Mount of Olives
| Mount of Olives | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Administrative District | Jerusalem |
| Elevation | Approx. 814 m |
| Location | 31°46'37"N 35°14'45"E |
| Features | Frequently mentioned during Jesus’ ministry Once covered with olive trees |
The Mount of Olives (Hebrew: הַר הַזֵּיתִים, Greek: όρος των ελαιων) is a mountain located east of Jerusalem. It appears multiple times in the New Testament, closely related to Jesus’ life and ministry.
Origin of the Name
The Mount of Olives got its name because it was once covered with olive trees. It was also referred to as the “mountain east of the city”[1] or the “olive grove.”[2]
Location and Geographic Features
The Mount of Olives, located east of Jerusalem, rises above the arid hills with three prominent peaks. It stands 80–90 meters higher than the Temple Mount (Mount Moriah), offering a clear view of the Jerusalem Temple from its summit. This mountain serves as a natural barrier, blocking cold winds coming from the north and east to Jerusalem while also helping to turn the humid breezes from the Mediterranean into rainfall. Thanks to its abundant rainfall, olive trees have flourished here since ancient times.[3] Between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives lies the Kidron Valley, while to the east, the land slopes down toward Jericho and the Jordan Valley.
The Mount of Olives was about one kilometer away from Jerusalem, so it was within walking distance even on the Sabbath day. In the Bible, it is written, “a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.”[4] Because of its proximity, Jesus often visited the villages of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives before going to the temple.[5][6][2] The Garden of Gethsemane, the historic site where Jesus prayed after the Passover supper, is also located on the slopes of the Mount of Olives.[7]
Today, the region surrounding the Mount of Olives has become a conflict zone due to ongoing disputes between Israel and Palestine. The landscape has also changed significantly over time.[8] Many trees were already cut down when the Roman general Titus destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70.[3] Today, Jewish cemeteries outnumber olive trees on the mountain.
The Mount of Olives in the Bible
In the Old Testament Times
During his reign, King David faced a crisis when his son Absalom led a rebellion against him.[9] Forced to flee Jerusalem, David escaped along the Mount of Olives and climbed to its summit, where it is believed that a place of worship once stood.[10] On his way, David met his friend Hushai at the top of the Mount of Olives. Later, Hushai played a key role in overturning the schemes of Ahithophel, who had allied with Absalom to overthrow David. Thanks to this, David was able to regain his throne.
In the New Testament Times
The Mount of Olives appears several times in the New Testament in connection with Jesus’ ministry.
- Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives
- Within the region of the Mount of Olives were the villages of Bethphage (Greek: Βηθϕαγή)[11] and Bethany (Greek: Βηθανία).[12][2] Jesus entered Jerusalem via these two towns to spend the last week of His life.[5][6] Bethany was home to Mary, who anointed Jesus with perfume, as well as her sister Martha and brother Lazarus. Their house was also located in this area.
- A Place of Prayer and Rest for Jesus
- During the day, Jesus would teach in the temple, and at night, He would retreat to the mountain.[13][14] From the Mount of Olives, which overlooks Jerusalem, Jesus spent many moments in deep prayer and reflection.[15]
- Jesus Prophesied the Destruction of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives
- Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives.
When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, . . . As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
- When Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, He spoke about the signs of disasters to come and the end of the age. He specifically prophesied about His second coming, describing how He would return and when it would take place.[16][17]
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” . . . You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. . . . Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let not those who are on the tops of the roofs go down to collect what is in their houses, and let those who are in the fields not turn back to get cloaks. “Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing in those days!” “Pray that their flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then, there will be great distress, such as has never been seen since the creation of the world until now, and never to be equaled again.”
- Jesus Was Taken Captive on the Mount of Olives
- After holding the Last Passover, also known as the Last Supper, in the upper room of Mark’s house, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with His disciples.[18][19] In Gethsemane, a small garden on the Mount of Olives, Jesus prayed earnestly all night until His sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood.[20][21] There, Jesus was arrested by the crowd sent by the high priest due to the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and a sheep silent before its shearers, Jesus willingly submitted to being taken away,[22] fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.
- Jesus Ascended to Heaven on the Mount of Olives
- After His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. He spent 40 days with His disciples before ascending to heaven. On the Mount of Olives, He gave them His final mission, saying, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When Jesus finished saying these words, He ascended to heaven in the sight of His disciples.
After he [Jesus] said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. . . . Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.
See also
- Jesus Christ
- Life of Jesus
- Major Achievements of Jesus Christ
- The Ascension of Jesus
- Second Coming Jesus (Second Coming Christ)
- Jerusalem
- Gethsemane
References
- ↑ "Ezekiel 11:23".
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Luke 19:29".
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Mount of Olives, Bible Gateway
- ↑ "Acts 1:12".
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Matthew 21:1".
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Mark 11:1".
- ↑ "Matthew 26:30–36".
- ↑ Mount of Olives becomes latest target in fight for control of Jerusalem, The Guardian, April 3, 2023
- ↑ "2 Samuel 15:4–12".
- ↑ "2 Samuel 15:14, 30, 32".
- ↑ Strong's Greek: 967. Βηθφαγή, Bible Hub
- ↑ Strong's Greek: 963. Βηθανία, Bible Hub
- ↑ "Luke 21:37".
- ↑ "John 7:53–8:2".
- ↑ "Luke 22:39–41".
- ↑ "Mark 13".
- ↑ "Matthew 24".
- ↑ "Matthew 26:27–30".
- ↑ "Mark 14:26".
- ↑ "Matthew 26:36–46".
- ↑ Luke 22:39-44
- ↑ Isaiah 53:7