With a quick glance at the photo below, you might think that it is an aerial view of the newly built 3rd Temple in Jerusalem. It's not. It is an artist's model of the 2nd Temple located at "miniature" Jerusalem. Miniature Jerusalem used to be behind the Holyland Hotel, but was moved a few years ago to the Israel Musuem.
This view puts it in perspective. The courts of the Temple are obvious. Jeremiah was asked to speak the Word of the Lord from there. "Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’S house, all the words that I command you to speak to them. Do not diminish a word. Jeremiah 26:2
This view shows the 2nd Temple, built by Ezra/Nehemiah and refurbished by Herod, plus a building known as the Fortress of Antonio. Of course the Lord Jesus loved to teach from the Temple in Jerusalem. Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. John 8:2.
Miniature Jerusalem from the west side. You can zoom in and see the back of the Temple.
Each little stone is hand carved.
This southern view of the Temple Mount area shows Solomon's Porch plus the steps to the Temple. Those southern steps are still there today and a good place to visit. And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Acts 5:12.
A close-up view of the model of Solomon's Porch and the southern steps. Here the Lord Jesus made one of the most comforting statements for all of us to know and remember. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." ... My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." John 10:23-28.
It was at the Temple that Simeon saw the "Saviour of the World" in the infant Lord Jesus. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation. Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." Luke 2:25-32.
Also at the Israel Museum is a building called The Shrine of The Book. This is where you can see some of the Dead Sea Scrolls that were found in a cave in 1948 down by the Dead Sea at Qumran. The building is designed after a pottery lid where the scrolls were found. In the center of The Shrine of the Book is a complete replica of the Book of Isaiah as it was discovered. The real Book of Isaiah is too valuable to let tourists near it. For the documents that can be seen, a certain temperature and humidity must be maintained. You can see fountains of water that continuously recycle on The Shrine of the Book. It is also very dark inside with limited lighting but well worth the visit.
This is an actual mosaic floor found in a 5th century church just outside of Bethlehem.
Another view of the mosaic floor from the ancient Bethlehem Church. "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting." Micah 5:2.
Close to the Israel Musuem is the Knesset. The Knesset is Israel's "Congress" consisting of 120 Members of Knesset (MK's). Israel does not have two houses of Congress like the US does in our Senate and House of Representatives. When a Prime Minister is elected, he or she must be able to form a majority coalition of the 120 members in order to constitute a government. Recently, in Israel, they were unable to form a coalition. As a result, Israel will go to national elections on February 10th, 2009, to elect a new Prime Minister. That will be just 21 days after the US Presidential Inauguration. By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth. I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Proverbs 8:16-17.
I do like these little blue flowers whatever they are called.
Another portion of the Israel Musuem is the Billy Rose Garden. Here was a very healthy black olive tree. Among other things, Billy Rose was very successful Broadway producer in the 1930's. Apparently he dedicated a major portion of the funding for the Garden.
These huge rocks in the Billy Rose Garden remind me of the stone that was rolled away from the tomb of the Lord Jesus. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. Mark 16:2-4.
While we were walking in the Billy Rose Garden, brillant sunlight began to appear through the clouds. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Mark 13:26
This sculpture reading Hebrew right-to-left on top first is "Alef He Bet (V) He". It says "Ahava", which is "love". It helped that there was a little plaque explaining the sculpture.
Most of the real Israel Musuem is closed for another year for reconstruction. However, it is possible to still enjoy miniature Jerusalem, the Billy Rose Garden, and just the privilege of walking around on a beautiful fall day in the city that God chose for His Holy Name to dwell. Yet I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name may be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel. II Chronicles 6:6.
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