Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Water Supply Brought in from the Gihon Brook by Hezekiah

◄ Jerusalem: Water Supply Brought in from the Gihon Brook by Hezekiah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, the ancient and sacred city, has long been a focal point of biblical history and prophecy. One of the significant engineering feats associated with the city is the water supply system developed during the reign of King Hezekiah. This system was crucial for the survival and defense of Jerusalem, particularly during times of siege.

Historical Context

King Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned over Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is noted for religious reforms and efforts to strengthen the kingdom against the threat of Assyrian invasion. The Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, posed a significant threat to the smaller kingdoms of the region, including Judah. In preparation for potential siege warfare, Hezekiah undertook several defensive measures, one of which was securing a reliable water supply for Jerusalem.

The Gihon Spring

The Gihon Spring, located in the Kidron Valley, was the primary water source for ancient Jerusalem. However, its location outside the city walls made it vulnerable during times of attack. To address this vulnerability, Hezekiah initiated a project to redirect the waters of the Gihon Spring into the city.

Hezekiah's Tunnel

Hezekiah's most notable engineering achievement was the construction of a tunnel to transport water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam within the city walls. This tunnel, approximately 1,750 feet (533 meters) long, was hewn through solid rock. The project is described in 2 Kings 20:20: "As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he made the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?" .

The tunnel's construction was a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, involving two teams of workers starting from opposite ends and meeting in the middle. The Siloam Inscription, discovered in the tunnel in the 19th century, provides a firsthand account of this achievement, describing the moment the two teams met.

Strategic Importance

The redirection of the Gihon Spring's waters into Jerusalem was a strategic move that ensured the city had a secure water supply during sieges. This was particularly important during Sennacherib's campaign against Judah, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 32:2-4: "When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and intended to make war on Jerusalem, he consulted with his officials and military staff about blocking off the water from the springs outside the city, and they helped him. A large force of men assembled, and they blocked all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. 'Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?' they said" .

Religious and Symbolic Significance

Hezekiah's efforts to secure Jerusalem's water supply also carried religious significance. Water, often symbolizing life and divine provision in the Bible, was a critical resource for the city that housed the Temple, the center of Jewish worship. By ensuring a steady water supply, Hezekiah not only protected the physical city but also safeguarded the spiritual heart of the nation.

Legacy

Hezekiah's tunnel remains a testament to his leadership and foresight. It is a physical reminder of the biblical narrative and the historical realities faced by the people of Judah. Today, the tunnel is a popular archaeological site, allowing visitors to walk through the ancient passage and reflect on the enduring legacy of Jerusalem's biblical history.

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2 Kings 18:17
And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.
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2 Kings 20:20
And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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2 Chronicles 32:3,4,30
He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.
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Nehemiah 2:13-15
And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.
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Isaiah 7:3
Then said the LORD to Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, you, and Shearjashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;
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Isaiah 22:9-11
You have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and you gathered together the waters of the lower pool.
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Isaiah 36:2
And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem to king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field.
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