Melchizedek's Ancient Temple - Before Solomon's

[Lulav]

Great informative video, take time to watch. Also read the comments, some have actually
been there.

 

[daq]

Great informative video, take time to watch. Also read the comments, some have actually
been there.

Nice video. I've seen a few articles on this archeology site before, but had not heard the Melki-Tzedek Temple theory, (which I think is quite possible after watching the video). I remembered seeing some better image files of the very ancient letters on the floor of the first room: so I went and found one to post here together with one of those from a screen capture in the video.

Screenshot from the video:

Notice in the next image file the rectangular box (which is almost square) at the foot of the letter in the bottom left corner of the image. The rectangular box carved out of the floor appears to play the role of a socket for what would have likely been a tent post at this end of the structure. The letters therefore do appear to have dual purposes, and are not likely only letters carved into the floor, but probably do serve a secondary purpose. The rectangular box shape is the well known symbol of a house, the letter beth, and yet the whole letter appears to be another very ancient version of the letter beth/beyith. This example may have a yod/yud connected to the beyith like an arm extending from it, I am really not sure, but this grouping of letters is legible and does have a meaning, but of course it is my own reading, and I am sure many would disagree or count it highly debatable.

If you were looking into the room from the east, which is just beyond the left side lower corner of the image where the letter beyith is, the script would read from top right, (where the man is brushing off the first letter), and it reads from right to left with a top line of two letters, and a bottom line of two or three letters, (if the beyith contains a yod).

The top right V shaped letter is the most ancient form of the ayil, (same as alef, but it didn't represent an ox or a bull, it was a ram, which is yet the same letter). The next letter on the top left, which is just a vertical straight line like a stick or staff, is most likely a lamed, and thus we have EL. Then at the bottom right of the script we have the letter beyith which was discussed above, and it is the beginning of the second line reading the script from right to left. The final letter is an inverted ayil, which is the most ancient sign for the letter taw or tel, and thus we have the second word, BEYITH, a house, and the statement says EL BEYITH, (Bethel), House of El, (literally, by the word order, El's House).

Once you understand the reading this way it makes perfect sense that the south-east tent post would rise up out of the socket formed in the letter beth, (or beyith), because the letter represents a house. I believe there were two places called Beth-El: the more commonly known was Bethel on the northern boundary of Benyamin, but there was another Bethel on the southern boundary of Benyamin, and of course, Yerushalem is also on the southern boundary of Benyamin. The Bethel of the north was among the northern tribes and is the one that is prophesied against, for example, in the words of the Prophet Amos.

Moreover, when Shelomoh is anointed king, (1 Kings 1:24-40), we read that Tzadok the Kohen and Nathan the Prophet, and the others with them, went down and made Shelomoh to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Giḥon: and Tzadok the Kohen took a horn of oil out of the Tent and anointed Shelomoh. This is Tent is in the perfect location for this event.

 

[Lulav]

Nice video. I've seen a few articles on this archeology site before, but had not heard the Melki-Tzedek Temple theory, (which I think is quite possible after watching the video). I remembered seeing some better image files of the very ancient letters on the floor of the first room: so I went and found one to post here together with one of those from a screen capture in the video.

Screenshot from the video:

View attachment 327259

Notice in the next image file the rectangular box (which is almost square) at the foot of the letter in the bottom left corner of the image. The rectangular box carved out of the floor appears to play the role of a socket for what would have likely been a tent post at this end of the structure. The letters therefore do appear to have dual purposes, and are not likely only letters carved into the floor, but probably do serve a secondary purpose. The rectangular box shape is the well known symbol of a house, the letter beth, and yet the whole letter appears to be another very ancient version of the letter beth/beyith. This example may have a yod/yud connected to the beyith like an arm extending from it, I am really not sure, but this grouping of letters is legible and does have a meaning, but of course it is my own reading, and I am sure many would disagree or count it highly debatable.

View attachment 327260

If you were looking into the room from the east, which is just beyond the left side lower corner of the image where the letter beyith is, the script would read from top right, (where the man is brushing off the first letter), and it reads from right to left with a top line of two letters, and a bottom line of two or three letters, (if the beyith contains a yod).

The top right V shaped letter is the most ancient form of the ayil, (same as alef, but it didn't represent an ox or a bull, it was a ram, which is yet the same letter). The next letter on the top left, which is just a vertical straight line like a stick or staff, is most likely a lamed, and thus we have EL. Then at the bottom right of the script we have the letter beyith which was discussed above, and it is the beginning of the second line reading the script from right to left. The final letter is an inverted ayil, which is the most ancient sign for the letter taw or tel, and thus we have the second word, BEYITH, a house, and the statement says EL BEYITH, (Bethel), House of El, (literally, by the word order, El's House).

Once you understand the reading this way it makes perfect sense that the south-east tent post would rise up out of the socket formed in the letter beth, (or beyith), because the letter represents a house. I believe there were two places called Beth-El: the more commonly known was Bethel on the northern boundary of Benyamin, but there was another Bethel on the southern boundary of Benyamin, and of course, Yerushalem is also on the southern boundary of Benyamin. The Bethel of the north was among the northern tribes and is the one that is prophesied against, for example, in the words of the Prophet Amos.

Moreover, when Shelomoh is anointed king, (1 Kings 1:24-40), we read that Tzadok the Kohen and Nathan the Prophet, and the others with them, went down and made Shelomoh to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Giḥon: and Tzadok the Kohen took a horn of oil out of the Tent and anointed Shelomoh. This is Tent is in the perfect location for this event.

Thanks for posting that daq, I've long wondered what happened between coming into the land and when David had the tabernacle set up. Being that it's not far from the City of David it seems totally plausible to me.

This map shows how close it was to Salem and Bethel

Also I note from your photo it seems that they have reinforced the building.

 

[Lulav]

17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.​

18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.​

19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:​

20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.​

21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.​

Seems like the King of Sodom was witness to that as the meeting with Melchizedek is sandwiched in between the parts about how he went out to meet Abram and then moved to make a trade.

But notice that it says that The King of Sodom went out to meet Abram in the valley of Shaveh which is another name for Salem. Wonder why they use two different words?

The valley of Shaveh, also known as the King's Valley: Located just outside Jerusalem.

The word seems to mean to resemble, but we are talking of a valley and Salem was on a hill.

 

[daq]

Thanks for posting that daq, I've long wondered what happened between coming into the land and when David had the tabernacle set up. Being that it's not far from the City of David it seems totally plausible to me.

This map shows how close it was to Salem and Bethel

View attachment 327733

Also I note from your photo it seems that they have reinforced the building.

I found the image file here. Although I do not agree with everything proposed, the author does seem to agree that there were two places called Bethel, and also believes that this is the one where Abraham met Melki-Tzedek, (you'll find that here).

 

[Lulav]

After reading that first link what came to mind was if this was a 'temple' that melketzedek 'officiated' at, could it possibly serve as a third temple site today?

 

[Benjamin Müller]

I watched the whole video, but it seems to be all speculation and unsubstantial theories. There's not enough there for me to be convinced that it's even a temple site. It doesn't remotely resemble the temple. There is no temple courtyard, no holy place, no place for showbread, no incense altars, no menorah was found. There is not even a holy of holies.

This site would not be acceptable as a place for a temple. Mechizedek as Priest of the Most High God would need a completely functioning temple in order to serve as priest. We see that God gave Moses commandment to make the tabernacle exactly as it is in Heaven. This building bares no resemblance to the tabernacle. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, then if this was a temple pre-Israel if would bare the pattern and shadow of the heavenly tabernacle.

This looks like an ancient work building where animals were slaughtered and where they pressed oil, nothing more.

Also, if it is a temple. I would argue it's a pagan one. The video showed it getting buried when Hezekiah built the wall. If it were holy and he knew it were holy, he would not have built over it.

A scared pillar or a pillar stone, standing stone etc. which is what they are calling the matzevah could have been for idol worship.

‘You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the Lord your God. - Lev. 26:1

What it seems like to me is that there are those who are eager for a third temple to be built, so much so, they are looking for alternate sites for building one and when they find something that could be a site for animal sacrifices they're jumping the gun.

 

[daq]

After reading that first link what came to mind was if this was a 'temple' that melketzedek 'officiated' at, could it possibly serve as a third temple site today?

As for myself I have no idea what the powers that be might decide on something like that, but I highly doubt it, and I certainly do not believe either of the Temples stood on that site. There are some who claim that the what is now left of the Temple platform was originally a Roman fortress but I don't believe that theory either. However, I suppose I could be wrong, and I suppose that at this point just about anything is possible.

 

[Lulav]

As for myself I have no idea what the powers that be might decide on something like that, but I highly doubt it, and I certainly do not believe either of the Temples stood on that site. There are some who claim that the what is now left of the Temple platform was originally a Roman fortress but I don't believe that theory either. However, I suppose I could be wrong, and I suppose that at this point just about anything is possible.

No, I don't believe it was the place of the first and second either. However Abraham and those in his day far preceded Israel as a nation as well as King David and Solomon.

It does beg the question if Melketzedek was a Priest of the God most High located in Salem or Jerusalem then he would have to have a place to 'officiate', right?

 

[daq]

It does beg the question if Melketzedek was a Priest of the God most High located in Salem or Jerusalem then he would have to have a place to 'officiate', right?

What did Melki-Tzedek bring forth at the meeting with Abraham? Bread and wine. What do we see in the layout from the video? An area set up for a grain press and an area set up for a grape or wine press, (and apparently also an olive press for oil).

 

[Lulav]

I watched the whole video, but it seems to be all speculation and unsubstantial theories. There's not enough there for me to be convinced that it's even a temple site. It doesn't remotely resemble the temple.

That's because it came way before.

There is no temple courtyard, no holy place, no place for showbread, no incense altars, no menorah was found. There is not even a holy of holies.

I would think that would mean it's primitive. I think for sure you wouldn't find a menorah as if there was one it would surely have been stolen in antiquity.
The Holy place is seen as the standing stone that many believe Jacob anointed with oil.

This site would not be acceptable as a place for a temple. Mechizedek as Priest of the Most High God would need a completely functioning temple in order to serve as priest.

Being it was not for a whole nation at that time I think the area is satisfactory for what would be required.

We see that God gave Moses commandment to make the tabernacle exactly as it is in Heaven.

Yes, that was for a whole nation and it was for while they were in the wilderness.

This building bares no resemblance to the tabernacle. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, then if this was a temple pre-Israel if would bare the pattern and shadow of the heavenly tabernacle.

No, it would not but then again we are only looking at what is left. We have no idea of the coverings, the inpliments, etc.

This looks like an ancient work building where animals were slaughtered and where they pressed oil, nothing more.

Heathen high places didn't look the same.

Also, if it is a temple. I would argue it's a pagan one.

Pagans made sacrifices but there is more to it.

The video showed it getting buried when Hezekiah built the wall. If it were holy and he knew it were holy, he would not have built over it.

He might not have recognized it and it could by that time have been covered over with dirt.

A scared pillar or a pillar stone, standing stone etc. which is what they are calling the matzevah could have been for idol worship.

‘You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the Lord your God. - Lev. 26:1

We can see this in harmony with Genesis 28

10And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 11And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. 16And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. 17And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.​

​

The Stone of Bethel​

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18And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. 19And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. 20And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.​

These things tie in with the story of his Grandfather Abraham, meeting Melkitzedek, the tithing as well as the place called Bethel.

What it seems like to me is that there are those who are eager for a third temple to be built, so much so, they are looking for alternate sites for building one and when they find something that could be a site for animal sacrifices they're jumping the gun.

Not sure who you are claiming 'those' are but I think you are the one 'jumping the gun'. It was a thought I had, not that it is in anyway what has been in the works for decades.

 

[Lulav]

What did Melki-Tzedek bring forth at the meeting with Abraham? Bread and wine. What do we see in the layout from the video? An area set up for a grain press and an area set up for a grape or wine press, (and apparently also an olive press for oil).

We were posting at the same time. I'm glad it wasn't only I who made that connection.

Also it says that Melkitzedek, 'came out', so Came out from where? Did he just appear out of the ether?

 

[Lulav]

If you were looking into the room from the east, which is just beyond the left side lower corner of the image where the letter beyith is, the script would read from top right, (where the man is brushing off the first letter), and it reads from right to left with a top line of two letters, and a bottom line of two or three letters, (if the beyith contains a yod).

The top right V shaped letter is the most ancient form of the ayil, (same as alef, but it didn't represent an ox or a bull, it was a ram, which is yet the same letter). The next letter on the top left, which is just a vertical straight line like a stick or staff, is most likely a lamed, and thus we have EL. Then at the bottom right of the script we have the letter beyith which was discussed above, and it is the beginning of the second line reading the script from right to left. The final letter is an inverted ayil, which is the most ancient sign for the letter taw or tel, and thus we have the second word, BEYITH, a house, and the statement says EL BEYITH, (Bethel), House of El, (literally, by the word order, El's House).

From this site it seems this commenter thinks the same as you.

Very interesting indeed! I found another very interesting article about the carvings in the bedrock called, Where The Lord Chose To Place His Name, by Ronald Taylor. He thinks the carvings are the Paleo-Hebrew letters Yod and Beit. He compares them side by side.​

I finally found the article, you should give it a read. Where The Lord Chose To Place His Name the author was there shortly after the discovery.

 

[daq]

From this site it seems this commenter thinks the same as you.

Very interesting indeed! I found another very interesting article about the carvings in the bedrock called, Where The Lord Chose To Place His Name, by Ronald Taylor. He thinks the carvings are the Paleo-Hebrew letters Yod and Beit. He compares them side by side.​

I finally found the article, you should give it a read. Where The Lord Chose To Place His Name the author was there shortly after the discovery.

Hey, that was great Lulav, thanks for the links.
As for the second link: he got the letter beit right.

 

[Benjamin Müller]

@Lulav I believe Mechizedek and Jesus Christ are one in the same, therefore I do not believe He would have had a primitive temple. The Heavenly Temple existed before the nation of Israel and was made in the pattern and shadow when God instructed Moses. If there was a temple for Mechizedek it would have resembled the one in heaven. I do not believe this building is a temple whatsoever. Oil would not have been pressed inside the very temple, as even God commanded Moses that the children of Israel were to bring oil to the tabernacle. [Exodus 27:20]

This isn't a temple for the True God. And no, I'm not jumping the gun, as you think I am.

But we can agree to disagree.