A Pilgrimage to Jerusalem: Experiencing the City on a Hill, April 1

4/1/20253 min read

Starting Our Journey at the Mount of Olives

Today, we embarked on a remarkable journey to Jerusalem, famously known as the city on a hill and a light to the nations. This trip was not just about sightseeing; it was our 'aliyah,' a spiritual ascent for many Jews, signifying our dedication and commitment to this sacred land.

We began our day at the Mount of Olives, where the breathtaking view over the city took our breath away. The skyline of Jerusalem unfurled like a beautifully crafted tapestry, with ancient stones whispering stories of the past. Standing here, it was easy to understand why this view can evoke such deep emotions. A sense of peace enveloped us as we gazed over the vibrant city, preparing ourselves for a day filled with exploration and spiritual connection.

Exploring Ancient Wonders: The City of David

After our enriching experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, we ventured into the City of David. Here, the history of Jerusalem unfolded before us like a grand novel, revealing secrets hidden beneath the modern city. Our first stop was Jeremiah's Cistern, an impressive ancient underground water system. Walking through the cool, dark tunnels brought to life the ingenuity of those who came before us, showcasing their ability to harness water in this rocky terrain.

Next, we descended into Hezekiah's Tunnel, a fascinating 1,750-foot-long passage carved during biblical times. As we navigated through the narrow tunnel, the dark, echoing walls told stories of determination and faith that have resonated throughout generations. Finally, we arrived at the Pool of Siloam, a significant landmark mentioned in the Gospel of John, where Jesus healed the blind man. Standing by that sacred pool felt transformative—a true connection to the threads of history.

Mount of Olives

As we look across the Kidron Valley towards Jerusalem, the majestic Temple Mount emerges, crowned by the iconic Dome of the Rock, a structure that now resides where the Holy of Holies once stood. This sacred site, known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, holds profound significance in Jewish history, marking the location where Abraham was tasked by God to sacrifice Isaac and where King David purchased the threshing floor. The Eastern Gate, also known as the Golden Gate, stands sealed by the Ottoman Empire, its entrance blocked by a Muslim cemetery, a strategic move by Sultan Suleiman to prevent the Messiah from entering as prophesied in Ezekiel 43:1–5. This historical landscape weaves together narratives of faith, command, and divine interruption, reflecting the complexities of spiritual legacy that continue to resonate through the ages.

Pictures from left to right: Standing on the Mount of Olives looking over the graves (Jewish graves closest to the Mount of Olives, Muslim graves across the Kidron Valley, Jerry and Lu, the sealed Golden Gate, Worship time and communion, Closer photos of the Golden Dome.

Walking Down the Palm Sunday Road

NOTE: A bit of a disappointment when we arrived at the Palm Sunday Road. My phone died and I forgot my battery bank. So, in lieu of pictures that we took, here are stock pictures of the location.

From the Mount of Olives, we followed the Palm Sunday Road, making our way toward the Garden of Gethsemane. As we walked, we reflected on the events that took place here, particularly Jesus' prayer before his monumental address. The air was thick with reverence, and the tranquility of the garden seemed to wrap around us like a warm embrace.

Hezekiah's Tunnel

Perhaps the most physically refreshing part of our journey, aside from floating in the dead sea, was walking the 1,750-foot-long passage carved during biblical times by King Hezekiah. We descended the stairs into the darkness to the entrance of the tunnel, without flashlights there was no light. The tunnel extends from the Gihon Springs to the Pool of Siloam where Jesus healed the blind man. The water was cool. It was narrower than the width of my (Ron) shoulders so I was forced to walk sideways through most of the tunnel while ducking as most of the tunnel was 5' or less. I kept hitting my head on the ceiling, even with a hat on it still cut my scalp which made floating in the Dead Sea a little problematic. I finally pointed my flashlight to the ceiling to prevent any more scalp injuries. We walked through ankle to knee deep water. Any hint of claustrophobia would stop anyone from walking this tunnel with walls on both sides, a low ceiling, a line of people ahead of you and a line behind. Occasionally the line in front stopped causing the rest of the group to stop. No one had panic attacks which would have probably been contagious. Once again I didn't have my camera but am waiting for photos from my Bro-in-Law.