‘Affirms Scripture’: Biblical Site Where Jesus Healed Blind Man Excavated

The Pool of Siloam will soon be open for public view.

By Nancy Flory Published on January 3, 2023

The Pool of Siloam, the biblical site where Jesus healed a blind man (John 9), was unearthed and will be open to the public soon — for the first time in 2,000 years, the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Israel National Parks Authority and the City of David Foundation have announced. 

The pool was built about 2,700 years ago as part of Jerusalem’s water system in the eighth century B.C., the groups told Fox News Digital. This took place during the reign of King Hezekiah as written in 2 Kings 20:20

In 2004, the Hagihon water company, while doing infrastructure work, unearthed some of the pool’s steps, reported Fox News. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) began a survey, which uncovered the northern perimeter and a small section of the eastern perimeter of the Pool of Siloam. “The perimeter of the pool was built as a series of steps, allowing the bathers to sit and immerse themselves in the waters of the pool,” according to the IAA.

While a small portion of the pool has previously been accessible, the excavation will allow those who visit the City of David to see in full the pool where Jesus healed a blind man. The IAA will allow visitors to see the pool while excavation continues.

Ze’ve Orenstein is the Director of International Affairs for the City of David Foundation in Jerusalem. The site is “[o]ne of the most significant sites affirming Jerusalem’s Biblical heritage — not simply as a matter of faith, but as a matter of fact — with significance to billions around the world, will be made fully accessible for the first time in 2,000 years,” Orenstein told Fox News Digital. “Despite ongoing efforts at the United Nations and Palestinian leadership to erase Jerusalem’s heritage, in a few years time, the millions of people visiting the City of David annually will literally be able to walk in the footsteps of the Bible, connecting with the roots of their heritage and identity.”

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Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, told Fox News Digital that hearing the news of the pool reminds him of a scripture. “When I think of this news, I think of another phrase from the Hebrew Bible, ‘My ears have heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.'”

Moore continued, 

This news means that one of the most important archeological discoveries in history can soon be seen by visitors from all over the world. It will affirm all they believe. Having faith is part of worshipping God, but faith alone isn’t required to believe. There are historic facts attesting to the truth of Scripture.

In the Pool of Siloam, we find evidence of history preserved for us, revealed at just the right time. This is a truly historic event. Theologically, it affirms Scripture, geographically it affirms history and politically it affirms Israel’s unquestionable and unrivaled link to Jerusalem. Some discoveries are theoretical. This one is an undeniable. It is proof of the story of the Bible and of its people, Israel.

Pastor John Hagee, the founder and chairman of Christians United for Israel, told Fox News Digital that the Pool of Siloam’s excavation is “highly significant” to Christians. “It was at this site that Jesus healed the blind man (John 9), and it is at this site that, 2,000 years ago, Jewish pilgrims cleansed themselves prior to entering the Second Temple. The Pool of Siloam and the Pilgrimage Road, both located within the City of David, are among the most inspiring archeological affirmations of the Bible.

“Christians are deeply blessed by the City of David’s work and Israel’s enduring commitment to ensuring religious freedom to all who visit and live in the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem — the undivided capital of Israel.”

 

Nancy Flory, Ph.D., is a senior editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.

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