Our Brother, Bob Cornuke, has written a book called Golgotha. In this book he pointed out Scripture that indicates the site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus are east of the Temple.

The Temple faced toward the East. This is based on Scripture. The Tabernacle in the wilderness faced East. (Numbers 3:38) The Millennial Temple will face toward the East. (Ezekiel 47:1)

Sacrifices made to the Lord were burned on the altar, which was east of the Temple. The Temple faced east and the altar was before the door of the Temple. (Leviticus 4:7, 16:18, Exodus 29:10) When Aaron and his sons were consecrated, they were presented before the “door” of the Tabernacle. (Exodus 29:4) All important actions took place in front of, or east of, the Temple.

The Lord Jesus was the sacrifice of all sacrifices. (Hebrews 7:27, 10:10) Jesus was the Lamb of God. (John 1:29) The Passover lamb was chosen on the tenth day of Nisan. (Exodus 12:3) The day known as “Palm Sunday” when Jesus was “chosen” by the people probably was Nisan 10.

In Egypt the blood of the sacrificed Passover lamb was placed on the lintel (overhead) and jambs (sides) of the door. These marks of blood then were in the form of a cross. Later, Jesus was sacrificed at the same time as the Passover lambs. This was at the time of the “evening oblations,” or the ninth hour of the day (3:00 in the afternoon). (Mark 15:34-37) All of these events fit the pattern of the sacrifice of the Passover lamb. In order for the crucifixion, or sacrifice, of Jesus to continue to fit the pattern, He had to be sacrificed east of the Temple.

The problem with the location of the traditional sites regarding the death of Jesus, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Gordon’s Calvary, is that they both are west of the City of David, the location of the Temple of God. The crucifixion had to occur east of the Temple. The Mount of Olives is east of the City of David and extends north along the Kidron Valley.

A large part of the Mount of Olives is a huge cemetery. The crucifixion was near the city (John 19:20) as is the Mount of Olives. Joseph of Arimathea had a new tomb close to the crucifixion site (John 19:41) and probably on the Mount of Olives.

Because the Bible says that the Temple was built in the City of David, or Zion, then the site of the crucifixion would have been east of the Temple on the southern part of the Mount of Olives. There are numerous tombs on this mount and in the face of the cliff beneath it, facing the City of David.

Holy Scripture and facts once again have defeated tradition. Tradition can lead you astray. Praise the Lord for His Holy Scripture! May His name always be praised!