The Temple in Scripture and the Temple Mount Direction
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The Temple Mount direction has drawn the hearts of Bible readers for three thousand years. The hill in Jerusalem where the Temple stood is woven through Scripture, from Abraham's journey to Moriah to the pilgrims' songs of the Psalms. Knowing its story makes turning toward it in prayer far richer.
Temple Mount direction: a mountain with a story
Genesis 22:2 sends Abraham to the land of Moriah. 2 Chronicles 3:1 tells us Solomon built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to David. Scripture links the two.
The house Solomon built
1 Kings 6 describes the building, with the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, at its heart. In 1 Kings 8, at the dedication, Solomon asked that prayers made toward this house be heard.
Songs of going up
Psalms 120 to 134 are songs of ascents, often connected with pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. Psalm 122 begins with joy at going to the house of the Lord and asks the reader to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (122:6).
The Western Wall today
Today the Western Wall, part of the retaining walls of the Temple Mount, is a place of prayer for people from around the world. Even those who will never visit can turn toward it.
Jesus and the Temple
The Temple also appears throughout the Gospels. Luke 2 tells of Jesus being presented in the Temple as an infant and, at twelve, staying behind to listen to the teachers there (Luke 2:22-52). John 2 records Him in the Temple courts at Passover. For Christian readers, the Temple Mount is part of the story of Jesus as well as the story of Israel.
Whatever your tradition, the place carries centuries of prayer.
The Temple's lasting symbolism
The prophets often looked toward Jerusalem with hope. Isaiah 2:2-3 pictures many peoples streaming to the mountain of the Lord's house to learn His ways. Micah 4:1-2 repeats the vision. These passages help explain why so many people, across centuries and continents, have turned toward the Temple Mount in prayer: it represents a meeting place between heaven and earth, and a hope that reaches beyond one nation.
Face the Temple Mount from home
From wherever you live, the Temple Mount direction may surprise you. A free compass shows it.
Try the free ToraClick Compass at toraclick.com/compass. Allow location, hold your phone flat, and it points you toward Jerusalem and the Temple Mount from wherever you stand. Explore more Scripture at biblesclick.com.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the Temple in the Bible? In Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, according to 2 Chronicles 3:1.
What are the songs of ascents? Psalms 120 to 134, linked with going up to Jerusalem.
How do I find the Temple Mount direction? Use the free compass at toraclick.com/compass.