The Upper Pool is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the history of Jerusalem and the prophetic narratives. It is primarily referenced in the books of 2 Kings, Isaiah, and 2 Chronicles, serving as a backdrop for pivotal events in the history of Judah.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 18:17 : "Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced and came to Jerusalem, and they took their position by the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, which is on the road to the Launderer’s Field."

2. Isaiah 7:3 : "Then the LORD said to Isaiah, 'Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field.'"

3. Isaiah 36:2 : "And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh with a great army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. He stood by the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field."

4. 2 Chronicles 32:30 : "It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the waters of the Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the City of David. Hezekiah succeeded in all that he did."

Historical and Theological Context:

The Upper Pool is located in Jerusalem, near the aqueduct that supplied water to the city. It is associated with the Gihon Spring, one of the primary water sources for ancient Jerusalem. The pool's strategic importance is highlighted during the reign of King Hezekiah, who undertook significant engineering projects to secure the city's water supply against Assyrian threats. This included the construction of Hezekiah's Tunnel, which redirected water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam, ensuring a steady water supply during sieges.

The Upper Pool is also the setting for significant prophetic encounters. In Isaiah 7:3, the prophet Isaiah meets King Ahaz at the Upper Pool to deliver a message from God during a time of national crisis. This encounter underscores the pool's role as a place where divine messages and political decisions intersect.

Symbolic Significance:

In the biblical narrative, water often symbolizes life, sustenance, and divine provision. The Upper Pool, as a critical water source, represents God's provision and protection for His people. The engineering feats associated with the pool, particularly under Hezekiah, reflect human ingenuity and divine guidance working in tandem to preserve the nation of Judah.

The Upper Pool's mention in prophetic contexts also highlights themes of trust and reliance on God. In Isaiah's encounter with Ahaz, the pool becomes a backdrop for a call to faith amidst political and military threats. The prophetic messages delivered at the Upper Pool emphasize the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His promises, even when faced with overwhelming challenges.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological studies have identified the location of the Upper Pool near the Gihon Spring, with remnants of ancient water systems providing insight into the engineering capabilities of the time. These findings corroborate the biblical accounts of Hezekiah's waterworks and offer a tangible connection to the historical and theological narratives of the Old Testament.

In summary, the Upper Pool serves as a significant geographical and symbolic site within the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of divine provision, prophetic revelation, and the interplay between faith and political action.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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

La Brea
... older and more hardened masses, usually at the upper ends of ... 'In one of the
star-shaped pools of water ... was a huge Caddis, like those in English ponds and streams ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter viii la brea.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... it was for some time believed that this sign represented a piece of stuff, ornamented
at the bottom by embroidery or fringe, and bearing on the upper part the ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

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