David’s Tower (Jerusalem)
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Citadel of Jerusalem, built by Herod and known as the "David's Tower".
Description
One evening, at Gethsemane, after sending away the other apostles, Jesus questions Simon the Zealot:"«You said, Simon, that Lazarus sent Isaac and Maximinus to you today, when I was at David’s Tower. What did he want?» «He wanted to tell You that Nicodemus is at his house and would like to speak to You secretly. I took the liberty of saying: 'Let him come. The Master will wait for him at night' [...]»"[1]The ensuing meeting is reported by Saint John.[2] But what about the David's Tower mentioned here? A clue may be given by a dialogue between Jesus and John, Judas, and Simon, as they have just left the Temple and are heading to Bethlehem.
"There is David’s Tower […] We are going to Bethlehem first […] Let us go around Herod’s houses…"[3]
Its name
This name "David's Tower" is improperly applied to the Phasaël Tower and, by extension, to the entire citadel.
Where is it mentioned in the work?
GRM 72 GRM 116
Learn more about this place
The David's Tower today is the name given to the citadel located at the western corner of the Old City, a few meters south of the Jaffa Gate. One of the towers, built by Herod, has survived the ravages of time. This "David's Tower" is incorporated into the fortifications of the current citadel. Its name likely results from a mistaken identification of this structure by Christian pilgrims during the Byzantine period, as Flavius Josephus called the southwestern hill of Jerusalem the citadel of King David.[4]
According to Maria Valtorta, this designation is contemporary with Jesus. Therefore, it is either an anachronism or a historical indication: Herod’s citadel may have been built on the site of a fortification of King David. Indeed, at this location, the elevation is higher than that of the Temple Mount and dominates the whole city, protecting its western access. It may also be the popular nickname of the monument.
Explore
- 31° 46’ 33’’ N / 35° 13’ 40’’ E /
- +780m
Notes and references
Article partially based on the Geographical Dictionary of the Gospel by Jean-François Lavère.
- ↑ GRM 116.4.
- ↑ John 3:1-21.
- ↑ GRM 72.6.
- ↑ Flavius Josephus, The Jewish War V, 3, 1.