A Glimpse of Solomon Pools
From Bethlehem Joseph, Mary and the Babe went to Egypt to escape the cruel decree of Herod. The history of Egypt is interwoven with the Jewish history. Once the Israelites were pilgrims and fugitives from Egypt to Canaan; now the true King of the Israelites, the King of kings, is pilgrim and fugitive from Canaan to Egypt. The holy family probably journeyed southward passing through the narrow valley, as one would do to-day in going to the south-east. On the way he would pass the pools of Solomon, which still remain. They are called by the Arabs El Burak—“The Pools.” Near the pools is a large castellated building called Kulat el Burak. It stands near the north-west corner of the upper pool. Condor calls these reservoirs “the Great Tanks near Urtas,” and says that though they are commonly called “Solomon’s Pools they are more probably of the same date with the aqueduct passing by them which was constructed by Pontius Pilate.” Dr. Robinson speaks of them as the “Vast Reservoirs of El Burak.” Dr. Thompson says: “They are worthy of Solomon, and that is the highest commendation I can think of at present. They are certainly immense reservoirs, and all the more impressive in this utter solitude where there are no similar structures with which to compare them or to divide the interest which they inspire.” From the life and the lips of the pilgrim Babe, now bound for Egypt, shall one day come rivers of living water to refresh and gladden the nations of the earth!
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