JERUSALEM — The Israel Antiquities Authority, the Israel National Parks Authority and the City of David Foundation announced days before the new year that the Pool of Siloam, a biblical site cherished by Christians and Jews, will be open to the public for the first time. in 2,000 years in the near future.
“The excavation of the Pool of Siloam is very important to Christians around the world,” American Pastor John Hagee, founder and president of Christians United for Israel, told Fox News Digital. “It was on this site that Jesus healed the blind man (John: 9), and it is on this site that, 2,000 years ago, Jewish pilgrims cleaned themselves before entering the Second Temple.
“The Pool of Siloam and the Pilgrimage Road, both located within the City of David, are among the most inspiring archaeological claims in the Bible.
“Christians are deeply blessed by the work of the City of David and Israel’s longstanding commitment to guaranteeing religious freedom to all who visit and live in the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem, the undivided capital of Israel.”
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Depiction of the Pool of Siloam, Second Temple period
(Shalom Kveller, City of David Archives)
Ze’ev Orenstein, director of international affairs for the City of David Foundation in Jerusalem, told Fox News Digital: “One of the most important sites affirming Jerusalem’s Biblical heritage, not simply as a matter of faith, but as a a fact, with significance to billions around the world, will be fully accessible for the first time in 2,000 years.”
The Pool of Siloam is located in the southern part of the City of David and within the area of the Jerusalem Walls National Park.
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A small section of the pool, which has been completely excavated, has been accessible to the public for several years. The vast majority of the pool is being excavated and will be opened up gradually or once the entire site is dug up. The archaeological project to completely excavate the pool will last a few years. There is a space plan for pool visitors to view the excavation in progress.
“Despite ongoing efforts at the United Nations and the Palestinian leadership to erase Jerusalem’s heritage, in a few years, the millions of people who visit the City of David annually will literally be able to walk in the footsteps of the Bible, connecting with the roots of their heritage and identity,” Orenstein said.
The Siloam inscription dating from the 8th century B.C. C. found in the Hezekiah Tunnel describes in early Hebrew writing the drama of digging the tunnel.
(Zeev Radovan City of David Archives)
The pool was first built approximately 2,700 years ago as part of the Jerusalem water system in the 8th century BC. C. The construction was developed during the reign of King Hezekia, as cited in the Bible in the Book of Kings II, 20:20, according to the two Israelis. agencies and the City of David Foundation.
According to estimates, the Pool of Siloam went through many stages of construction and reached the size of 1¼ acres.
“When I think of this news, I think of another phrase from the Hebrew Bible: ‘My ears have heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you,'” said the Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders. Fox News Digital.
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“This news means that one of the most important archaeological discoveries in history will soon be able to be seen by visitors from around the world. It will affirm everything they believe. Having faith is part of worshiping God, but faith alone is not necessary to believe There are historical facts that attest to the veracity of the Scriptures.”
Moore, who sits on the advisory board of the Movement to Combat Anti-Semitism, added: “At the Pool of Siloam, we found evidence of history preserved for us, revealed at just the right time. This is a truly historic event. Theologically, it is true. “Scripture geographically affirms history and politically it affirms Israel’s unquestionable and unrivaled link to Jerusalem. Some discoveries are theoretical. This one is undeniable. It is proof of the history of the Bible and of its people, Israel.”
North perimeter of the Pool of Siloam
(Koby Harati, City of David Archives)
A stroke of luck revealed the pool in 2004 when infrastructure work by the Hagihon water company uncovered some of the pool’s steps. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), under the supervision of Professors Roni Reich and Eli Shukron, launched a survey. As a result, the northern perimeter was discovered, as well as a small section of the eastern perimeter of the Pool of Siloam.
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“The perimeter of the pool was constructed as a series of steps, allowing bathers to sit and immerse themselves in the pool waters,” according to the IAA.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said: “The Pool of Siloam in the City of David National Park in Jerusalem is a site of historical, national and international importance. After many years of anticipation, we will soon have the merit of being able to discover this important site”. and make it accessible to the millions of visitors who visit Jerusalem every year.”
