En Rogel, En-Rogel
Fountain southeast of Jerusalem.
Description
"[...] a large quadrangular basin, covered and closed on all sides but one. A well, a large covered well, the largest I have seen. It is larger than the well of the Samaritan woman, and it must also be rich in water because the ground around it is nourished by it and looks very fertile, in contrast with the arid sepulchral Hinnom valley, a glimpse of which can be caught to the north-west. Only a solid stone building like that of the well and its roof covering could resist the dampness of the ground. And the dark huge stones, which even without being an expert one realises are ancient, resist protecting the precious water. Although it is a dull day and the sepulchres of the lepers are close at hand, and they always diffuse much sadness in the neighbourhood, the place is pleasing both because of its rich fertility and because behind it, to the north, there are large gardens with all kinds of trees raising their thick tops towards the grey sky which hangs low over the town, and in front of it, to the south the Kidron, widens its bed and becomes richer in water [...]"[1]
Notable facts
It was at this well of the Rogel fountain that the uncertain and disappointed three Magi from the East stayed, because the Star that had led them from so far had disappeared here. They prayed all night to see it again, and the following night their prayer was answered. Jesus gave a discourse there on faithfulness to the spiritual king:
"remember that near the fountain of En-Rogel, the Source of Wisdom gave you its water to drink"[2]
Its name
En Rogel (Enroguel – Ein Rogel) means "the fountain of the fuller". Also known as the well of Nehemiah or well of Job or additionally source of the Fuller.
Where is it mentioned in the work?
GRM 493
GRM 515 GRM 516.1 GRM 519.5 GRM 536.2 GRM 538.4 GRM 570.3 GRM 588.8 GRM 590.1 GRM 598.2
Learn more about this place
The fountain of En Rogel refers to two troubled episodes of the reign of David: The revolt of his son Absalom first. Hushai, friend of David, pretends to side with the cause of the rebel son to better inform David. He does so through Jonathan, son of the high priest Zadok, and Ahimaaz, son of Abiathar, also a high priest. Both hidden in the fountain of En Rogel.[3]
Later Adonijah, eldest of the surviving sons of old King David, prepared to proclaim himself king during a banquet at En Rogel. Warned by Bathsheba, David hastily had his chosen son Solomon crowned by Zadok, who remained faithful.[4]
Excerpt from the Geographical Dictionary of the Gospel According to Maria Valtorta, by Jean-François Lavère:"En-Rogel saw the loyalty of David’s servants and Adonijah’s sin, as it saw the faith of the three Wise Men. It is the same well. Jonathan and Ahimaaz, like Adonijah and his followers, like the three Wise Men leaned on its stones and quenched their thirst with its water. But the water and the stones saw three different things: loyalty to king David, betrayal of king David, and loyalty to God and the King of kings. (...) A guardian is placed at that well so that no one may infect the water. And in addition to the guardian it was given walls and a roof, so that the wind might not blow into it leaves and dirt, which might defile the precious water."[5][...]
Flavius Josephus indicates that the source was located near the royal gardens,[6] as is also confirmed by Maria Valtorta's account.
Explore
- 31° 45' 50" N / 35° 14' 10" E
- +630m
Notes and references
Article partially based on the Geographical Dictionary of the Gospel According to Maria Valtorta, by Jean-François Lavère.