FIRST TEMPLE PERIOD

This class is taught by Allan Rabinowitz, a Jewish guide and historian. Allan briefed us on this period of life in Israel which spans 1000 BC to 586 BC during which time King David was the great beloved king of the united kingdom of both Israel in the north and Judah in the south. First Temple refers to the period of time during which life flourished in Israel just before the first temple building was constructed and after it was constructed by David’s son, King Solomon. The first temple sat upon what is known today as the "Temple Mount" and its location is easily identified by the structure which now stands there, the "Dome of the Rock" mosque, one the most beautiful and well-recognized buildings in the world with its imposing golden dome.
Allan’s class last evening prepared us for our walking tour this morning which began at the top of the Hinnom Valley, across the valley and over to Mount Zion, and around the outside of the present day walls of the old city. We eventually made our way by foot to what is known as The City of David, the original site of "pre-old" Jerusalem, a sliver of high land between the Central and Kidron Valleys.

Geographically, Israel sits at the narrowest part of the fertile crescent, the great expanse of land stretching from the basin of the Nile River in Egypt to the basin of the Euphrates River in present day Iraq and Iran. The surrounding mountains and desert meant that everyone making that journey had to pass through Israel which was an easy route along the coastal plain. Jerusalem, as a city, was further inland and tucked in amongst the hills and kept out of the main flow of traffic. It was strategically located between two valleys, easy to defend and difficult to conquer.

Jerusalem sits on the edge of the Judean desert. When the rains come, there is life. When the rains do not fall, there is desperation in the land. The people were always aware of this fact. Life was always lived on the "edge." Life was precious and it was fragile. They were called to live in trust that God would take care of them and that the earth would be nourished and renewed if they followed God’s commands.

Amazing archaeological works are in progress which tell the story of ancient Jerusalem and the civilization which flourished during that first temple period. As we walked, Allan punctuated his lessons with readings from the Old Testament which describe events and name locations that we could see with our own eyes. It is truly mind-boggling, the enormity of significant events that have occurred in such a tiny area of land. One cannot possibly read the scriptures in these places without the very stones shouting their stories.