The Valley of The Shadow of Death, Jerusalem
1,599,749
Published 2018-01-14
Part 2 of the Jerusalem mini-series. In this episode, we explore the Kidron Valley.
Season 1, Episode 38
Transcript:
In the last episode, we walked through Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem, which led us to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent lis last hours before he was taken to to be judged.
This Episode, we continue the Jerusalem tour as we descend into the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
Jerusalem rests on the edge of two valleys: The Hinnom and the Kidron.
Both of these Valleys do not have a pleasant history.
The Hinnom valley is where some of the kings of Judah sacrificed their children by fire to Molech, who is believed, by some scholars, to be Satan.
The Kidron valley, is where King Jehoshaphat overthrown the enemies of Israel, and where the Levites would throw away the unclean and defiled items to.
The Kidron valley is located on the east side of Jerusalem. If we exit Via Dolorosa street through the Lion’s Gate, and walk a few minutes east, we’ll find ourselves in the valley of Kidron.
Today the valley is a mix of ancient and modern graveyard. Since many Jews believe that they will be resurrected when Messiah will come through the East Gate, they are willing to pay big money to be buried as close to the gate as possible. So they could be the first to enter the new kingdom.
If only they knew that the Messiah they are waiting for had already told them that "the last will be first, and the first will be last."
As we descended lower into the Valley of the Shadow of Death, we find the monument which Absalom built for himself. Through generations, the Jews had an interesting custom to bring their children here and have them throw rocks at the monument, as a reminder to what happens when you disobey God.
According to the Bible, Absalom was not buried inside of his own monument. Instead, he was buried in a shame way. Joab threw him into a pit and piled a heap of rocks on top.
Today the monument is sealed, but in the early 20th century, they were able to get inside and find an inscription from the 4th century: “This is the tomb of Zachariah, the martyr, the holy priest, the father of John”. Could this really be the tomb of John the Baptist?
During the rebellion of Absalom, King David, fled Jerusalem through this valley. Then he mentions this valley in Psalm 23:
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Because this valley is located on the east side of Jerusalem, it is covered in shadow most of the day. The overlooking monument of the wicked king Absalom reminds the fate of those who rebel against God. The burial caves scream “death”, and the adjacent valley of Hinnom points to the eternal lake of fire. It makes sense for David to write these words as he fled from Absalom, but it even makes more sense to apply it to Jesus.
This valley is located right between Gethsemane and Jerusalem. So when Jesus was captured in Gethsemane, he had to actually walk through this valley, and into Jerusalem.
Right next to Absalom's monument is what believe to the Tomb of prophet Zachariah. However, the archeologist could not yet find the actual tomb as they have evidence to believe that this is a monolith. Completely carved out of the solid rock and does not contain a burial chamber.
All Comments (21)
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I'm from Pakistan and here we are not allowed to go to Israel as our passport says so. I'm thankful to you people to show us all these places .. we Pakistani Christians wish to visit Israel by God's will some day
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I never knew nor was I ever told by a single Christian that "The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death" was an actual place. I have learned so much from these videos.
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God bless u guys. We who are not or cannot visit the holy land appreciate your videos
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Jesus bless us who didn't visit there including me.. Praise the lord Jesus halleluyah amen
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Thats why Jesus said it wont be easy for the rich to get to heaven. Heaven is the kingdom in you made by your Christ Love. You CANT pay to get there
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Planning on a trip in 2020 to Israel with God’s will
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I am fascinated by these places. I wish I knew the bible as my mother does. Thank you from a Christian from Canada.
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NOT MANY people who have been to Jerusalem, I would wager, have ever been to the Kidron Valley(known to theJewish people as "the Valley Of Death". And I would also wager that EVEN FEWER have been to Absalom's Tomb,(which he had built for himself). Not knowing that he would ie a violent death at a young age, because he rebelled against his Father, King David. "AMAZING to see Absalom's tomb in such detail, AND, that it has survived 2 millenia of wars and such.. Sergio and Rhoda, you guys did such an outstanding job of touring Israel's Holy sites and archeology. Kudos To you Both. Shalmom!
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Good video, i hope someday Go To Jerusalem.... oh Jesus Thanks
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I was asking God what the Valley of Death like. He answered me through your Episode 38, awesome.
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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23 : 4. KJV Ty for posting this video. Maybe God bless your soul.
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Just, WOW!!! Thank y’all! You are loved! Hugs from Texas!
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As I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, i felt no evil but sorrow and sadness. All the graves are so overwhelming to see, so much death everywhere.
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Didn't even know there was a time when Israel sacrificed it's own children to Baal. Just to fit in. Fascinating way to learn that. Good work, keep it up. God Bless. Keep in mind, we will all walk these ''forbidden' paths one day with Yeshua. Soon.
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Let God JESUS be Magnified Let God JESUS be lifted up My Soul Magnifies My LORD JESUS hallelujah Oh Heavenly Father we trust and we worship you lord
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Seeing the Kidron Valley like that really brings the Bible alive for me. Thankyou so much. Yah bless you all.
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I have watched all the videos you have produced and as a born again Gentile, a follower of Jesus Christ going on 18 years I must say your videos are incredible! Thank you so much for putting them all together! I’m looking forward to see what the LORD has in store with your ministry utilizing this platform! Lord bless from Atlanta, GA!
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I've been in Israel in 2017 and it was the best trip I ever had !!!
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We're in Israel for 8 days (52 persons all of us in a group from Phils.)...this month Nov. 7 -14, 2019. I love the place amazing. We're visited all places when Jesus footstep. Memorable exprienced when we stayed 1 night in Mazada, Judean Desert then had a Camel ride through the desert. Wonderful journey we had. Thanks GOD!
