If you’ve ever seen pictures of Jerusalem’s old city, you’ve most likely caught a glimpse of one of the meaningful sites for Jewish people. The “Wailing Wall” or in Hebrew the “Kotel”. It’s actually the last remnant of the outer retaining wall of the Second Temple rebuilt by King Herod. Construction began in 20 BCE and lasted 46 years. This temple was destroyed by the Romans and only what remained was this supporting wall.
A Bit Of History
The first temple is built on Mount Moriah. It is believed to be the place where Abraham set up an altar to sacrifice his son, Isaac. The temple is built by King Solomon to house the Ark of the Covenant and completed in the year 957BCE. It is destroyed later by King Nebuchadnezer of Babylon. King Cyrus of Persia then allowed the exiled Jews to return to Israel to build the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Nehemiah and Ezra led that endeavor which was a fulfillment of prophecy and therefore highly encouraged the Spirit of the Jewish exiles at that time. We do not know much about the second temple but we do know that it was Herod I, ruler over Judea under the Roman rule, who rebuilt the Second Temple.
King Herod the Great was a very intelligent and gifted builder. To this day you can still see the unforgettable mark he left through his expansive building endeavors throughout the country of Israel including his many palaces. His architecture still stands in places and one most noteworthy might be what’s left of The Second Temple.
Jesus At The Temple
The Herodian temple was the center of Israelite life. It was the home of the Holy Scriptures and the place where the Sanhedrin, the highest court of law during the Roman period, met. Is this part of the temple that Jesus would have stepped in to? Yes! We know from the scriptures that Jesus spent time in this temple.
“After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.“ Luke 2:46
“And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.” Matthew 21:12
Why Wailing Wall?
This wall draws visitors, Jews and Non-Jews alike from all over the world. It stands at about 60 feet in height and is about 160 feet in length. It’s depth actually keeps going underground to its foundation which makes it’s total height about 105 feet tall. It is a sight to behold.
Although Jews have been making pilgrimage to this site for hundreds of years, in 1948 the eastern part of Jerusalem came under the control of Jordan. Sadly, they expel all Jews from the Old City. It wasn’t until 19 years later in 1967 during the Six Day War that Israel takes control back of The Old City. Many believe this wall is the closest you will get to what was the Holy of Holies. You will see many weeping with prayers in hand at the wall. The name itself comes from the grieving in the hearts of Jews over the destruction of the Temple. Many come with handwritten notes of paper and stuff them into the crevices of the wall. This site has also become a place for Christians to visit as well. They join their prayers with the countless others over years.
A Prayer
Jesus, we ask that you would reveal yourself as the Messiah to everyone one who makes the journey to visit The Wailing Wall. We ask that your love would encounter them as they pray. Amen
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