The Kidron Valley
The Kidron Valley separates the Mt. of Olives from the City of Jerusalem. Jesus crossed the valley many times, including on the evening of Holy Thursday when he went with his disciples to Gethsemane. The ancient tombs of Absalom, Jehoshaphat, St. James, and St. Zacharias are located in the Kidron Valley. According to local tradition, the Kidron will be the site of the Last Judgement. This belief lead to the creation of cemeteries in the Kidron Valley for Christians, Muslims and Jews alike. The valley most notably tombs are,the Tomb of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is revered by both Christians and Muslims. In addition, it is well known for Jewish tombs, including the Pillar of Absalom, the Tomb of Benei Hezir, and the Tomb of Zechariah. There are many Muslim tombs present, as well as Christian holy places including the tombs of Saint James, and Josaphat. Other scriptural significance The Bible calls the Valley "Valley of Jehoshaphat - Emek Yehoshafat",meaning "The valley where God will judge." It appears in Jewish eschatologic prophecies, which include the return of Elijah, followed by the arrival of the Messiah, and also the war of Gog and Magog and Judgment day. According to the prophecies, in the war of Gog and Magog, the two major coalitions of gentile nations will join forces against the Jewish state in Israel. Israel will be overwhelmed and conquered, and the last stronghold will be Jerusalem, which will also be conquered by the gentiles. After the gentiles finally succeed and destroy Israel, God will commence Judgement. God will save Israel and battle "with diseases, rain, fire and stones" against all the gentile nations that set to destroy Israel, and will fill the Land of Israel with their bodies which will take the Jews 7 months to bury all. In the prophecies, it says he will bring the gentiles down to Emek-Yehoshafat (Kidron Valley), and then he will judge all of the gentiles for all of the wrong they have done against Israel since the beginning of time, and only the gentiles that helped Israel will be spared. It should be noted, though, that not all scholars agree with the traditional view that the Kidron Valley is the location of the Valley of Jehoshaphat. Biblical commentator Adam Clarke maintains this view, claiming that the Valley of Judgment is a symbolic place. Kidron Valley was not associated with the Valley of Jehoshaphat until the 4th century AD. The valley is also known for its tombs most notably the Tomb of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is revered by both Christians and Muslims. In addition, it is well known for Jewish tombs, including the Pillar of Absalom, the Tomb of Benei Hezir, and the Tomb of Zechariah. There are many Muslim tombs present, as well as Christian holy places including the tombs of Saint James, and Josaphat. Other scriptural significance,according to the Tanakh, King David fled through the valley during the rebellion of Absalom. According to the New Testament Jesus crossed the valley many times traveling between Jerusalem and Bethany.
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