(3) Special Scriptural Notices. On the sum mit of Olivet God was wont to be worshiped (2 Sam. xv :32). The glory of the Lord appeared there to Ezekiel in a vision (Ezek. xi:23), and Zechariah prophetically portrayed Jehovah stand ing on the mountain to interpose in behalf of his people (Zech. xiv:4). The mountain is first men tioned in connection with David's flight from Jerusalem to escape from Absalom (2 Sam. xv: 3o, 32; xvi:r). Upon it Solomon built high places for the gods of his numerous wives, but these idolatrous places were destroyed by King Josiah (r Kings xi:7; 2 Kings xxiii:r3, 14)• When the captive Jews celebrated the feast of tabernacles, the olive, pine, myrtle, and palm branches used in building their booths were brought from this mountain (Neh. viii :15). It is also called, in the New Testament, "Mount of Olives" and "Olivet," and was a scene of sev eral of the most interesting events in the life of our Lord. Jesus went often to this mount (Luke xxi :37; xxii :39; John viii:r). He was descending its slope when the multitude wel comed him to the city with hosannas (Luke xix: 37, 38). He had rounded its shoulder when Jeru salem burst into full view, and he wept over the fate which he knew awaited the city (41-44)• He was sitting on the mount with his disciples gaz ing across the valley at the splendid temple and the city, when he prophesied the destruction of both (Matt. xxiv :3; Mark xiii :3). After his
last passover he retired to the mount of Olives (Matt. xxvi :3o; Mark xiv:26). The garden or Gethsemane was to the west of it, either at its base or some small distance up its ascent. Bethany and Bethphage were on the eastern side (Matt. xxi:r ; Mark xi ; Luke xix :29). It was near the former of these villages that our Lord's as cension took place (xxiv :5o).
(4) Present Appearance, Etc. Of late Olivet has attracted special attention from the Russians. Besides the beautiful temple built on the western slope a large Russian monastery has been erected on the summit, in which are many attractions. "The Pater Noster Chapel, south of the church of the Ascension, was erected in 1865 by the Princess de la Tour d'Auvergne, and is supposed to stand on an old traditional site of the Middle Ages. The intention of the Princess was to have within twenty-four small chambers, in which the 'Lord's Prayer' should be written up in twenty four different languages, so that pilgrims of all nationalities and all creeds, might unite there in repeating the Lord's Prayer." (Hastings' Bib. Dict.)