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Israel to open the excavations of the Siloam pool to the public

Archaeological authorities will open to visitors for the first time in 2,000 years the place where Jesus healed a man born blind.

(Mark Barnes/Creative Commons).

Published by
Israel Duro

The Pool of Siloam, the place where Jesus cured a blind man and a place of pilgrimage and healing for Jews, will soon be open to the public for the first time in nearly 2,000 years. This was announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the Israel Parks Authority and the City of David Foundation, responsible for the excavation and development of the biblical site.

In a statement to Fox News, Ze'ev Orenstein, director of international affairs for Jerusalem's City of David Foundation, announced: "One of most significant sites affirming Jerusalem's Biblical heritage — not simply as a matter of faith, but as a matter of fact — with significance to billions around the world, will be made fully accessible for the first time in 2,000 years."

"Literally walking in the footsteps of the Bible."

For the past few years, visitors have been able to visit a small part of the pond, which has been completely cleared and refurbished. However, work continues to bring most of the construction to light. It is not yet clear whether it will be opened to the public as the work allows, or if it will wait until the work is completed to allow free access to the entire site. In either case, what is certain is that a space will be provided for visitors to contemplate the progress of the excavation. The complete excavation of the pool is expected to take a few more years.

In addition to its archaeological value, Orensetein emphasized the religious significance of this fact: "Despite ongoing efforts at the United Nations and Palestinian leadership to erase Jerusalem's heritage, in a few years time, the millions of people visiting the City of David annually will literally be able to walk in the footsteps of the Bible, connecting with the roots of their heritage and identity."

"Witness the truth of the scriptures."

Johnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, pointed out that with discoveries such as the Siloam pool, "there are historical facts that attest to the truth of the Scriptures":

In the Pool of Siloam, we find evidence of history preserved for us, revealed at just the right time. This is a truly historic event. Theologically, it affirms Scripture, geographically it affirms history and politically it affirms Israel’s unquestionable and unrivaled link to Jerusalem. Some discoveries are theoretical. This one is an undeniable. It is proof of the story of the Bible and of its people, Israel.

Discovered in 2004

The discovery of the enclave was providential. In 2004, the Hagihon water company carried out infrastructure works that exposed some of the pool's steps. The IAA, under the supervision of Professors Roni Reich and Eli Shukron, initiated a survey. Thanks to it, the northern perimeter and a small part of the eastern perimeter of the pond were unearthed. The discovery was a revolution for archaeology and for the great religions, which historically considered that it was located elsewhere and not in the city of David.

According to experts and the City of David Foundation, the construction of the pool dates back 2,700 years ago, during the reign of Hezekiah. It was created as part of Jerusalem's water supply system in the 8th century B.C. and is mentioned in the Second Book of Kings (20:20). In the official IAA press release, it is explained:

The Pool of Siloam served as a reservoir for the waters of the Gihon spring, which were diverted through a subway water tunnel, so it was already considered one of the most important areas of Jerusalem in the First Temple period. Because of its location and importance, the Pool of Siloam was renovated and enlarged about 2,000 years ago, at the end of the Second Temple period. It is believed that millions of pilgrims used it as a ritual bath ("mikveh") before ascending to the Temple through the City of David.

Holy place for Jews and Christians

For a long time, thousands of pilgrims congregated on the steps waiting for an angel to move the waters by touching them and cure the first one to enter the pool. According to the Gospel of St. John (9:1-41) It was there that Jesus cured a man born blind. In the passage, Jesus heals the man after being asked by his disciples whether his blindness was his own fault or that of his parents. "Not that this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him," answered Jesus, who then "spat on the ground, and made clay with the spittle, and anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go and wash in the pool of Siloam. So he went and washed, and came back seeing."

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