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18 The Mount of Olives in YEHOVAH God’s Plan

is located among others that were hewn during the First Temple period -- some 800 to 900 years be-
fore the Messiah. Yet John’s Gospel clearly states that Yeshua’s body was placed in a “new tomb in
which no one had yet been laid” -- see John 19:41.

First Temple tombs or burial chambers can easily be differentiated from Second Temple pe-
riod burial chambers based upon the basic layout of the chambers and distinctive architectural fea-
tures -- including the type of chisel marks. In addition to this, certain archaeological artifacts
closely associated with the original tombs are clearly from the First Temple period. Furthermore,
“not a single tomb from Second Temple times has been found in this area” (Barkay, The Garden
Tomb: Was Jesus Buried Here?, p. 51). Finally, this area was located within the city limits during
the time of the Second Temple, where, according to legal restrictions, no cemeteries were allowed.
The following table provides a comparative summary of the three sites -- clearly demonstrating that
the Mount of Olives is the ONLY SITE which satisfies all Biblical, historical and archaeological
criteria:

Comparison Chart of Three Sites

BASIS & HOLY GORDON’S MOUNT OF
CRITERIA SEPULCHER CALVARY OLIVES

Constantine’s visions Gordon’s imaginary Biblical, historical &
Basis of site selection
& dreams skeleton archaeological data
Yes, “skull” meaning
No, skull-like Adam’s skull that
Fits “ha rosh” No appearance due to was buried on the
much later erosion Mount of Olives by
Shem.

Could veil be seen? No No Yes

In “the presence of
No No Yes
God”?

Near the place called
No No Yes
“outside the camp”?

Gardens not allowed Gardens not allowed
In a “garden” (tree
within city limits at within city limits at Yes
orchard)?
the time of Yeshua the time of Yeshua
Yes (only location
New tombs nearby? No No where new tombs
allowed at this time)

The Berean Voice March-April 2003