Most of our trips to Israel have included the Pool of Siloam.
The steps here have been where we sit.
This year was different as there
is a huge excavation tent and active dig.
permission given to have the land to excavate.
But things change in Israel.
The recent 2025-2026 excavations have now
uncovered a massive 2,800 year old,
40 foot dam from the First Temple period- (800 BC.)
It reveals an advanced water management system
during the reigns of Kings Joash or Amatya.
This structure is older than the Herodian pool
of the early excavation.
They believe it is a massive reservoir
that was built to manage
the extreme climate changes in Israel.
This dig is located in Jerusalem's
City of David National Park.
The Second Temple site is where Jesus is believed
to have healed a blind man.
In 2004, the site was accidentally rediscovered
while street crews were working on sewer and water lines.
The large stone-stepped pool was part
of a ritual bath area for pilgrims.
The earliest part dates back to King Hezekiah.
The pool was fed by the Gihon Spring through
the 1,750 foot long Hezekiah Tunnel.
This was the main water source
for the city during the Assyrian siege.
Lord willing, we head back in Jan. 2027
to take our next group there
and we will see what has been added to the discovery.
