MembersWithout King David, Jerusalem Wouldn’t Be Disputed

The conflict that today rages around Jerusalem cannot be solved, according to Ronny Reich. Now retired, Reich spent decades as professor of archaeology at Haifa University and as Chief Archaeologist of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

“At that time, Jerusalem was a small town for the simple reason that it lie too far from the main highway,” Reich told Israel Today. “Jerusalem became a focal point only when King David moved his court there from Hebron. Yet that was not sufficient on its own. It was only when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into the city, and later when the First Temple was built, that Jerusalem was transformed into the spiritual and political center in the land. As a result of King David’s, decision we are sitting in Jerusalem today and discussing this matter.”

Professor Reich also explained what Jerusalem had been like when Jesus knew it. Jesus experienced a large city...