Will Jews Pray on the Temple Mount?

For centuries, Jews have been forbidden to pray on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem—a site that is only open to Muslim worship (The Times, December 23, 2013). However, there is a growing movement in Israel for Jews to be able to pray where the ancient Temple stood.

In November 2013, the Israeli government formally asked Jordan for permission for Jews to pray at the holy site—a request Jordan quickly denied (ibid.). “If this happens, there will be a lot of bloodshed,” said Azzam Khatib, the director of the Islamic trust that administers the site (ibid.). While Jews want the right to pray at their own holy sites, just like Muslims do, Arab leaders warn of a third intifada (uprising) should Jews attempt to push their claim (ibid.).

Yet, Bible prophecies indicate that Jews will be allowed not only to pray on the Temple Mount, but also offer sacrifices, just before the end of this age (Daniel 11:31; 12:11). Events in Jerusalem could bring the fulfillment of these long-prophesied events. The Jews are pushing to pray on the Temple Mount at the same time the Vatican wants to internationalize the holy sites of Jerusalem. We could see Muslims, Jews and Christians all worshipping on the Temple Mount in the not-too-distant future.

For more information on this timely issue, read our article entitled “Jerusalem’s Amazing Future!”