If you can see this map from the back of the Bible, it shows Jerusalem at the time of the Savior. (You can find a larger version at http://www.lds.org/.) On the left is a wall outlining the Temple Mount. The southwestern corner and south side have been excavated. See pictures in a previous blog. From that corner north to the center line is where the existing Western Wall is still standing. On the south side are steps that led up to the temple. Those steps have been excavated.
Here's our group standing on those steps from the temple. While they are old, they are not from the Temple period. They were reconstructed at some point.
And John sitting on those ancient steps.
This is John and I standing on the remaining original step that led into the Temple. Jesus would very likely have walked in this spot.
These steps were reconstructed, but the stone likely is from the time of the Savior. Herodian stone has the edges carved and beveled, while the reconstructed stone above is not carved.
The blocks used for construction were this big. And remember, it was all carved and carried without modern equipment. Amazing!
No comments:
Post a Comment