ARTICLES

By Stephen Faircloth

Hidden beneath the streets of ancient Jerusalem lies a place that once shimmered with life and purpose, the Pool of Siloam. Resting at the southern end of the City of David, this pool was fed by the Gihon Spring through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a remarkable channel carved through solid rock. For centuries, it served as both a practical and spiritual landmark for the people of Israel.

In 2004, archaeologists rediscovered the Pool of Siloam while workers were laying a new sewage line. What they found was extraordinary: broad steps descending into a vast pool where pilgrims once gathered. Its design reflected both the rhythm of the seasons and the faith of a city that depended on God’s provision for every drop of water.

In the days of Jesus, the pool was far more than a public water source. It was a place of cleansing and preparation. Pilgrims on their way to the Temple immersed themselves there to become ritually pure before offering worship.

It was also the setting of one of Jesus’ most memorable miracles. When He healed the man born blind, He told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man obeyed, and his eyes were opened (John 9:7). That moment turned the pool into a symbol of spiritual sight and renewal, a place where obedience met transformation.

During the Feast of Tabernacles, priests would draw water from the Pool of Siloam and carry it to the Temple, pouring it out as an offering before the Lord. This act was both a prayer for rain and a declaration of trust in the God who sustains life. It was likely during this feast that Jesus cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). The true source of living water was standing among them, offering refreshment for the soul.

The Pool of Siloam reminds us that God still calls His people to come and be washed, to step into the waters of His grace and find renewal. Faith is not simply knowing where the water is but walking into it and trusting the One who makes us whole.

Are there areas in your life where you need God’s cleansing and renewal? The same Jesus who told the blind man to wash still calls us to come to Him today. His living water restores sight, refreshes the spirit, and brings life to what has grown dry.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.