”.
Jesus described how terrible the last half of the Tribulation will be (see Matt. 24:16-26).
But at the end of the Tribulation, Christ Himself will return to earth to judge the Gentiles and
to establish His Kingdom. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the
powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in
heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man
coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with
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a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from
one end of heaven to the other” (vv.29-31).