Mount of Olives

So called from the olive trees which once covered its slopes, is a mountain ridge on the east of Jerusalem,1 from which it is separated by the valley of Kidron. It is first mentioned in connection with David's flight from Jerusalem through the rebellion of Absalom,2 and is only once again mentioned in the Old Testament, in Zech. 14:4. It is, however, often alluded to.3 King Solomon built altars there to the gods of his Ammonite and Moabite wives. The mount is frequently mentioned in the New Testament.4

The road from Jerusalem to Bethany runs as of old over this mount. It was on this mount that Jesus stood when he wept over Jerusalem. It is described as the place from which Jesus ascended to heaven.5

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References

Notes

  1. 1 Kings 11:7; Ezek. 11:23; Zech. 14:4.
  2. 2 Sam. 15:30.
  3. 1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 23:13; Neh. 8:15; Ezek. 11:23.
  4. Matt. 21:1; 26:30, etc.
  5. Acts 1:9-12.

Source

  • Easton, M.G. (1897). Easton's Bible Dictionary. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This article incorporates text from Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897) by M.G. Easton, which is in the public domain.