Dovid HaMelech

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King Dovid
Dovid HaMelech
Hebrew:
דוד המלך
Other Names:
King David, Dovid ben Yishai, Dovid Malka Meshicha, Dovid Melech Yisroel
Kever:
Har Tzion, Yerushalaim
Hillula:
Shevuot - 6th of Sivan
Description:
Renown king of Israel and father of the Davidic royal dynasty.

Dovid HaMelech was the second king of Israel and the first of the Davidic dynasty. He passed away on Shevuas which fell out on Shabbos that year.

Contents

Kever Dovid HaMelech

Dovid HaMelech is buried in Har Tzion, outside the walls of the Old City. While most people visit the Tzion, the actual kivarim of the Kings of the House of Dovid are located in a series of large underground chambers stretching into the surrounding area. There is a tradition that the actual chamber containing the kever of King Dovid himself lies below the open field in back of the Tzion. Some Kabbalists and rabbis preferred to pray in this location rather then the Tzion.

The Tzion

The room housing the Tzion lines up perfectly parallel to Har Habais. Behind the Tzion is an arch indent, causing many to believe the room served in the past as a Beit Knesset and that indent housed an Aron Kodesh. Early sources such as a student of the Ramban, the Ridbaz and Rabbi Ishtori Haparchi state that this room housed the actual Aron Habris from the time Dovid brought it to Yerushalaim until his son King Shlomo transferred it to the newly built Beis Hamikdash.

Even individuals who prefer to pray in the adjacent field in the area they claim is lays above the actual chamber of King Dovid, will often pray at the Tzion, since the room used to house the Aron Habris. Additionally the soul of the Tzadik comes to rest at the actual Tzion and the location has become entrenched with Torah and prayer over the years.

The Chambers

One of the openings to the underground chambers is located on right side of the Tzion. In recent years, this floor entrance was covered up with floor tiles. Even before this the inside steps were blocked with piles of rocks. In recent years, tests done using radars have determined that there are large underground chambers all around the vicinity surrounding the Tzion.

Painting of James Berkeley

James Berkeley was an American archaeologist living in Israel during the 1850's whose daughter was friendly with the wife of the Sheik responsible for the management of the Tomb. Together with his daughter, Berkely was granted permission to enter the lower concealed chambers in the secrecy of the night. They entered at least the initial chambers and after emerging gave a detailed description to a professional artist who painted their portrayal on canvas. This painting is currently the property of the Israeli Ministry of Antiquities and shows a tall chamber whose walls are covered to the ceiling with green ceramic tiles. On the right side is a very large sarcophagus covered with a gold and green covering. A large beautiful curtain sits on the far wall covering the entrance into the next chamber.

Testimony of the Painters

Yosef Purius and his son Aryeh Leib were repairmen and painters who were renown in Jerusalem as experts in plaster molding. During the 1880's they were commissioned by the Ottoman ruler to make repairs to the initial chambers under David's Tomb. Their expertise being the reason an exception was made allowing Jews in the Tomb, they were still watched at all times by armed supervisors make sure they did not enter the inner chambers. After two weeks of work, the guards had a holiday and trustingly gave the keys to the two workers. Taking advantage of the irreplaceable opportunity, Yosef and Aryeh Leib proceeded to advance through the underground infrastructure. After passing three tunnels found a large stone that had the words 'Tomb of the Kings of the House of Dovid' engraved on it. Upon moving the stone they uncovered a stair case that led to a lavish chamber with marble pillars. At the edge of the chamber was a room containing the Kever of King Dovid. Across from it was a room containing the Kever of King Shlomo and nearby a third room containing the Kever of King Chizkiyahu that had a Sefer Torah resting above it. Hanging on the room of King Dovid was a sign that said "Holy, Holy, Holy, how fearsome is this place".

Upon emerging from the Tomb the painters gave a full detailed testimony of everything they saw in front of the Maharil, Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin and the Maggid of Vilkumir, Rabbi Chaim Yitchak Aharon Rapport. Yosef Purius and his son Aryeh Leib were known to be very pious and G-D fearing and this is what allowed them to emerge unharmed. Rabbi Rapport transcribed the testimony word by word, making multiple copies of which were then hidden out of fear of story reaching the ears of the Sultan.

Under Muslim Control

During the years Jerusalem was controlled by the Turks they would for the most part not allow Jews to enter the Tomb of the House of Dovid.

Kever Dovid Today

Recent attempts by various Christian groups to take over the tomb has led to promotion of the Kever Dovid amongst Jewish groups, leading to better public awareness and more visitors to the location. There are three prayer minyanim daily, Shachris taking place at Netz. A chatzot Kollel called 'Kinor Dovid' operates at the site and a large Melave Malka takes place on Motzei Shabbos.

Hillula of King Dovid

The Yahrzeit of King Dovid takes place on Shevuot, the 6th of Sivan. Thousands of people visit the Kever throughout the holiday to pray and say Tehilim, many stooping by on their way to the Kotel.

More Photos

 
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