Biblical scholars and archaeologists agree that Temple Mount is the site of biblical King David’s repentance offering to the the Lord and where King Solomon, King David’s son, built “God’s House”, known as the First Temple (approx. 1,000 BC).
Scholars and archaeologists also agree that King Herod the Great built the Second Temple on the same site. But, Herod wanted to greatly enlarge the courts around the temple so he leveled the top of Mount Moria and expanded the Temple Mount, which covers 27 football fields. The Al-Aqsa Mosque (Dome of the Rock), completed in 691 AD, was built on this vast courtyard over the summit of Mt. Moria, where Muslims believe the prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven. It is the third most holy site for Muslims, after Mecca and Medina.
Jews consider this a sacred site as well, where Abraham offered to sacrifice his son Isaac, but non-Muslims are not allowed inside the Mosque. Even though the Temple Mount is inside Israeli-controlled areas, Islamic rules and customs are respected.
Thought for the Day: Everybody likes to go their own way — to choose their own time and manner of devotion. Jane Austen
Gorgeous setting against a perfectly brilliant blue sky.
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