Day 7--City of David
Morning again came early and we were in the City of David--the ancient Jerusalem--by 8 am.
This is actually a small finger of land adjacent the southern wall. Entering the area, we discovered ruins. David captured this city--actually the ridge of the city--from the Jebusites around 1000 BC. As we knew by now, water was vital in Israel, even in the ancient times. One reason David wanted this bit of land was because of the water source within it, Gihon spring.
When Hezekiah became king, he wanted to protect that area from the invading Assyrians in 702 BC and knew he had to protect his water source. So he began by constructing a tunnel that would divert the water of the spring that was outside the city. Two teams of diggers began the tunnel, one at each end, and somehow those guys met in the middle--1/3 of a mile through solid rock. One set of adventuresome members of our group waded through that tunnel today, but I have to admit I am a bit disappointed in myself for not doing so. I figured, with the 50 degree temps, the water might be too cold for my oh-so-delicate frame. Instead I walked the Canaanite tunnel, which although narrow, was lit and dry.
We all met at the pool of Siloam where some were healed by Jesus. I found it interesting the King Solomon put in a sewer system--saw the street drains!
Also interesting was the bullae collection. Bullae are clay seals put on documents (think: wax with a king's seal). When the city was destroyed, burned, these clay seals became hard like pottery and the inscriptions found on these seals bear the names of people who lived in the First Temple period, some of whom are mentioned in the Bible.
From the springs we went to an area that is supposed to be the Upper Room and eventually witnessed Jewish men and women praying at King David's tomb.
From there we bussed to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, which was built to commemorate Peter's denial of Jesus--"Gallicantu" is Latin for "cock's crow," and a small golden rooster perches atop this church.
Tradition says this church is the site where Caiaphas brought Jesus after his arrest and that he may have been housed in an underground crypt while he awaited trial. He may even have been lowered into his cell from above and left hanging.
Interestingly enough, I met a former student and her parents from Easton who were traveling with another group at this site--a fun reunion.
Adjacent the church, excavating was being done on a newly discovered site. Interesting to see one of these sites in action.
We lunched at a kibbutz and I had my first chicken soup with stuffed matzo balls. Delicious!
The highlight of the day was a visit in a predominantely Muslim area outside the old city where the Protestants feel Jesus was crucified and buried, the Garden Tomb. (Catholics are more prone to accept the Church of the Holy Sepulcher site).
After visiting the tomb and the nearby wine press (as mentioned in the Bible), we held a brief but meaningful communion service in the garden before heading back to the hotel. The day turned cool and we were glad to be back. But since I knew wine presses were important to Jesus' life and resurrection, I headed to the bar/lounge before dinner.
Our last dinner buffet at this huge hotel. The tight waistband on my skirt is telling me that's a good thing! We have a full day tomorrow before being dropped at the airport in Tel Aviv for the flight home. Have to begin packing--hope it all fits in and weighs less than 50 pounds!
Other photos of the day:
