Day 13: City of David, Hezekiah's Tunnel and the Garden Tomb

Another special day of adventure, interest and of learning new information.

The City of David is being excavated and we viewed the remains of buildings from the time of King David and even further back to the Canaanites.  We had the privilege of walking Hezekiah's Tunnel - one of two ways - either through a dry passage or through a wet tunnel where the water from the Gihon Spring still flows. The tunnel was built to provide a secure water supply for the Israelites when the people of Jerusalem were defending the city and to deny fresh drinking water to the invading Assyrian army. The tunnel is 520 metres long and was carved through solid rock in the 8th century BC. The spring still flows through it today - God's provision indeed. 

The dry tunnel was narrow but had plenty of light and did not seem to go on very long. We came out in the sun and walked a further distance to the Pool of Siloam which has been partially excavated.  Twenty of the group waded through the wet tunnel in pitch dark with torches and head lamps. The tunnel was shoulder width wide and of varying height from having to bend in half to standing upright. The water started at knee height but was, for the most part, lapping the calves. At one stage it was suggested that they should stop walking and turn off the lights, which they did and it was so dark they couldn't tell where they were, other than that they had very wet feet!  The 'wet' tunnel walkers emerged triumphant to meet the 'dry' walkers at the Pool of Siloam.

Our next stop was the Garden Tomb where tranquility and beauty surrounded us, including two native Australian plants - both were flourishing. We went to an area of covered seating where a gentleman from England spoke to us about the "Place of the Scull", where the crosses were placed on the side of roads and not on a hill, and other important issues.

We moved closer to the Garden Tomb and shared a Commmunion Service as a group. This was an emotional time for some of us and very precious. Lastly, we viewed the Tomb. (The Garden Tomb is an alternative area where some believe Jesus's crucifixion and burial took place.) 

By Win Nicholls

Photos: The City of David; Entering the site to the sound of the harp!; Looking at the site of the Canaanite Pool carved into the Rock 3,800 years ago; Janine in the entry to the wet tunnel; The group moving through the wet tunnel; The triumphant group at the end; Frank resting after the long walk; John in the partial excavation of the Pool of Siloam; 'Wet' ones & 'Dry' ones chatting; Phil conducting Communion in the Garden Tomb area; Malcolm coming out of the tomb - He's not here, He's Risen!!