Glimpses of Israel - The Pool of Siloam

Located in the southern suburbs of Jerusalem, not far from the old city walls, is the Pool of Siloam, also known as the Shiloach Pool. In Temple times Siloam provided water for purification. It was from here that water was drawn to mix with the ashes of the Red Heifer, as part of the sanctification of the High Priest.

A man born blind received his sight after washing in the pool of Siloam, and then he testified to all who knew him, including the Temple authorities. "A man called Yeshua made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and I received my sight." (John 9:11)

Water was also drawn in golden vessels from Siloam on the eighth day of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), known as The Great Day. On that day, the water was poured out into large bowls, in celebration of its life-giving and cleansing qualities. The Scripture records the Messiah being in Jerusalem on this day. "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Yeshua stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water?'" (John 7:37-38)

The pool of Siloam is constructed of stone and concrete, and is accessed by a stone stairway. It is oblong in shape approximately 17 metres long, by 5 metres wide and 6 metres deep. The pool of Siloam appears to be a section of a much larger and extensive ancient watering system for the city of Jerusalem. Recently, archaeologists uncovered a larger pool further south, which many believe will be of major significance.

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