This week a large hole was uncovered in Temple Mount, a site which has been venerated as a holy site in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and is widely considered one of the most holy areas in the world. The pit was uncovered after a floor tile collapsed on it, leading many experts to say it could reveal bombshell finds from “thousands of years of Jewish history”. But the discovery could show that the end of the world is near, as it could be evidence of the “Third Temple of Jerusalem”.
Biblical conspiracy theorists say that the building of a Third Holy Temple in Jerusalem will bring about the end of the world, appearing just before Jesus Christ returns.
Two Holy Temples were first constructed on the Temple Mount site centuries ago, they claim, but were destroyed by the Babylonians and the Romans.
And any evidence of a third temple on the site could see an apocalypse, Christian pastor and doomsday preacher Paul Begley has previously claimed.
He made the claims in 2018 after the Jewish assembly called on mayoral candidates Ofer Berkovich and Moshe Lion to rebuild a temple on the site.
This, Mr Begley said, showed evidence that any decision on the building or find of a Third Temple, would bring about the end of the world.
He said: “The rabbis of the Sanhedrin court are calling both mayor candidates to include in their plans for this city the rebuilding of the third temple.
“Folks, this is as close to Biblical prophecy – I don’t know what else to say.
“That’s how close it’s getting and if you’re a Christian, you’re saying: ‘Wow, the Messiah is coming’.
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“From Matthew 24:3 throughout the rest of the chapter, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives overlooking the Second Temple, while He prophesied of events that would occur near the time of His Second Coming.”
The recent pit discovery may shine light on the conspiracy theorists’ beliefs over the Third Temple, but currently a row is ongoing over the preservation of the find.
The Israel Antiquities Authority is being urged to investigate the contents of the pit, and why it opened so suddenly.
Fears were laid bare by Assaf Fried, a spokesman for the Temple’s headquarters premier organisation, who was concerned that those investigating it may “pour rough and destructive concrete” down the whole as opposed to exploring it.
He added: “The Temple Mount is the microcosm of the world of antiquities. Every square foot on the Temple Mount bears first-rate national importance.
“The finds on the mountain reflect 3,000 years of Jewish activity in the place, and every pit dug in the place can shed light on thousands of years of Jewish history.
“Whether it is a cistern from the days of Herod, or an opening of a cave from the days of King Solomon, the escape caves he built at the bottom of the mountain, among other things to hide the Ark of the Covenant during a hostile attack.”