When we last left off, we were talking about the Gihon Spring, which was the only water source for the City of David.
This spring flowed out of a cave on the east side of the city, above the Kidron Valley.
Over time, the people living there worked hard to protect this spring.
They needed to keep their water safe from enemies and make sure there was enough for everyone as the city grew.
To do this, they carved three amazing water systems into the rock underneath the city.
These systems, all connected to the Gihon Spring, were some of the most advanced of their time!
During the First Temple period, all three systems worked together to keep the city’s water supply running smoothly.
They also show how determined Jerusalem’s kings were to ensure there was always water—even during a siege.
During times of war, the city’s water supply was at risk because the Gihon Spring was outside the city walls in the Kidron Valley.
To fix this problem, the people of the city created tunnels and shafts to bring water safely inside.
As I mentioned earlier, one of the earliest systems they built was called “Warren’s Shaft.”
The entrance to this system is on the eastern slope of the City of David, inside the old city walls.
It’s a tunnel carved into the rock that ends with a shaft.
At the entrance, the tunnel slopes steeply down like a staircase, making it easier to reach the water below.
But this makes us wonder:
How in the world did David’s men get into the water shaft if it was inside the city walls?
This has puzzled a lot of experts.
Some think the story in 2 Samuel 5 might not be completely accurate, while others wonder if there’s a mistake in how it was translated.
Well, we’ll be getting into all of that jazz later, but for now, it’s time for an amazing takeaway!
The story of the Gihon Spring and the water systems under the City of David offers a powerful reminder of the ingenuity and determination of the people of ancient Jerusalem.
They faced challenges like war, growth, and scarce resources but instead of freaking out, they got creative.
They dug tunnels and shafts, carved into solid rock, to bring the water inside and keep it safe.
This situation teaches us to approach challenges in our own lives with the same determination.
Even seemingly impossible problems have solutions waiting to be uncovered.
The takeaway is clear:
Faith and resourcefulness can work hand-in-hand to overcome even the toughest obstacles.
So don’t let life’s curveballs cause you to throw up your hands in defeat!
Ya feel me?
Later homies.
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