Glimpses of Israel - Mt of Olives

Separated from Jerusalem by the Kidron Valley and rising slightly above the ancient city, on the east, is the Mount of Olives.

Visitors are blessed with a view of Jerusalem that is worth the trip. The development and growth of Jerusalem, as a modern city, with new suburbs in all directions, reminds one of Zechariah's vision:

"Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it." (2:4)

While the Mt of Olives provides a stunning view, its southern slope, facing Jerusalem, has become a popular resting place for thousands of Jewish people who are buried there, making the Mt of Olives white with tombs.

According to tradition the tombs will be opened and the dead will be raised, when the Messiah comes.

The prophet Zechariah foretells of the struggle, in the last days, between Israel and the nations which will culminate with a battle over Jerusalem. According to the prophecy the LORD will intervene. The Messiah will personally appear on the Mount of Olives.

"Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from the east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south." (Zechariah 14:3-4)

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