Tombs of the Prophets (Jerusalem, Israel)

City:

Jerusalem

State, Province, Region, or District:

Jerusalem (At-Tur) District

Country:

Israel

Overview

The Tomb of the Prophets is a large burial cave on the western slope of Mount of Olives. By Jewish and Christian tradition it is the burial site of the last three prophets of the Old Testament - Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. The site has between 26 - 50 burial niches and two adjoining burial caves. Greek inscriptions indicate that the cave was also used for the burial of Christians in the Byzantine period (4th-7th century AD). The property is owned by the Russian Orthodox church, but is maintained by a local Arab resident who lives near the cave.

The authenticity of the site is subject to doubt. Advocates assert that historical records, artifacts, inscriptions, and Jewish tradition support the belief that the tombs belong to the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, who lived in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. However, archaeological findings have dated the three oldest burial chambers to the first century BC, thereby challenging this tradition.

Alternate Names

Tomb of the Prophets; Cave of the Prophets (Hebrew: Me'arat ha-Nevi'im); Tomb of the Prophets Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi

Geography & Location

The Tombs of the Prophets are located at the top of the Mount of Olives at the beginning of the Triumphal Entry descent.

Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information

The site has been venerated by the Jews since the Middle Ages, and they often visited the site. In 1882, Archimandrite Antonin Kapustin acquired the location for the Russian Orthodox Church. He planned to build a church at the site, which aroused strong protests by the Jews who visited and worshipped at the cave. The Ottoman courts ruled in 1890 that the transaction was binding but the Russians agreed not to display Christian symbols or icons at the site which was to remain accessible for people of all faiths.

Architecture

The catacomb has an unusual plan, with a central circular chamber and radiating fan-shaped corridors leading to the burial places. The chamber consists of two concentric passages, which contain numerous burial niches, ranging from 26 to 50 depending on the source of information. The entrance to the large rock-cut burial cave is on the western side, where a staircase descends, flanked on both sides by a stone balustrade (railing system). It leads into a large circular central vault measuring 24 feet (7.3 meters) in diameter. From it, two parallel tunnels, 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide and 10 feet (3.0 meters) high, stretch some 20 yards (18 meters) through the rock. A third tunnel runs in another direction. They are all connected by cross galleries, the outer one of which measures 40 yards (37 meters) in length.

Biblical & Historical References

Tradition claims the ancients carved this place near the summit of the Mount of Olives to bury the prophets because of Zechariah’s prophecy about the coming of the Messiah.

Spiritual Lessons and Application

Today, we are called to be small “p” prophets who speak God’s Word to those around us like the prophets of old did.

Etymology

In Hebrew, the site is called Me'arat HaNevi'im (מערת הנביאים), meaning "Cave of the Prophets." In Arabic, it is Qubūr al-Anbiyyāʾ (قبور الأنبياء), meaning "Graves of the Prophets."

Planning a Visit

Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.