Devotional Trip – Day 5, Site 5 ... The Mount of Olives

Read: 2 Samuel 15:13 – 16:4 (lwww.biblestudytools.com/nrs/2-samuel/15.html)
Sing: Go, Tell It on the Mountain, UMH 251
 
The Mount of Olives, a long ridge to the east of Jerusalem, is the location of many biblical events. At nearly 2,700 feet above sea-level, it is Jerusalem’s highest point and offers unrivalled vistas of The Old City and its surroundings. The ridge, also called Mount Olivet, takes its name from the fact that it was once covered with olive trees.
 
This day of touring Israel was the first bright, sunshiny day since we arrived in Jerusalem. Yet it was still cool enough that I wore a long-sleeve shirt and my windbreaker as we gathered for our group picture. There were only two of these people that I knew before this trip but we had a lot of fun together. We were a combination of four different groups from six different states. I think there is something about seeing these holy sites together that builds a bond between us. Our guide and our driver were so good to us and good at their jobs - I would go with these folks anywhere!
 
After we were done taking our group picture there were vendors available for camel or donkey rides. James decided he wanted to ride a camel. He gave the vendor a nice tip and got a little extra time on the camel – what a wonderful experience!
 
Until the destruction of the Temple, the Mount of Olives was a place where many Jews would sleep out, under the olive trees, during times of pilgrimage. During the siege of Jerusalem which led to the destruction of the city in 70 AD, Roman soldiers from the 10th Legion camped here. In Jewish tradition, the Messiah will descend the Mount of Olives on Judgment Day and enter Jerusalem through the Golden Gate. In this hope Jews have long sought burial sites on the Mount of Olives – there are more than 150k graves here now. Come, Lord Jesus