
Tomb of Zechariah, Jerusalem
Adjacent to the Tomb of Benei Hezir and just a few meters from the Tomb of Absalom, this imposing monument in the Kidron Valley was erected in memory of Zechariah, a minor prophet mentioned in the Old Testament who, according to the Book of Chronicles, was stoned:
"Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood up before the people and said to them, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.’ ” But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.”"
Carved entirely from solid rock (a remarkable feat indeed!), the monolith stands out for its pyramid-shaped upper portion; however, its overall style, which includes Hellenistic details like Ionic columns, closely resembles that of the Tomb of Benei Hezir, leading scholars to believe that they are near-contemporary with one another. Funerary experts have dated the tomb to the 1st century CE. Impressively large, it is stands amidst the world's oldest and largest Jewish cemetery and can be ascended for panoramic views of the valley.
"Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood up before the people and said to them, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.’ ” But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.”"
Carved entirely from solid rock (a remarkable feat indeed!), the monolith stands out for its pyramid-shaped upper portion; however, its overall style, which includes Hellenistic details like Ionic columns, closely resembles that of the Tomb of Benei Hezir, leading scholars to believe that they are near-contemporary with one another. Funerary experts have dated the tomb to the 1st century CE. Impressively large, it is stands amidst the world's oldest and largest Jewish cemetery and can be ascended for panoramic views of the valley.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Tomb of Zechariah on Map
Sight Name: Tomb of Zechariah
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel
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Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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