Unveiling the Mysteries of King David's Tomb

Shavuot, the festival of the giving of the Torah, is known as both the birth and death anniversary of King David, one of the most significant, fascinating, and revered figures in Jewish history. Yet, there are many aspects about him that remain unknown and shrouded in mystery.

"Most people don't realize that until 1967, King David's Tomb was the symbol of Jewish heritage," says Rabbi Idan Grossman, Chairman of the King David Heritage Association. "All the national ceremonies that are now held at the Western Wall used to take place in the grove near the Tomb. Pilgrims would gather there and observe Shabbat. Since the Western Wall came into our hands, the focus shifted, and King David's Tomb was forgotten and neglected. Only in recent years has the Tomb and its surroundings begun to be renovated. Sadly, it serves mainly thousands of Christian pilgrims who visit daily, as the site is also a major tourist attraction for them."

(Photo: King David Heritage)

Many Testimonies, One Tomb

Over the years, many intriguing and emotional testimonies have been gathered about King David's Tomb. In 1854, an Italian archaeologist named Emmarito Pierotti was appointed by the Ottoman government as the city engineer of Jerusalem. Entrusted by authorities, he accessed even the most hidden places in the city where not even Muslims ventured. During his exploration, Pierotti discovered carved rock steps in the David’s Tomb complex leading to an enormous underground cave with signs of human craftsmanship.

Within the cave, openings were found that seemed to lead to additional chambers beneath the monument known today as "King David's Tomb." After studying the site, Pierotti concluded it was the burial place of the Kings of the House of David. He published his findings in his book "Exploring Jerusalem," noting the presence of ancient Jewish construction: "I am convinced that beneath the room containing the sarcophagus (current 'David's Tomb'), or to its north, there is an entrance to the actual burial site. After descending through a very steep dirt slope, I found a series of steps leading to a great burial cave extending under a significant portion of the cemetery above."

Admor from Kaliv at a meal (Photo: King David Heritage)

Another astonishing account comes from an American researcher named James Turner Barclay. Due to his friendship with the sheikh responsible for the tomb complex, Barclay and his daughter were allowed entry into the underground chamber. They described a large monument in the center of the lower room, which Muslims explained was constructed for "Nabi David" (the Muslim name for David). At the room's end stood a tall curtain beside high candlesticks where candles burned in honor of "Nabi David." Behind the curtain lay a continuation so sacred that even senior sheikhs dared not enter. Barclay's daughter, a gifted artist, later documented the room in a striking painting offering a glimpse into the hidden world beneath.

In Judaism, however, we rely upon our giant scholars' testimonies. Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin (the Maharil) remarked about the site, "All the sacred places accepted from generation to generation are authentic and truthful on their own, and do not require any additional testimony, especially since they are vouched for by the greats like the Ramban, the Ari, and Maharim Haggiz. Anyone stubbornly refusing to accept these places' sanctity, revealed by our giants, includes himself among fools, wicked, and coarse."

An unsettling yet compelling testimony comes from two Jewish painters who, around 120 years ago, testified to the Maharil Diskin and the Maggid from Vilkomir. Employed by Muslims, under the Sultan’s orders, they worked on renovations in the hall beneath the tomb. They took advantage of a holiday when the Muslims left them alone to venture beyond the curtain blocking entry to the inner rooms—rooms avoided by even the Muslims because previous explorers died upon entry. Inside they discovered halls marked as "Tombs of the House of David," through a long corridor lined with gold and silver pillars, finally reaching King David's chamber and opposite the chamber of King Solomon, also there was a Torah scroll on the grave of King Hezekiah, matching the description in the Talmud in *Bava Kamma* 16. The painters safely reported their sighting to Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin and the Maggid from Vilkomir, although they refrained from publicizing immediately due to fear for their lives.

Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin and the Maggid from Vilkomir (Credit: Yaakov Sevilia / Board of David's Custodians)

Hall under the Tomb (Credit: Yaakov Sevilia / Board of David's Custodians)

The Ari, who moved from Egypt to Safed in 1570, stood outside the current wall built by Suleiman 32 years prior by Zion Gate and identified the southwest hill as the burial place of the Kings of the House of David. The Maharim Haggiz meticulously described how the Ari stood very near the "David’s Tomb" on Mount Zion and wrote about it in his book *Eleh Massei.*

Rabbi Yosef Chaim, the *Ben Ish Chai*, visited in 1869 but was barred by Muslims from entering the tomb. He composed an earnest prayer, "Rise up David King Messiah," describing: "Now see your house, David, strangers stand within it, see how we are expelled today from partaking in Hashem's portion, as if a foreigner we are considered..."

The Miron of Jerusalem

An emerging tradition at King David’s Tomb is a massive *Melave Malka* meal with an orchestra held every Saturday night, led by Rabbi Idan Grossman and his wife.

It's no surprise the *Melave Malka* meal is held here, given David is closely associated with this meal, beyond merely his *Tehillim* (Psalms).

Rabbi Grossman relates the unique association David has with what’s also called the 'meal of King David': "David asked Hashem to know the day of his death, and Hashem revealed it would be Shabbat. Hence, every Saturday night, King David held a thanksgiving meal to appreciate at least another week to live. Since Mount Zion was David's residence, we align our weekly *Melave Malka* right at the time and spot David conducted his."

Torah dedication, Grossman family (Photo: King David Heritage)

Rabbi Grossman recounts, "The initiative for a *Melave Malka* at the Tomb started through our dear friend Abraham Kudri, who was close to Rabbi Avraham Fish, performing astonishing works of salvation, who ran the meal in Tel Aviv. The meal, restarted about ten years ago, began modestly at a private home, moving to our association's office and eventually to Mount Zion. At first, the site closed at 7 PM Saturday, it was dark, and we lit our path with candles. We were about 15 people; the energy and joy were overwhelming, so we continued. Within a month, nearly 100 people attended, filling the area. Now the meal is held at the plaza beside the tomb with several hundred attendees, two bands, dancing, and joy. Everyone feels at home, and the unity and happiness mirror *Lag B'Omer* in Miron. People come from afar, telling me, 'You don't realize how empowering it is to be here after Shabbat. It fuels us for the entire week.' That’s our joy. It takes great effort to constantly bring all the food and supplies, but knowing they are eagerly waiting means there's no option for lateness."

Rabbi Grossman adds, "The atmosphere is one of volunteering and assistance. Musicians volunteer their music to uplift spirits, and we view it as a holy privilege. This meal reintroduces Jews to Mount Zion, previously forgotten, while maintaining the hope it won’t fall into Christian hands. It’s crucial for Jews to come here throughout the week, reciting the *Tehillim* authored by King David *a’h*, at the site explicitly suited for his praise."

Why do Christians, in your view, want Mount Zion?

"There are two strategically critical sites in the world—Temple Mount to Islam, and Mount Zion to Christians. Christians claim it’s where 'the Last Supper' occurred. But that's nonsense as the Upper Room was constructed only 700 years ago. Christians' strategy is to claim their desired sites saying 'he ate here,' 'he slept here,' and other fabrications. David's Tomb is Christianity's second most valuable site after the 'Church of the Holy Sepulchre'—hence, the Vatican sends daily between 500 to 1000 pilgrims. Now, fortunately, due to COVID-19, there are no visits, but typically the situation is shameful."

Rabbi Grossman's wife is deeply concerned about the situation: "Last year during Shavuot, around 60,000 Jews visited and it was moving and wonderful," she recalls, "in contrast to only 500 visitors ten years ago. But this year, I sadly fear the site will be desolate due to COVID-19. We haven't received any clear answers from the authorities."

Not in Silwan

In the Jewish Quarter, Rabbi Yaakov Sevilia, Chairman of the Board of David's Custodians, is synonymous with "David's Tomb." He penned the captivating book "The Secret of King David's Tomb," detailing the site’s darker mysteries. Rabbi Sevilia volunteered to spend valuable time with me, further discussing David's Tomb.

What led you to dedicate most of your time to preserving and nurturing King David's Tomb?

"Years back, I traveled to Nahariya to seek a blessing and counsel from Rabbi David Abu-hatzeira when his gaze set hard upon me. Rabbi David declared unequivocally, 'Your mission in this lifetime is Mount Zion.' Admittedly, I was stunned. What's my connection to Mount Zion? It may house King David's Tomb, familiar given I live in the Jewish Quarter, but how is it my life's purpose? As time progressed, it became apparent that Hashem orchestrated circumstances leading me deeper into this complex, contentious subject—solidifying that indeed, this is my purpose."

The ancient mikvah (Photo: King David Heritage)

Rabbi Sevilia underscores the site's certainty and location authority. "Unlike other graves like the Cave of the Patriarchs or Rachel's Tomb, which are indisputable, King David's Tomb languished in obscurity, cloaked for many years. Skeptics question its location, speculating it might reside elsewhere. The discovery of 'David's City' by archaeologists near the Arab village of Silwan, south of Temple Mount, challenges the belief that King David's Tomb rests on Mount Zion, as the verse suggests the Kings of David, including David himself, were buried in their city. Yet a more in-depth review reveals questions about whether the archaeological discoveries at what’s called 'David’s City' today, indeed connect to King David’s original city."

Rabbi Sevilia asserts rabbinical endorsements alongside differing evidence affirm that David’s City’s true location is not widely believed today: "The claim David’s City existed south of Temple Mount on the 'Ophel ridge,' considerably lower than Mount Zion by about 80 meters, is relatively new, resolved within 150 years by British Christian archaeologists. This contradicts all religious documents from the Bible, through Tannaim and Israel's greats from the Rishonim to contemporary authorities, affirming that City of David spanned from King David’s Tomb to the Tower of David near Jaffa Gate—the highest ancient city point, a natural bastion for defense and observation."

Rabbi Sevilia reveals Mount Zion is not solely King David's Tomb. "Seven kings lie here: David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Jotham, Asa, Josiah, and the High Priest Jehoiada. Possibly their wives reside with them."

Why do you think Christians do not want Jews there?

"Christians seek to erase Jewish presence, advocating the claim 'David’s City' exists near Silwan village. They prefer we search there—even though David genuinely rests on Mount Zion here. Over years, Christians drove away Jews from the genuine Tomb. Censorship distorted our connection here."

Rabbi Sevilia mentions Christian impacts, "Years ago, 'House of the Mighty' of David—according to Nehemiah’s Book—was discovered in a nearby building, showing a precisely chiseled Star of David. Throngs gathered, yet influenced by Christians, it was destroyed."

House of the Mighty (Credit: Yaakov Sevilia / Board of David's Custodians)

Rabbi Sevilia takes a deep breath, "A global battle rages over this site," he soberly tells me. "In recent years the Vatican instructed pilgrims to flock here to the chamber they call the 'Last Supper,' as part of their struggle over this space. Their full intention is to oust the Jews. Annually, they involve idol-worship ceremonies, complete with foreign incense, and call it 'prayers,'—on heads of prayerful Jews below. They presume control over the room above, aiming to transform it into a church for daily worship. Our protests and concerns over escalation delay their aims."

Whose was this site historically?

"Until 1948, a family named Dajani owned considerable Jeusalem, holding itself on King David’s site for over 400 years. During the Independence War, departing members sealed all openings leading underground. In 2013, archaeologists opened a small ground-side entrance right of the monument, uncovering stairs descending to the hall beneath the Tomb, barricaded with stones and sandbags. Then resealed post-renovation."

What truly lies beneath?

"A vast subterranean world. The courtyard beside the tomb shows steps leading down, indicative of an ancient ritual bath from the Temple period—featuring double stair columns typical of Temple practices—one for descending impure, another for returning pure. Pilgrims used the place as a synagogue. Over years, prayers and teachings occurred, but the Greek Church claimed the site for a chapel, evoking Israel's profound history."

"A grave event happened seven years ago, days after a mass Friday service at the grove involving all Quarter's residents and rabbis: a sinkhole near six meters deep at the corner of the basketball court in the grove appeared overnight. Rabbi Usher Friend's testimony, upon praying over the years there—'David lies directly beneath'—came true."

Within days, the Greek Church covered the opening with dirt, dismissing it as fabricated."

The Sinkhole (Credit: Yaakov Sevilia / Board of David's Custodians)

In conclusion, both Rabbi Sevilia and Rabbi Grossman, along with his wife, accentuated that preserving visitations by Jews is crucial for safeguarding this sacred site from foreign capture. "We eagerly await you daily, especially at the central *Melave Malka*. Tours and celebratory 'First Haircuts' occur too. Prayers at Mount Zion hold power for every salvation—for sons, livelihood, and numerous blessings while reading *Tehillim* whenever possible."