Archaeological Layer Cake

layer cake

Man is an interesting creature.  Once we find a place we like, it’s hard to move us.  Location, location, location is what it is all about – in real estate and archaeology   Jerusalem is prime real estate, has been for thousands of years.  All three of the great monotheistic religions lay claim to Jerusalem as holy ground.  So it is not unusual for a particular holy site to have layers of construction, one over the other as generations come and go.  So when you are strolling through the Holy Land it is not unusual to find yourself looking down.   One such spot is the Pool of Siloam.   The pool was built as public bathing area used for ritual bathing by the Jews.  It also plays a crucial role in one of Jesus Christ’s most memorable miracles – the healing of a man born blind.  The episode is documented in John, Chapter 9:

‘ …As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,that he was born blind?”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing…’

And if you > click here < and look down, you can see it also…cool, huh?

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