King David’s Tomb

Today King David’s Tomb is located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem/the City of David. The current location has been marked since 1172 AD by the Crusaders. However, they based this location on earlier Byzantine references (324 to 640 AD). Archaeologists have discovered a 2nd Temple era synagogue floor (37 BC to 70 AD) under the current building further adding support to the tradition. Additionally, some scholars believe Mount Zion is the correct location for David’s Tomb. The actual tomb would be several feet under the current ground level.

Wherever David’s Tomb is, it is also the tomb of King Solomon, and the Judah Kings Rehoboam, Abijam/Abijah, Jehoshaphat, and probably Amaziah. The Biblical record is not clear, but possibly the Kings Jotham, and Hezekiah may also be buried in David’s Tomb? The other kings of Judah were buried elsewhere.

Biblical reference to those buried in David’s Tomb, in the City of David (Jerusalem):

“So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.” 1 Kings 2:10.

“And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.” 1 Kings 11:43; 2 Chronicles 9:31.

“And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother’s name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.” 1 Kings 14:31: 2 Chronicles 12:16.

“And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.” 1 Kings 15:8. 2 Chronicles 14:1.

“And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.” 1 Kings 22:50. 2 Chronicles 21:1.

“And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there. And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.” 2 Kings 14:18-20. 2 Chronicles 25:28.

The term “slept with his fathers” is an idiom referring to the place souls go after death and not a family tomb (buried with fathers indicates the family tomb).

To visit David’s Tomb you will find it always open 24/7, and is free. Located on Mount Zion just south of Jerusalem’s Zion Gate, and right below the Upper Room of the Last Supper. Men and women have a separate worship room on either side of the cenotaph. Men need to cover their head with a yamaka/kippah or hat, women do not.