MOUNT OF OLIVES
The Mount of Olives, a hill located to the east of Jerusalem and opposite the Temple, holds immense significance in biblical history. It provides a stunning view of the Temple area across the Kidron Valley and has witnessed numerous pivotal events involving Israel’s kings, prophets, and priests. Known for its abundant olive groves that produced oil for anointing, it is also called the Mount of Anointment. Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the roles of king, prophet, and priest, frequently visited this mount, further elevating its sacred significance.
Sections of the Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is divided into several sections, each with its unique biblical importance:
1. Bethphage – Known as “the house of figs,” Bethphage was renowned for its fig cultivation.
2. Bethany – Referred to as “the house of dates,” Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and a regular place of rest for Jesus.
3. Gethsemane – Meaning “the oil-press,” Gethsemane was a garden where Jesus fervently prayed before His arrest.
Biblical Events on the Mount of Olives
Old Testament References
1. David’s Distress:
– “David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered; and all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went” (2 Sam 15:30). This occurred during Absalom’s rebellion.
2. Solomon’s Idolatry:
– Towards the end of his reign, Solomon built high places of worship for the gods of his foreign wives on the Mount of Olives, which displeased God (1 Kgs 11:7-8).
3. Josiah’s Reforms:
– King Josiah destroyed these high places, purging idolatry from the land (2 Kgs 23:13-14).
4. Ezekiel’s Vision:
– The prophet Ezekiel foresaw the glory of God leaving the Temple and resting on the Mount of Olives (Ezek 11:23).
New Testament References
1. Jesus’ Teachings and Prophecies:
– Jesus taught His disciples about the signs of the end times while sitting on the Mount of Olives (Mk 13:3; Mt 24:3).
2. Nightly Retreats:
– Jesus often retreated to the Mount of Olives for prayer and rest during His time in Jerusalem (Lk 21:37; 22:39).
3. Triumphal Entry:
– Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed by crowds waving palm branches, began from the Mount of Olives (Lk 19:28-40).
4. Agony in Gethsemane:
– Jesus experienced intense prayer and agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, where His sweat became like drops of blood (Lk 22:39-45).
5. Betrayal and Arrest:
– Judas betrayed Jesus, leading to His arrest by soldiers in Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-57; Lk 22:39-54).
6. Ascension:
– Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, and it is prophesied that He will return there (Acts 1:11-12).
7. Zechariah’s Prophecy:
– Zechariah foretold the Lord’s return at the end times: “On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley” (Zech 14:4-5).
REFLECTION
The Mount of Olives stands as a testament to both human frailty and divine hope. It was a place of sorrow for David and Jesus, a site of betrayal by Judas, and a scene of idolatry by Solomon. Yet, it is also a place of divine presence, Jesus’ ascension, and the prophesied return of our Lord.
As Christians, we can draw profound lessons from the Mount of Olives. It reminds us of the importance of steadfast faith, the need for repentance, and the hope of Christ’s return. Let us honor our God-given freedom to worship in holiness and live with the anticipation of the Lord’s return, striving to be faithful servants who await the eternal reward He has promised.