Pool of Jerusalem: Upper Pool
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The Upper Pool in Jerusalem is a significant site mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the context of the prophetic narratives and historical accounts of the Kingdom of Judah. This pool is often associated with the water supply systems of ancient Jerusalem, which were crucial for the city's survival and defense.

Biblical References:

The Upper Pool is notably mentioned in the Book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 7:3 , the Lord instructs the prophet Isaiah to meet King Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. The passage states: "Then the LORD said to Isaiah, 'Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field.'" This encounter is significant as it occurs during a time of political tension, with the threat of invasion from the northern kingdom of Israel and Aram. The location of the Upper Pool serves as a backdrop for the prophetic assurance given to Ahaz regarding the protection of Jerusalem.

Another reference to the Upper Pool is found in Isaiah 36:2 , during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Hezekiah. The verse reads: "Then the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh with a great army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. He stood by the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field." This event marks a critical moment in the history of Judah, as the Assyrian envoy delivers a message of intimidation, challenging the faith and resolve of Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem.

Historical and Archaeological Context:

The Upper Pool is believed to have been part of the sophisticated water management system in ancient Jerusalem. The city's topography and limited natural water sources necessitated the construction of pools, aqueducts, and tunnels to ensure a reliable water supply. The Upper Pool, likely located in the northern part of the city, would have been strategically important, especially during times of siege.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the water systems of Jerusalem, including the Upper Pool, were developed and expanded over time, particularly during the reigns of kings such as Hezekiah. The construction of Hezekiah's Tunnel, which redirected water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam, reflects the ongoing efforts to secure water resources for the city.

Theological Significance:

The Upper Pool serves as more than just a geographical location; it is a setting for divine interaction and prophetic revelation. The encounters at the Upper Pool highlight themes of faith, divine protection, and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. In the face of external threats, the messages delivered at this site underscore the importance of trusting in God's promises and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The Upper Pool, therefore, stands as a testament to the historical and spiritual narrative of Jerusalem, illustrating the intersection of divine providence and human agency in the biblical account.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 18:17
And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 36:2
And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem to king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
... III. Siloam was on the back of Jerusalem, not of Sion. ... IV. It emptied itself, by
a double rivulet, into a double pool, to wit, the upper and the lower, 2 ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 25 gihon the same.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... ran round the west side of the Upper City, then ... When the Maccabee Jonathan finally
cleared Jerusalem of the ... of the Temple southwards, to near the pool of Siloam ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

Some Other Memorable Places of the City.
... Now the strangers dwelt in the upper street." Here I remember the story of ... "At Jerusalem
was a ... X. Besides the pool of Siloam, of Bethesda, of Solomon, (if that ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 35 some other memorable.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... 1. The city of Jerusalem was fortified with three ... before distinguished the hill of
the upper city from ... again towards the east at Solomon's pool, and reaches as ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
... The workmen of Jerusalem were specially distinguished for their artistic skill. ... of
the fullers," which lay "at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 11 jewish views on.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... An upper deck, supported by stout posts, ran from stem ... He was fortifying Jerusalem,
and storing within it munitions ... to store up the waters of the ancient pool. ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins - the ...
... He healed the impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda ... from the towns of Galilee, from
Jud??a, and from Jerusalem. ... were certainly held in the Aliyah or upper chamber ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi the return to.htm

From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus.
... the healing of the man at the pool of Bethsaida ... e) a discourse on the destruction
of Jerusalem and the ... from the table; (6) the institution of the Lord's upper. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xviii from the birth.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... But this is not the Pool of Bethesda. ... rose the towering walls of one of the upper
parts of ... They went towards the western side of Jerusalem, to the neighborhood ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Acts II
... private house would afford, especially the upper room where ... as a missionary, shows
that Jerusalem was anciently ... now dry, such as the supposed pool of Bethesda ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

Resources
What is a mikvah? | GotQuestions.org

Is there an angel named Raphael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Spider-Man fallacy? | GotQuestions.org

Pool: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Pool

Pool of Jerusalem of Heshbon

Pool of Jerusalem: Lower Pool

Pool of Jerusalem: Siloam (Shelah)

Pool of Jerusalem: Upper Pool

Pool of Samaria

Related Terms

Pond (2 Occurrences)

Reservoir (1 Occurrence)

Bethesda (1 Occurrence)

Fuller's (4 Occurrences)

Shiloah (1 Occurrence)

Siloah (1 Occurrence)

Pools (15 Occurrences)

Conduit (5 Occurrences)

Siloam (4 Occurrences)

King's (375 Occurrences)

Field (390 Occurrences)

Shelah (18 Occurrences)

Cistern (21 Occurrences)

Gihon (6 Occurrences)

Aqueduct (4 Occurrences)

Gilgal (39 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)

Jo'ab (120 Occurrences)

Washerman's (3 Occurrences)

Fullers (4 Occurrences)

Mirage (2 Occurrences)

Rabshakeh (15 Occurrences)

Group (32 Occurrences)

Parched (37 Occurrences)

Well (2882 Occurrences)

Gibeon (39 Occurrences)

Fountain (57 Occurrences)

David's (142 Occurrences)

Water-plants (7 Occurrences)

Fountain-gate (3 Occurrences)

Rab'shakeh (14 Occurrences)

Rab-shakeh (14 Occurrences)

Asphar

Agitated (9 Occurrences)

Shallun (1 Occurrence)

Stirred (64 Occurrences)

Sent (7705 Occurrences)

Silo'am (3 Occurrences)

Helkath-hazzurim (1 Occurrence)

Helkathhazzurim (1 Occurrence)

Springs (59 Occurrences)

Fountains (29 Occurrences)

Garden (68 Occurrences)

Joab (128 Occurrences)

Dogs (30 Occurrences)

Troubled (244 Occurrences)

Jezreel (37 Occurrences)

Repaired (46 Occurrences)

Facing (79 Occurrences)

Stream (96 Occurrences)

Official (45 Occurrences)

Steps (113 Occurrences)

Wash (105 Occurrences)

Turns (80 Occurrences)

Rush (35 Occurrences)

Hebron (71 Occurrences)

Met (118 Occurrences)

District (59 Occurrences)

Washed (113 Occurrences)

Hezeki'ah (120 Occurrences)

Upper (99 Occurrences)

Spring (122 Occurrences)

Lachish (22 Occurrences)

Chariot (102 Occurrences)

Reed (41 Occurrences)

Highway (27 Occurrences)

Water (4571 Occurrences)

Pontus (3 Occurrences)

Sides (170 Occurrences)

Flowing (123 Occurrences)

Abner (54 Occurrences)

Zur (9 Occurrences)

Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences)

Nin'eveh (18 Occurrences)

Jashub (5 Occurrences)

Jackals (20 Occurrences)

Lick (8 Occurrences)

Large (235 Occurrences)

Pool of Jerusalem: Siloam (Shelah)
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