Tower of David: Giant Facelift

December 12, 2020
Tower of David
David’s Tower in Old City of Jerusalem with view of the new Jerusalem in the distance. Shutterstock.com

The Old City of Jerusalem is using Covid 19 restrictions to have a multi-million dollar makeover. As Israel works through lockdowns and pandemic challenges a bold new $56,000,000 (AUD) plan is investing in a much brighter and prosperous future. Modernity is meeting ancient history.

The Antiquities Authority is supervising the excavations and the important conservation aspects of the delicate work. In the lead will be the Core Israel Foundation along with the City of Jerusalem, the Jerusalem and Heritage Ministry and Tourism Ministry.

The absence of tourists in Jerusalem is providing a window of opportunity for the upgrade. Archaeologists are feverishly studying the bountiful rich history, hoping to uncover more detail about the Crusades, in particular. Studies will assess the evidence as far back as the Middle Ages. Among other discoveries, it is hoped to find more details of ancient diet and disease. Archaeologists are particularly enthralled by the opportunity. They say there are secrets to uncover from Herod to the Jordanians.

Conservation of the historic citadel is a priority and doubling the current area is intended to enhance tourist access. Seven new galleries, expanded exhibition space and cafes will add to the visitor experience. New cutting edge media is to be launched highlighting the history of Jerusalem. That task is scheduled to continue until 2022.

Actually called the Jerusalem Citadel or the Citadel by King David, its popular name came from Song of Solomon 4:4

“Your neck is like the tower of David, built magnificently, on which hang a thousand bucklers, each one a brave warrior’s shield.”

Opened in 1989 the Tower of David structure originally dates back to the 2nd century BC where it served as a stronghold for the city. Situated on the western side of the Old City, south of the Jaffa Gate, the site was chosen strategically and sits on the southwestern hill of Jerusalem, higher than any other point in the ancient city. Wisely located as a defensive fortification.

New cutting edge media is to be launched highlighting the history of Jerusalem. That task is scheduled to continue until 2022.

21st-century expertise is building on remarkable construction from the past. We can only pause with admiration for the original structure that continues to serve today. It is with that thought in mind the workers today proceed with great care and pride. One section builds on a wall from King Hezekiah, 2,500 years ago. The foundations of the original structure were by Hasmonean (Maccabee) rulers of Israel over 2000 years ago. King David never set foot in the place. The construction came a millennia after him. However, another Biblical character, with a questionable CV, Herod the Great added three mighty towers (37-34 BC). He named them Miriam (his Hasmonean wife, who Herod later had executed) Hippicus (his friend) and Phasaeius (his brother).

In his book ‘War of the Jews’ Jozefus Flavius wrote:

“Now as these towers were so very tall, they appeared much taller by the place on which they stood; for that very old wall wherein they were was built on a high hill, and was itself a kind of elevation that was still thirty cubits taller; over which were the towers situated, and thereby were made much higher to appearance. The largeness also of the stones was wonderful; for they were not made of common small stones, nor of such large ones only as men could carry, but they were of white marble, cut out of the rock; each stone was twenty cubits in length, and ten in breadth, and five in depth. They were so exactly united to one another, that each tower looked like one entire rock of stone.” (War of the Jews, Book 5, Chapter 4. Note a cubit is 44cms).

The Psalmist wrote: “Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation.” (Psalm 48: 12,13)

The Tower of David is located near the Jaffa Gate. All that remains of the original Jerusalem Palace is the wall and tower complex.

Just one summary of activity says:

“During the Great Revolt of 66 C.E., Jewish defenders holed up in the citadel when put to rout by the Romans. After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., Titus destroyed the towers and stationed the soldiers of the Tenth Roman Legion at the site. In the 14th century, the Mamelukes ruling Israel at the time built the contemporary fortress—adding a mosque so that the troops could worship without leaving the area unguarded.” (At the Tower of David, a glimpse into a citadel touched by everyone but the legendary king, Times of Israel, October 27, 2020)

Sitting on the border between East and West Jerusalem, it was used by the Jordanians as a military position until it finally reverted to civilian and cultural use after the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967.

It was Byzantine Christians who mistakenly attributed the ancient walls and towers to King David.

chabad.org summed it up beautifully.

“While he was not involved in building the Citadel, perhaps the name Tower of David is not completely mistaken. After all, it was none other than David who moved his capital to Jerusalem and built up the city. He wrote about Jerusalem, sang about Jerusalem, and has inspired Jews to focus on Jerusalem for almost three thousand years. Jerusalem is, in a sense, David’s city. Seeing as this fortress gloriously guards Jaffa Gate, the main entrance into the Old City, perhaps David had something to do with it after all.” (Tower of David – Jerusalem Citadel, chabad.org)

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the people of Israel, the Tower of David project indicates a powerful faith for the future.
What a witness? “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29: 11)

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Ron Ross

Ron Ross resigned his TV career to attend Bible College. His life has been dedicated to missions and ministry. After 9 years as pastor at Noosa Baptist Church, Ron and his wife Yvonne moved to Jerusalem. He broadcast news from Israel and the Middle East to Christian networks around the world. He continues to broadcast Israel and Middle East news for Vision Christian Radio on Tuesdays.

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