Three ancient cisterns in Bethlehem mark the well associated with Nabi Dawud (AS) and the water brought to him through enemy lines. Known in Arabic as آبار…
Three ancient cisterns in Bethlehem mark the well associated with Nabi Dawud (AS) and the water brought to him through enemy lines. Known in Arabic as آبار النبي داود, they stand at the northern edge of the Old City, near the beginning of Star Street. Christian tradition relates that Nabi Dawud (AS) longed for water from the well beside Bethlehem’s gate while his forces faced an enemy garrison. Three of his men broke through the opposing lines, drew water and carried it back to him, but Nabi Dawud (AS) declined to drink what they had obtained at the risk of their lives. The wells preserve Bethlehem’s connection with this episode. Nabi Dawud and the defeat of Jalut The Qur’an places Nabi Dawud (AS) among the Bani Isra’il during the struggle against Jalut. Nabi Dawud (AS) killed Jalut, after which Allah gave him kingship and wisdom and taught him what He willed. “So they defeated them by Allah’s Will, and David killed Goliath. And Allah blessed David with kingship and wisdom and taught him what He willed.” Surah al-Baqarah 2:251 Allah revealed the Zabur to Nabi Dawud (AS), strengthened his kingdom and taught him the making of armour. The Qur’an also describes the mountains and birds glorifying Allah with him. Muslim historian Ibn Kathir records Nabi Dawud (AS) as a Prophet and ruler in the lands of Bayt al-Maqdis. The cisterns and the Byzantine site The three cisterns lie within the grounds of the Catholic Action Centre, a short distance from the Church of the Nativity. They collected rainwater for domestic and agricultural use and occupy ground that once lay beyond Bethlehem’s old built-up area. Excavations in 1895 uncovered part of a mosaic floor belonging to a Byzantine church near the cisterns. An underground graveyard associated with monks was also found, adding a fifth- or sixth-century layer to the history of this northern approach to Bethlehem.