Mount Of Olives - ISRAEL

The Mount of Olives, located in Israel, is a ridge that runs north-and-south in the hills just northeast of the "old city" section of Jerusalem. The ridge has three gently rounded peaks. The northernmost peak is the tallest at 2,676 feet above sea level. 

The middle peak lies directly east of where the Bible states that Herod's temple was built, and the Kidron Valley separates the final peak from the city. This area was purportedly covered with olive trees during biblical times, hence its name. 

This Christian landmark is prophesized and spoken about in the New Testament as the place of numerous significant biblical events, including:
 

·         The triumphal entry proceeded from the mount, and it was also the place where Jesus wept over the city.

·         The Garden of Gethsemane, located near the base of the middle peak. This is the place where Jesus went to pray the night before his crucifixion and where Judas betrayed him.

·         Jesus ascended into heaven from the middle peak.

·         Jesus and his disciples travel here several other times during his ministry:

o    Olivet Discourse, or Sermon on the Mount (of Olives)

o    Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and arrest leading to his crucifixion

o    Jesus’ ascension

BIBLICAL HISTORY OF THE MOUNT OF OLIVES:

The road from Bethany to Jerusalem passes the Mount of Olives, so Jesus would have traversed the mount many times during his ministry. Christians believe that his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane are an integral part in the understanding of the Holy Trinity, as Jesus addresses God the Father.

The Mount of Olives has become a place of worship for Christians. Several churches have been built on the ridge, including the Church of All Nations, which is located at the Garden of Gethsemane. The Dominus Flevit (Latin, "the Lord wept") is a teardrop-shaped church built, according to tradition, where Jesus wept upon seeing the city of Jerusalem during his “Triumphal Entry” the week of his death. In addition, many graves are located at the southern end of the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley because many believe this to be the site of the final judgment. The garden, these churches and other sites are all popular tourist locations today.

POST-BIBLICAL HISTORY OF THE MOUNT OF OLIVES:

 

Due to its height, the Mount of Olives provided an observation post for armies throughout history. During the capture of Jerusalem in 70 CE, when the temple was destroyed, Titus, the Roman commander, camped out on what he called Mount Scopus (Latin, "Lookout Hill"). Though not part of what is traditionally called the Mount of Olives, Scopus is part of the same ridge. Scholars believe the ridge could have provided a place for soldiers to launch heavy artillery over the walls to aid in the capture of the city.

source: www.faithology.com