Jerusalem Temple Mount area micvah 03

Ritual washing was extremely important during the New Testament era. Several ritual washing pools have been exposed on both the southern and western sides of the Temple Mount. These were the main areas of entrance to the sacred space. A person wanting to ascend to the “holy hill” would immerse himself or herself into the micvah, pray for internal cleansing, and come out of the experience refreshed and ready to worship. Psalm 24:3-4 references the need for “clean hands and a pure heart” for those who want to worship on the Temple Mount. Christian baptism was birthed from this practice. On the Day of Pentecost, it’s likely the new followers of Christ were baptized in these same places of ritual washing.