Flowing from just northeast of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Kidron Valley has witnessed millennia of history. The Kidron Valley separates the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. It ends dramatically at the Dead Sea.
Nahal Kidron descends some 4000 feet over its 20-mile course. The Hebrew name Qidron comes from the root “qadar”. This means “to be dark”. In this context, it could mean “dusky”.
For centuries, the Kidron Valley marked Jerusalem’s eastern boundary. Ancient cemeteries were established here. They were considered suitably outside the city limits. Over time, different religions embraced the Kidron Valley. Its route connects Mount Zion, Mount Moriah, and the Mount of Olives.
The Hebrew Bible knows the upper Kidron Valley as Emek Yehoshafat. This means the “Valley of Josaphat”. Jewish eschatologic prophecies place key events here. These include the return of Elijah and the arrival of the Messiah. Also, the War of Gog and Magog and Judgment Day will happen here.
Notably, the upper Kidron Valley contains Jerusalem’s most important First Temple period cemetery. This is the Silwan necropolis. High-ranking officials likely used it. Its rock-cut tombs date from the 9th to 7th centuries BCE.
North of the Old City, the upper Kidron Valley served as a main burial ground during the Second Temple period. Hundreds of tombs remain to this day. East of the Temple Mount, see well-preserved monumental tombs from the same era. Some Second Temple period tombs later sheltered hermits and monks. They belonged to the large monastic communities during the Byzantine Empire.
In the Old Testament kings’ time, the Kidron Valley included the King’s Garden. Kings owned land here. It may also have been known as the King’s Valley. Absalom set up his monument or “pillar” here.
The Kidron Valley features three monumental tombs. They are significant landmarks of ancient Jerusalem. The Tomb of Absalom rises before the Cave of Jehoshaphat. There is also the Tomb of Benei Hezir. The Tomb of Zechariah could be the nefesh of the Tomb of Benei Hezir.
Absalom’s Tomb has a lower cube hewn from bedrock. It features Ionic columns and an Egyptian cornice. The upper part includes a square pedestal. It holds a round drum and a conical roof. This nefesh or monument marks the tomb below.
King David fled through the Kidron Valley during Absalom’s rebellion. King Hezekiah threw altars for incense into the Wadi Kidron. Priests removed unclean items from the Temple to the Kidron.
In the New Testament, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley many times. He traveled between Jerusalem and Bethany. The Garden of Gethsemane is located here. It is where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion.
In 1989, the Akeldama Tombs were found at the confluence of the Kidron and Hinnom Valleys. Archaeologists discovered large burial complexes. They contained artifacts from the end of the Second Temple period.
Today, there are plans to restore part of the Kidron Valley. A controversial proposal aims to create a park called the Garden of the King. It will be located in the Arab neighborhood of Silwan.
Unfortunately, sewage from East Jerusalem and the Palestinian Authority flows into the Kidron stream. This causes severe environmental damage. A restoration project seeks to stop this sewage flow. It will divert it to a new collection line and purification facility. The purified water will be used for agriculture.
As you stand here, remember the Kidron Valley’s long history. It is a place of burial, refuge, and purification. It remains a vital part of Jerusalem’s story. Its future hinges on cooperation and restoration.