Ophel
Hill; mound, the long, narrow, rounded promontory on the southern slope of the temple hill, between the Tyropoeon and the Kedron valley (2 Chr. 27:3; 33:14; Neh. 3:26, 27). It was surrounded by a separate wall, and was occupied by the Nethinim after the Captivity. This wall has been discovered by the engineers of the Palestine Exploration Fund at the south-eastern angle of the temple area. It is 4 feet below the present surface. In 2 Kings 5:24 this word is translated “tower” (R.V., “hill”), denoting probably some eminence near Elisha’s house.
Named in 5 verses
- 2 Chronicles 27:3 He built the upper gate of Yahweh’s house, and he built much on the wall of Ophel.
- 2 Chronicles 33:14 Now after this, he built an outer wall to David’s city on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entrance at the fish gate. He encircled Ophel with
- Nehemiah 3:26 (Now the temple servants lived in Ophel, to the place opposite the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stands out.)
- Nehemiah 3:27 After him the Tekoites repaired another portion, opposite the great tower that stands out, and to the wall of Ophel.
- Nehemiah 11:21 But the temple servants lived in Ophel; and Ziha and Gishpa were over the temple servants.