THE KIDRON VALLEY
The Kidron Valley is located on the east side of the Old City of Jerusalem, between Mt. Moriah in the west and the Mt. of Olives in the east. This valley drains the rain water from Jerusalem and from there the water flows to the Dead Sea.
The Kidron Valley is mentioned in the Bible as the Valley of Jehoshaphat and also the Valley of the King.
This valley is holy and important to all 3 religions: Christians, Muslims & Jews. It is a unique & amazing to see this huge area crowded with tombs of 3 separate cemeteries: on the east – the ancient Jewish cemetery (the most ancient active cemetery in the world); in the middle – a Christian cemetery; and in the west a Muslim cemetery.
In the video, it is stated that this was built by Absalom, however, some archaeologists claim, based on architecture and style, that this was built during the 1st century BCE, approximately 1,000 years after Absalom died. Furthermore, the structure/architecture of this tomb resembles very much that of King Herod found in Herodian, see more here: Herodium .
One of the HIGHLIGHTS is the night tour in this area – a very impressive experience and an emotional journey. We walk in the dark, between the cemeteries (the Jewish and Muslim ones) and the lit candles that are still burning on the tombs are just about the source of light and show us the way. Amongst the tombs we pass by are the tombs of Zechariah the prophet, those of the priestly family of Benei Hazir, and the tomb of Absalom, son of King David. This night tour ends close by Gethsemane and the All Nations Church.
Learn more about Gethsemane & Church of all Nations
The Olive Tree indigenous to Israel is a very special tree. It does not grow very tall, usually not higher than 6-7 meters high, and only the trunk grows all the time, getting wider and wider. New branches stem out from the old trunk, followed by leaves and fruit. That’s how this tree lives for so many years. The grove of olive trees in Gethsemane is more than 2,000 years old. WOW! Can you imagine what these olive trees could tell us if they could only talk?! Can you imagine what stories they could tell us?!
Learn more about the Olive Tree, its unique uses & other.
I’d like to thank Sergio & Rhoda for this video.
