There are no Bibles on Bible Hill (Unless you bring one)

Right in the middle of Jerusalem, there is an open space that was designated by the Municipality as an Urban Nature Site in 2010.  It is about 8 acres, which include the St Andrews Scottish Presbyterian Church a little further up the hill.   It offers a stunning display of wildflowers throughout the year, save the hottest summer months which leave it “high and dry” (that’s a desert joke) and looking much like the rest of the vegetation throughout the country.

Just across from the First Station, just past the bus stop is a sign in English, Arabic and Hebrew naming the site Givat HaTanakh – Bible Hill.  Next is a precariously crude stairway that will take you to the top and a view worth the effort.  If you’ve come during any but those withering summer months, be ready for a visual feast.  The grassy mesa will be adorned by the appropriate seasonal offering, from Buttercups to Poppies, Anemones and Saffron.  (Keep in mind not to pick the wildflowers, all of which are covered by law as protected species)

photo Credit: biblewalks.com 

If you can stop looking at the floral show for a bit, you’ll see full circle the city on display. All the architectural beauty and diversity, the surrounding neighborhoods, if the weather cooperates, the Hills of Moab, and wait, I can see my dorm on Mt. Scopus from here!

But why is it called Bible Hill?

Some say because it is mentioned in Joshua 15:8, a Bible reference to the boundary of the tribe of the people of Judah: “Then it ran up the Valley of Ben Hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem). From there it climbed to the top of the hill west of the Hinnom Valley at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.”

Others suggest it is because excavations there uncovered the foundations of a Byzantine Church and tombs dating to the second Iron Age.

Whatever the reason, it’s a beautiful spot to spend some time in the middle of a crazy busy city in quiet contemplation, without the distraction of handouts, historic signs or shops, tour guides or chapels, just you and creation and what a view!   Open 24 hours a day (sunrise and sunset views also recommended) 7 days a week, 365 days a year with no exceptions and is free of charge.   It is not handicap accessible, so be warned, good shoes for sure, and some minimal climbing ability may be called for, and remember to bring water.

Right here in the middle of Jerusalem, who would have expected to find this little piece of paradise, or maybe, this is exactly where we should expect to find it.