THE PLACE OF THE SKULL

THE PLACE OF THE SKULL “They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). (Matthew 27:33)

Scholars tell us that there is a hill outside the walls of Jerusalem that has depressions and features that make it look like the eyes and mouth of a skull. This unusual hill was apparently the place where Jesus was crucified. Some say it was called “The Place of the Skull” because it looked like a skull. Others say it had that name because of the skulls of people who were crucified there.

There may be another explanation, however, why the place where Jesus was crucified was given this name. It dates back a thousand years to the time of King David. When David killed Goliath “He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with a sword.” (1 Samuel 17:51) “When the Israelites returned from chasing the Philistines, they plundered their camp. David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem, and put the Philistine’s weapons in his own tent.” (1 Samuel 17:53-54)

It is possible that this hill just outside Jerusalem became famous because it was where David displayed the head of Goliath as a warning to the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. This fierce group of people had defied the armies of God for centuries.

BEHEADING

It was common in those days to behead your enemies. The Egyptian baker was beheaded by the Pharaoh (Genesis 4:20). Saul was beheaded by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:8-10). Ish-Bosheth, was beheaded by evil men who took his head to David hoping to receive a reward (2 Samuel 4:1-12). Seventy sons of Ahab were beheaded and their heads were displayed in two piles by the city gate of Jezreel (2 Kings 10:6-8). The head of John the Baptist was displayed on a platter at Herod’s birthday party (Matthew 14:1-12). Etc. It is not surprising that David would behead Goliath, it is interesting, however, that he would carry Goliath’s head 15 miles to Jerusalem. This brief article will consider the possibility that David took Goliath’s head to Jerusalem as a warning to the Jebusites.

JERUSALEM

Jerusalem is a famous city mentioned 700 times in the Old Testament Scriptures and 150 times in the New Testament Scriptures. The importance of Jerusalem in the Bible is significant beyond words. The first time the word “Jerusalem” is found in the Bible is in Joshua 10:1 where we are told that Adoni-Zedek was the “king of Jerusalem”. Jerusalem, however, existed many years before this. It was earlier known as “Salem”. This famous city, as you know, played an essential role in both Jewish and Christian worship. In fact, the book of Revelation describes the Bride of Christ as the “new Jerusalem” coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:1-2).

As we have said, before this holy city was named “Jerusalem”, it was known as “Salem”. This is the Hebrew word for “peace”. “Shalom” is a common way for Hebrew speaking people to greet one another. This city was once famous as the home of Melchizedek. You will recall that when Abraham was returning from rescuing Lot he paid tithes to Melchizedek: “This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or

mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.” (Hebrews 7:1-3) Moses tells this story in Genesis 14:17-24.

It is interesting that just as Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, Jesus is also a king and a priest. We too are made us “A kingdom and priests to serve God the Father.” (Revelation 1:6) Jesus said: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Revelation 3:21) Paul said: “If we suffer with him, we will also reign with him.” (2 Timothy 2:12) We too are therefore also kings, and priests!

Normally priests offer animal sacrifices, but in this regard Melchizedek was unique for the Scriptures never say that he offered animal sacrifices. This was also true of the priesthood of Jesus! The only blood Jesus ever shed was His own! Please consider:

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“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek”. (Psalm 110:4) For your information, Psalm 110 is quoted at least 14 times in the New Testament Scriptures. This is more than any other passage from the Old Testament Scriptures.

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“And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:4-6)

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“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20) •

“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.” (Hebrews 7:1-3)

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Etc.

Before conquering Canaan Moses gave specific instructions to only worship in the place that had been chosen by God. “You must not worship the Lord your God in their way. But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you.” (Deuteronomy 12:4-7) “Then to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the Lord. And there rejoice before the Lord your God—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites from your towns who have no allotment or inheritance of their own. Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. Offer them only at the

place the Lord will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you.” (Deuteronomy 12:11-14)

Later we learn that the “place” God chose for His people to worship was “Jerusalem”. “But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there, and I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.” (2 Chronicles 6:6)

Centuries before Christ was born in Bethlehem, Isaiah predicted that the world would be evangelized from Jerusalem: “This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:1-4)

Jesus told His disciples that: “repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47) Jesus also said to his disciples: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

THE JEBUSITES

While Joshua successfully conquered virtually all of the Promised Land in only seven years, he was not successful in conquering Jerusalem: The Scriptures teach “Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah.” (Joshua 15:63) Please consider this chronology:

• Joshua conquered Canaan around 1,450 B.C.
• David killed Goliath around 1,050 B.C.

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The Jebusites, however, were such fierce warriors that even though they were surrounded by Israelites, no one had been able to conquer them for approximately 400 years!

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David knew that the Jebusites needed to be defeated and carried the head of Goliath 15 miles to Jerusalem to warn them that he was coming after them!

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When David became king “The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, “You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.” They thought, “David cannot get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.” (2 Samuel 5:6-7)

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“David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the terraces inward. And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.” (2 Samuel 5:9-10)

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Jerusalem was not only known as the “city of David,” it was also known as the “city of God” (Psalms 48:1).

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God commanded David through the prophet Gad to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite (2 Samuel 24:18). This became the very place where Solomon built the temple.

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“Then Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David. It was on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, the place provided by David. He began building on the second day of the second month in the fourth year of his reign.” (2 Chronicles 3:1-2)

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As God intended, Jerusalem became the only place on earth where the Jewish people were permitted to worship. That’s why when the church began devout Jews there from every nation under heaven were gathered in Jerusalem to worship (Acts 2:5).

GOD’S PROMISES TO DAVID

• As you know, David was very special in the eyes of God!

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After God rejected King Saul, He sent Samuel to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be be anointed king in the place of Saul. As you know, David was chosen! Man looks on he outward appearance, but God looks on our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). Even though David was only a young shepherd, God saw his heart and “Samuel took a horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power.” (1 Samuel 17:13)

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Further, God promised: “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’” (2 Samuel 7:8-16)

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David was anointed to be king three different times. (1) First he was anointed to be king by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). (2) Next he was anointed by the men of Judah to be the king of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4). (3) Finally he was anointed by he elders of Israel to be the king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3).

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As far as I know, David is the only man described in the Bible as a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). David was an important man to God and his name is found 1,141 times in the Bible. The first words of the New Testament Scriptures are: “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David.” (Matthew 1:1) Jesus is called the “Son of David” fourteen times in the New Testament Scriptures.

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Of particular significance are the references to David and Jesus in Peter’s sermon on Pentecost: “David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’” (Acts 2:25-28)

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In this famous sermon Peter also quoted from Psalm 110:1 - “The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:34-36)

A SACRED PLACE

Regardless of how the “Place of the Skull” got it’s name, it became a sacred place to the people of God. “The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:11-16)

As you know, “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin.” (Hebrews 10:4) “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:11-14)

Every time we take communion we “mentally go outside the city gate” to the “Place of the Skull” where our blessed Lord, by His “one sacrifice for sins”, has made those of us “perfect forever who are being made holy”.

HOLY PEOPLE!

In Old Testament times the emphasis was on “holy things” and “holy places”. The New Testament places the emphasis on “holy people”. The Samaritan people worshiped on Mount Gerizim for they wrongly believed this was where Abraham was about to offer his son Isaac. When Jeroboam divided the kingdom “Jeroboam thought to himself, “The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam.” (1 Kings 12:26-27) To prevent this from happening Jeroboam lied to his people and began a false religion: “Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people, even though they were not Levites. He instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the festival held in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. This he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves he had made. And at Bethel he also installed priests at the high places he had made. On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, he offered sacrifices on the altar he had built at Bethel. So he instituted the festival for the Israelites and went up to the altar to make offerings.” (1 Kings 12:31-33)

When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well she said: “Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:20-24)

It is interesting to note that the Greek word for “holy” is the same Greek word translated as “saint”! Over 60 times the New Testament Scriptures refer to Christians as “saints”. Paul said that the Corinthians were “sanctified” and called to be “saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2). He said: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). He continued: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

PRAISE GOD! IT ISN’T NECESSARY TO GO TO MOUNT GERIZIM OR JERUSALEM IN ORDER TO WORSHIP GOD! WE CAN WORSHIP HIM ANYWHERE AS LONG AS WE DO SO IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH!

JEWISH WORSHIP AND CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

The writer of Hebrews makes this contrast pointing out the difference between Jewish worship and Christian worship. Jewish worship involved a physical realities you could touch! “You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” (Hebrews 12:18-21)

Christian worship involves spiritual realities that you cannot touch! “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22-24)

REMEMBER! “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”