Page 5 - e-Brochure
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Bethlehem
The Herodium
One of Herod the Greats fortresses and
palaces located in the Judean desert east of
Bethlehem that dwarfed the village in Gospel
days.
Shepherds would have heard the sounds of
the fortress inhabitants drifting across the still
evening air only to be blotted out suddenly by
the Heavenly Hosts announcing the birth of the
Messiah.
Jerusalem
Temple Steps
On the southern Temple walls, the original
stone steps are preserved. One flight for
entry and one flight for exit with varying
size of steps to ensure safe movement of vast
crowds during feast periods.
Jesus would have walked these steps
frequently and entered through the Temple
Gates by the money changers.
The recent excavations possibly solved a mystery of many years as to where the baptism of some 3000 people took place on the day of
Pentecost. The many Mikveh Baths unearthed by the steps is a probable location.
Of note is a 1968 discovery below the Temple Mount, of a 1st century A.D. large basalt stone with the Hebrew inscription “To the Trumpeting
Place.” Its original location above the highest point on the southwest wall is considered to be, the ‘Pinnacle of the Temple’ where the Priests
trumpeted to announce the Sabbath and feasts.
