Experiencing the Land of the Bible – Tour Stop #9

Experiencing the Land of the Bible is a series of posts about places in the Holy Land that I visited on my trip in 2023. If you travel to Israel with me, many (if not all) of these are places we’ll visit as well. Each week’s post highlights the biblical and historical significance of the site, any interesting modern facts that add value, some pictures and maybe some videos I took in those locations as well. And if there’s a faith lesson to be learned, I’ll make sure to point that out as well.

Israel is a beautiful place that will not only inspire you, but totally transform your faith. You’ll never see the Bible the same way again… it will come alive in a way you never expected. If you’re interested in visiting the Holy Land, we have a trip scheduled for March 12-20, 2026. Space is going fast, but you can still get more information and reserve a spot now!

Where Are We?

This is the Western Wall, the last exposed remnant of the retaining wall that once supported the Temple Mount. To Jews around the world, it’s the holiest site they can visit. The Temple Mount is under Israeli sovereignty, but it is controlled day-to-day by the Muslim Waqf under an agreement struck following the Six-Day War in 1967. This deal between the two parties allows both Muslims and Jews to visit the Temple Mount, but forbids Jewish prayer.

The Western Wall is not part of the former Temple itself – that was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70 – but it’s the closest spot to where the Holy of Holies once stood that Jews can go to pray. Every day, you’ll see men and women pressed against its massive stones, slipping written prayers into the cracks, rocking back and forth as they cry out to God.

It’s striking. The feeling of turning a corner out of an alley and first laying eyes on it is breathtaking. When I visited Jerusalem, I visited the wall during the day, and then went back late that evening. It was even more somber and moving at night.

It’s a place of deep longing. A place of unshakable devotion. A place of tears. And a place of incredible sadness for one big reason.

Biblical Significance: When the Glory Departed

The first temple (Solomon’s Temple) was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The second temple, rebuilt after the exile, stood for centuries and was massively expanded by Herod the Great in the years just before Jesus’ birth. This was the temple Jesus visited, taught in, and prophesied about when He said:

“Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Matthew 24:2)

That prophecy came true in AD 70 when the Romans crushed a Jewish revolt, destroying the temple. All that remained was part of the outer retaining wall – the Western Wall.

Ever since, Jewish prayer and longing has centered here. Most Jews still believe the Messiah cannot come until the temple is rebuilt.

And that’s what makes this wall so heartbreaking.

Why? Because the Messiah already came. He stood in that very temple. He wept over Jerusalem. He was rejected, crucified, and then raised. He tore the veil. He became the meeting place between God and humanity. And they missed him.

And now, while countless people press their foreheads to the stones of the Western Wall, they’re still waiting, praying, and longing for what has already happened.

Archaeological Insight: Stones That Still Weep

The lower courses of the Western Wall date to Herod’s renovation of the temple – massive limestone blocks weighing up to 500 tons each, fitted so perfectly you can’t slip a piece of paper between them.

Over the centuries, this spot has seen empires rise and fall, yet the wall remains. Modern excavations along the Western Wall tunnels reveal hidden sections of the wall that stretch nearly half a kilometer, showing the scale of Herod’s project.

But the most striking thing isn’t the stones themselves. It’s the people. Jews have gathered here for centuries, calling it the “Wailing Wall,” because it’s where they mourn the destruction of the temple and pray for its restoration.

@jimmy.mcloud Deep beneath Jerusalem lies history carved in stone. Walking the hidden tunnels of the underground Western Wall excavations feels like stepping straight into the pages of Scripture. What if these walls could talk? #Jerusalem #israel #Bible #travel #fyp ♬ Epic Music(863502) – Draganov89

Aha Moment: Tears at the Wrong Wall

Standing at the Western Wall is both moving and heartbreaking. The devotion is undeniable. The prayers are sincere. But the longing is misplaced.

They are waiting for a Messiah who has already come.

The true temple isn’t a building of stone – it’s Jesus. The presence of God isn’t behind a veil anymore. It’s in the risen Christ, poured out through His Spirit.

The tragedy of the Western Wall is that people are still crying out for redemption that’s already been accomplished.

For Christians, we proclaim what the Wall itself cannot: hope has already come. The Messiah has already arrived. And His name is Jesus.

Reflection Prompt

Where in my life am I still waiting for God to do something He’s already accomplished in Jesus?
Am I living as if I’m still on the outside, when Christ has already opened the way in?

Jesus, thank You that I don’t have to stand at a wall waiting.
You tore down every barrier between me and God.
Help me live in the freedom of what You’ve already done.

Visiting Today

The Western Wall is alive with sound and prayer. You’ll see bar mitzvah celebrations, hear shofars blowing, and watch as worshipers slip written prayers between the cracks of the ancient stones. You can tour the tunnels below, tracing the length of Herod’s wall underground.

It’s powerful. It’s moving. And it’s sobering, because while the stones are filled with longing, the tomb nearby is empty.