January-March 2004  
Volume 7 Number 1.3

Substantial historical and eyewitness information (consisting of mostly Jewish and well-known original sources) has been uncovered that clearly shows the location of the Jewish Temples was west and above the Gihon Springs in Jerusalem.F1 With the exact location of the Temples clarified, the burial site of the Tombs of King David of Israel can be found easily, with minimal disturbance. The implications of the discovery and revelation of Temple/Tomb information is staggering and positive to all interested parties � political, religious, social and economic.

Eyewitness information, extending over a period of some 1,700 years, shows that the Temples were some 1/3 of a mile south of the traditional (and impossible) site of al-Haram al-Sharif. Al-Haram al-Sharif is the true remains of the Herodian structure called Fortress Antonia.

The Evidence

This brief review of the evidence does not pretend to be comprehensive. The full presentation of evidence will be found in the 2^nd edition (forthcoming) of The Temples that Jerusalem Forgot by Dr. Ernest L. Martin (1932−2002). This book has recently been edited by Professor David Noel Freedman (Endowed Chair of History and Judaic Studies, University of California, San Diego) and is under consideration by a major publishing house.

Jesus� Prophecy

Dr. Martin began his evidence citing Jesus� prophecy (or if you prefer, apostolic history) from the three Gospel accounts that not one stone would be left upon another in either the city or the Temple complex. Eyewitnesses confirmed that this occurred with the destruction of Jerusalem and Temple by the Romans in 70 C.E. as shown in substantial records from Josephus, the Roman General Titus, and Eleazar, the Jewish Zealot commander at Masada. Additional historical evidence up to the time of Eusebius confirms that not one stone was left upon another in the Temple environs even as late as the middle 300s C.E.

Al-Haram al-Sharif still has some 5,000 to 7,000 Herodian stones in their original placement, one upon another, which precludes it from being the site of the Jewish Temples. Historical sources say the prophecy was fulfilled; our eyes appear tell us otherwise. No enemy of Christianity criticizes this prophecy or its fulfillment. This is because, as Dr. Martin clearly shows, Fortress Antonia (al-Haram al-Sharif) was never considered as part of the city of Jerusalem or the Temple.

Water

A major water source and system is necessary for a large-scale sacrificial Temple where the slaughter of animals occurs. From biblical and historical accounts, at times thousands of animals were sacrificed at the Jerusalem Temple in one day. The sole fresh water source within a five-mile radius of Jerusalem exists at the Gihon Springs, 1/3 of a mile south of al-Haram al-Sharif. The word �Gihon� in Hebrew means, �to gush.�

A major sacrificial system requires not only substantial wash water to flush blood and waste away from the Temple, but also it requires a source of fresh, �living� water (running water) used for ritual purification. No such water system or source exists on al-Haram al-Sharif. In the pre-Roman (and pre-Herodian) account of Aristeas (c. 250 B.C.E.) reference is made to a �spring� or fountain of water. It is specifically stated as an �inexhaustible spring� coming from within the precincts of the Temple. The Roman historian Tacitus, some 300 years later (1^st century C.E.), also indicates such a spring existed in the precincts of the Herodian Temple.

While there are huge underground cisterns underneath al-Haram al-Sharif, this is to be expected for a major metropolitan permanent Roman fortress. The cisterns would provide water to defenders of the fortress in case of siege. The cistern water, used for the washing and flushing blood and wastes out of the Temple as described by Aristeas, was extant even before Fortress Antonia was built. The Fortress was constructed on top of the cisterns.

Al-Haram al-Sharif

The structure of al-Haram al-Sharif is not built on any religiously significant artifacts. It was actually the site of the permanent encampment that enforced Roman power in Jerusalem during the Roman occupation until 67 C.E. when the Jewish revolt began. It was the site of the trial of Jesus, but no Christian religious group claims it as significant. It was not a Jewish site until the true Temple site was lost to history due to false Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions during the Middle Ages. The Wailing Wall is not an original wall of the Temple outer sanctuary but is pointing near to the Roman Temple of Jupiter that was at the center near the place of judgment called the Praetorium, within every Roman camp of the 1^st century C.E.

Other Evidence

Other significant and expansive evidence can be found in Dr. Martin�s The Temples that Jerusalem Forgot (2^nd Edition, forthcoming).

The Significance of these Findings

This information substantially benefits most interested parties. The peace talks between President Clinton, Chairman Arafat and Prime Minister Barak at Camp David in the year 2000 broke down over control of the so-called Temple Mount, al-Haram al-Sharif. Public recognition and acknowledgment by the interested political and religious parties that the Temples were south of al-Haram al-Sharif would be a major step toward making a fair accommodation possible and likely for all parties. While such changes in thinking denote a veritable sea change in attitudes, it is expected that all parties will see that the obvious benefits far outweigh any negatives that can result. No parties to these issues lose actual or perceived power. The discovery of David�s Tomb would inspire all people of faith to read about the real human being whose body lies in the unopened Tomb, untouched, but within reach for 3,000 years.

Muslims (spiritual and secular benefits)

Full religious sovereignty over al-Haram al-Sharif is important to Muslims to the extent that they shall look favorably upon those individuals, groups and governments who assist gaining what they feel is their rightful and true traditional religious ownership. Such favor could be a major catalyst for discussions and creation of a Palestinian state.

The Dome of the Rock was constructed by Abd al-Malik in 692 C.E. (on top of an older Christian Church) as a place of prayer for all �Peoples of the Book.� It was an ecumenical structure. All Peoples of the Book are to be honored, so says the inscription in Arabic on the inside of the Dome of the Rock. In addition, it was the likely historical site for the trial of Jesus before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Thus, the Rock and site would be of interest to Christian tourists. This structure could regain its intended purpose for peace. Muslims who pray to Mecca at the Dome of the Rock would pray through the correct site of the Temple to the south of the Dome. An Islamic honoring of King David (one of the original purposes for construction of the Dome of the Rock) would assist in reducing tensions among all peoples of faith within Jerusalem, the region and around the world. Muslims would assist Jews in the discovery and even rebuilding of their Temple at the correct site to the south of the Haram. Al-Haram al-Sharif could be renovated and its great beauty even enhanced according Muslim wishes without protests from other parties. Muslims would look favorably on a quick resolution of political tensions once the historical evidence is acknowledged. It is expected that Muslim pilgrims, even millions, would go to Jerusalem to see the Dome of the Rock, the Temple sites and the Tombs of David. Prosperity and economic growth would expand to quickly make the region an economic powerhouse.

Jews (spiritual and secular benefits)

An acceptance of the correct site of the Temples would allow Jews (both within and outside of Israel) to come to peace with Muslims as mutual descendants of Abraham, both heirs to the promises and blessings made by God to Abraham. Jews could pray at the true Western Wall. Jews could proceed to discover their heritage in the Tomb of David (with Muslim blessing) in whatever treasures � historical, theological and material � would be found in the multiple Tomb chambers. The Jews could rebuild their Temple immediately, unencumbered by religious tensions, and possibly with Muslim and Arab approval and assistance. Muslims around the world would look favorably upon those who would help them attain what they feel is their religious sovereignty over al-Haram al-Sharif.

The institutional archeological dig to verify the site of the Jewish Temples and the subsequent discovery of David�s Tomb would be conducted under the auspices of the IAA, the Israeli Antiquities Authority. All artifacts would belong to the State of Israel. It is presumed that most every Jew in the world would want to look upon the face of King David of Israel. The discovery of David�s Tomb would advance the ancient history of Israel and the world in an unparalleled manner. Benefits in tourism and discovery would far outweigh (by several times), any current aid Israel receives from the United States. Israel and the region would receive increased �beneficial aid� meaning non-military economic assistance and investment. With Israeli cooperation and accommodation, the entire region would become an economic powerhouse of the world.

Christians (spiritual and secular benefits)

A direct result from peace in Jerusalem would see Christians benefit by increased tourism and pilgrimage. New and true historical sites could be developed and visited, such as the correct Temple site, the archeological dig, David�s Tomb, and the likely site of the trial and sentencing of Jesus at the Dome of the Rock on al-Haram al-Sharif. Tourism would expand explosively. Nations with major Christian populations will look favorably at a peaceful settlement to the problems of the Temple and Jerusalem as a basis for a larger settlement framework for other political accommodations.

Western World (general benefits)

If Western powers were to promote full religious sovereignty over al-Haram al-Sharif, recognition of the true site of their Temples, discovery of David�s Tomb, and the formation of a Palestinian state, the Western world would not only receive appreciation from a thankful Palestinian people, but from the Muslim and Jewish people around the world. The West would gain new allies in the war on terrorism. The United States and other Western nations would be recognized as honest brokers giving gifts to all parties and being mediators for peace in the seemingly unsolvable problems of Jerusalem and Israel. Israel and Palestine would be come the #1 tourist destination in the world.

David's Tomb

Once the correct site of the Temples are known, through Dr. Martin�s discovery and archeological confirmation, it is relatively easy to locate the Tombs (plural) of David. It is believed that the bodies of King David, Bathsheba, King Solomon and perhaps other members of the House of David are buried in multiple chambers. The tombs are intact and unopened with the bodies inside, according to historical sources. Substantial quantities of artifacts are expected to be present, along with a large amount of written material, including court archives and original biblical materials by David or Solomon themselves.

Historical truth, reason, economics and morality demand peace. Now is the time for wisdom. As stated by James Spiropouplos, a Director of the Great Kings Discovery Project, �We have the opportunity to give the Jews their past, and the Palestinians their future.�

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Page last edited: 12/18/05 06:02 AM

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