DAY 14 (DAY 9 OF ISRAEL TOUR) – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28: WESTERN WALL & TUNNEL, SOUTHERN WALL EXCAVATIONS, CITY OF DAVID, HEZEKIAH’S TUNNEL, MT. OF OLIVES, A FEW FREE HOURS, FAREWELL DINNER, NIGHT FLIGHT HOME
Today was our last day here in Israel, and it was a good one. We actually started the day early with getting the required Covid test for our night flight tonight, The weather was perfect, with a bright sun once again, and with temps in the low 60s. We also enjoyed some free time in the afternoon after battling abnormally heavy Jerusalem traffic.
Western Wall & Tunnels
We left early for the Western Wall & Tunnel. This “Wall” was one of the four retaining walls built by Herod in 20 BC that allowed him to double the size of the platform of the Temple! The stones were massive, some weighing 100s of tons! The Temple and its surrounding structures were indeed impressive! We also spent some time for prayer at the Wall.
Southern Wall Excavation
We walked to the southwest corner of the Temple Mount were we saw the continuation of large stones. No wonder the disciples marveled themselves at the size of these stones (Mark 13). This corner may have been the pinnacle of the Temple where Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4). We walked on the Herodian pavement from 2,000 years ago. On the south side we walked up the temple steps used by commoners, including Jesus and His disciples. We paused to recall the many who used these steps to enter the Temple. We are now the living temple (2 Corinthians 3).
City of David
Outside and to the south of the Old City is the City of David. From the observation tower, we could see the Temple to the north, the Mt. Of Olives to the east, and the length and width of the City of David to the south. We walked down through the ruins (Area G) and through Warren’s Shaft until we reached the Gihon Spring (the primary water source of the ancient city and where Solomon was initiated into kingship, 1 Kings 1-2). Some then walked through “wet” Hezekiah’s Tunnel (1,700 feet long) or the earlier “dry” Canaanite Tunnel. We convened at the Pool of Siloam where we read John 9 in dramatic fashion.
Mt. of Olives
Since the rained two days ago preventing a good view, we drove to the Mt. of Olives for a great view of the Temple Mount and Old City. We battled heavy traffic primarily because of an Arab holiday. The view from the top is truly stunning, with the Temple Mount and Old City in full view. We recalled the Palm Sunday story (Luke 19), and Jesus’ return (Zechariah 14).
“Today was our last day here in Israel. Jerusalem sure is a unique city. From seeing the grandeur of the Temple to walking through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the day was filled with new experiences. It was a great trip!”
Free Time: Mahane Yehuda & the Old City
Driving from the Mt. Of Olives, people from one bus entered the Old City through the Jaffa Gate. We grabbed a late bite to eat. Some enjoyed meeting Moshe, an Orthodox Jew and owner of the biblical shop called Shorashim. Those on the other bus enjoyed walking through the Mahane Yehuda, the Jewish marketplace.
Farwell Dinner & Airport
The buses convened for our farewell dinner. It was a great “last supper” for all of us. We then drove to Tel Aviv for our various night flights home.
DAY 15 (DAY 10 OF ISRAEL TOUR) – TUESDAY, MARCH 1: ARRIVE HOME
