First Temple Period
The exhibition follows the significant events which took place in Jerusalem during the First Temple period: the city’s designation as capital by King David; its prosperity under the rule of King Solomon and its establishment as an administrative and religious center.
The exhibition also includes a description of the efforts made by the kings of Jerusalem to withstand the threats of the Mesopotamian empires which sought to conquer the city; its final conquest by Nebuchadnezzar and the exiling of the people of Israel to Babylon (586 BCE)
The City of David
King David chose Jerusalem for the capital of the Kingdom of Israel and built the Zion citadel on top of the ruins of the Jebusite city. Jerusalem – the City of David – stretched over a small area on a hill south of Mount Moriah.
Jerusalem during King David before the First Temple was built
Diorama
King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
During the rule of King Solomon, the land of Israel became a thriving commercial power. Horses, chariots, gold and treasures were brought to him from far and wide. Artisans from foreign lands built the royal palace and the Temple. Rulers from all over the world came to the land of Israel to meet the King who was renowned as the wisest of men.
The Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon
Ethiopian illustrated Manuscript, 15th century
Facsimile, courtesy of the National Library, Paris
Under Assyrian Siege
In 701 BCE, the chief commander of Sennacherib, King of Assyria, lay siege to Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah prayed for the people, encouraged King Hezekiah and promised that the King of Assyria would not come to the city; and indeed, the siege was suddenly lifted, and Jerusalem was saved from ruin.
The siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib’s army
Three dimensional scene/Diorama
