What is the Mount of Olives?:
The Mount of Olives (also: Mt. Olivet) is part of a limestone ridge protecting Jerusalem that splits north of the city and unites again to the south. The area around the Mount of Olives is pretty desolate today; in ancient times, though, it was heavily wooded with olive trees — thus the name “Mount of Olives.” Olives were an important industry for the area because of their oil. Although people certainly ate olives, most of the crops were pressed for their oil for use in cooking as well as lamps.
The Mount of Olives (also: Mt. Olivet) is part of a limestone ridge protecting Jerusalem that splits north of the city and unites again to the south. The area around the Mount of Olives is pretty desolate today; in ancient times, though, it was heavily wooded with olive trees — thus the name “Mount of Olives.” Olives were an important industry for the area because of their oil. Although people certainly ate olives, most of the crops were pressed for their oil for use in cooking as well as lamps.
Where is the Mount of Olives?:
The Mount of Olives is a mile-long ridge of limestone that parallels the eastern wall of Jerusalem and turns west as it reaches the northern corner, partially enclosing Jerusalem. It rises 320 feet above the Temple Mount. It is an excellent site for city defenders to keep a watch from, but also excellent for attackers. During his siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, Titus had his headquarters on the northern extension of the ridge, naming it Mount Skopus (Lookout Hill) because of its view of the city.
The Mount of Olives is a mile-long ridge of limestone that parallels the eastern wall of Jerusalem and turns west as it reaches the northern corner, partially enclosing Jerusalem. It rises 320 feet above the Temple Mount. It is an excellent site for city defenders to keep a watch from, but also excellent for attackers. During his siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, Titus had his headquarters on the northern extension of the ridge, naming it Mount Skopus (Lookout Hill) because of its view of the city.
Why is the Mount of Olives important?:
Because of its usefulness both for defense and attack, the Mount of Olives has served as a symbol for both triumph and defeat. Jesus is portrayed as having pronounced judgment on the city and the Temple here. Ezekiel portrays the city’s departed glory as resting here first before disappearing (Ezekiel 11:23).
Because of its usefulness both for defense and attack, the Mount of Olives has served as a symbol for both triumph and defeat. Jesus is portrayed as having pronounced judgment on the city and the Temple here. Ezekiel portrays the city’s departed glory as resting here first before disappearing (Ezekiel 11:23).
The Mount of Olives has also been a traditional site for messianic expectations. According to the prophet Zechariah, God will personally stand here before entering Jerusalem:
- “In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south.” (Zechariah 14:4)
Naturally, the gospel authors had the Mount of Olives play an important role in Jesus’ ministry. He entered Jerusalem from the east, as the Jewish prophets insisted the messiah must. It was here that he was betrayed by Judas and arrested, and Acts implies that he ascended to heaven from here.
