18/07/2022
Known in only as “the brook Kidron,” the Kidron Valley runs north to south between the and the eastern wall of the . The 20-mile long stretch naturally descends 4,000 feet and tapers off into the Dead Sea. Originally filled by the Spring, the flow of in the was eventually diverted through the construction of complex water supply systems during the and Israelite periods.
The Kidron Valley was traversed by many notable figures, including David, who was described crossing the brook barefoot and weeping while fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel 15); and even Himself crossed the valley to meet with the disciples (John 18:1-2). It is also the place believed to be where Jesus was tempted by Satan to jump (Matthew 4:8) during His testing in the wilderness. The valley is also home to the Garden of , where Jesus prayed the night before His .
The northern valley, also known as the biblical King’s Valley, mentioned in 14, sees the most foot traffic, given its proximity to strategic sites in . Visitors are free to walk the white stone path into the heart of the valley to view the scores of olive trees and 2,000-year-old which face the .
The monuments, named after biblical figures, are tombs of prominent residents who dwelt in during the Period:
Absalom’s Tomb
The Cave of Jehoshaphat
The Tomb of Zechariah
