Teaching Team
David's Water Tunnel
In a recent archaeological dig in Jerusalem, a water tunnel was discovered that is believed to be the "water shaft" mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:8 which says: And David said on that day, "Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack 'the lame and the blind,' who are hated by David's soul." Therefore it is said, "The blind and the lame shall not come into the house."
The newly discovered tunnel, which dates to the 10th century BCE, is part of ongoing excavations that began earlier this year. The walls of the tunnel are composed of both unworked stones and the natural bedrock. According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, "The tunnel was discovered under a large stone structure which was previously identified by archeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar as King David's palace (2 Samuel 5:11). The already existing tunnel was integrated into its construction and was probably used to channel water to a pool located on the palace's southeast side." They continued to note that by the end of the First Temple period, the tunnel was converted to an escape passage.
After being converted to an escape passage, "additional walls were constructed in order to prevent the possibility of anyone entering the tunnel from the slope of the hill and to prevent penetration of debris inside the tunnel." Oil lamps from the First Temple era were discovered in the tunnel attesting to its last use.
A picture of the tunnel and the oil lamps can be found here from which the info in this blog is taken.
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Visitor Feedback:
Does this mean it is believed that Warren's Shaft was not the water tunnel used in the days of David?
***Brian's response: as the site is further excavated and the like, we may have more info in the future as to which site is the actual one.
John Stevenson | November 14, 2008 5:07 PM