THE TEMPLE MOUNT

The First Temple, built by King Solomon in 960 BC, stood on the spot where the Dome of the Rock can be seen today. The Temple was the centre of Jewish religious activity. It was built on the rock where Abraham almost sacrified his son Isaac. The mountain was known as Mount Moriah.

The First Temple was destroyed by the invading Babylonians in 586 BC and rebuilt seventy years later by the Jews who returned from exile. The Jews continued to bring their offerings to the altar and celebrated the diferent Jewish Festivals at the Temple.

This Second Temple was renovated and the Temple Mount fortified by King Herod the Great during his reign that ended just before the birth of Jesus. The Western Wall (known as the Wailing Wall) forms part of the remaining outer walls built by King Herod.

Jesus and His disciples often went to Jerusalem, to the temple, to participate in the Jewish pilgrim festivals. Jesus often ministered at the temple and entered into lengthy discussions with the Pharisees.

The Second Temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. The Dome of the Rock was built in 690 AD.

Model of the Third Temple

A group of Jews believe that The Third Temple will be built on the Temple Mount when the Messiah returns. They believe that it will be a fulfillment of the vision of Ezekiel described in the Book of Ezekiel chapters 40-48.

The Temple Mount today is a Muslim shrine with the Dome of the Rock, built on the rock of Moriah, and the Al Aqsa Mosque the two prominent buildings on it. Muslims believe that their Prophet Mohammed ended his Night Journey from Mecca at the Al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount.

The inside of the Golden Gate on the Temple Mount

In New Testament times Jesus and His disciples came to the Temple with other Jews to celebrate the Pilgrim Festivals, Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of the First Fruit. Jesus regularly went to the Temple to teach the people and preach the Good News. He was often questioned by the Jewish leaders and priests. It sometimes led to lengthy discussions on His authority and mission in Israel and the world.

Although there are several gates leading to the Temple Mount Christian Pilgrims are only allowed to use the entrance (going up the ramp) just south of the Wailing Wall. Visiting hours are Sun-Thurs 07:30-10:30am and 12:20-1:30pm. It is advisable to enter the Mount as early as possible.