Ophel
aka 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.
31.7774, 35.2349
Key verses
2 Chronicles 33:14
Now after this he built an outer wall to the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entrance at the fish gate; and he encircled Ophel with it, and raised it up to a very great height: and he put valiant captains in all the fortified cities of Judah.
Nehemiah 3:26
(Now the Nethinim lived in Ophel, to the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stands out.)
2 Chronicles 27:3
He built the upper gate of Yahweh’s house, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.
Nehemiah 3:27
After him the Tekoites repaired another portion, over against the great tower that stands out, and to the wall of Ophel.
Nehemiah 11:21
But the Nethinim lived in Ophel: and Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.