The Temple mount is the most sought after piece of real estate in the world. It is where the first and second temples originally stood and it is where the yet to be built third temple will be. This is considered to be Judaism's holiest site. Often a place of prayer and conflict, the wall also known as the Kotel, is a symbolic connection between the Jews of biblical times and Israel today. This is not actually a wall from the temple but a wall that surrounded the temple.
Tradition teaches that along with this being the place where King Solomon built the altar of the Holy Temple it is also the same place where Abraham built an altar and bound his son Isaac, where Noah built an altar upon his departure from the ark, where Cain and Abel brought their offerings and where Adam brought his sacrifice after he was created. There too, Adam's creation took place.
Many believe that prophecy teaches in the End Times there will be a re-built Temple. This is based partially on the Daniel 9:24-27 prophecy which talks about the Abomination Of Desolation occurring from inside the temple. Since the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. another temple must be rebuilt on the same location as the original first and second temple stood. Find out how Re-building The Temple is part of End Times prophecy. Are We Living In The End Times?
Although Islamic Wakf officials are currently denying any Jewish connection to the Temple Mount, a 1930 booklet about the site published by the supreme Moslem body in Jerusalem during the British Mandate states categorically that the site's identification with the Jewish First Temple is beyond dispute.
Published by the Supreme Moslem Council, the nine-page English-language tourist guide is entitled "A Brief Guide to al-Haram al-Sharif" and states: "The site is one of the oldest in the world. Its sanctity dates from the earliest times. Its identity with the site of Solomon's Temple is beyond dispute." This, too, is the spot, according to universal belief, on which David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings." A footnote refers the reader to 2 Samuel 26:25.
The Supreme Moslem Council was the supreme Moslem body during the Mandate period to administer the Moslem affairs in Palestine which included Wakf affairs.
Articles of interest include:
"The Divine Presence" never departs from the Western Wall.(1)
1). Chabad of Peoria Jewish Art Calendar 5767 (2007).
Photo of Temple Mount ( http://www.inisrael.com/tour/screen/more5.htm)
Temple Institute
Temple Mount Faithful
Midnight Call Ministries
