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The Ophel was part of the Eastern Hill that separated ancient Jerusalem from the Mt. Moriah. The name means fortified hill or risen area. Some think it was the higher ground north of Jerusalem, which also included the Temple Mount. Others think is was an elevated area that separated the two. Either way, the Ophel was north of the ancient city of Jerusalem.
In the pre-Israelite period, the Ophel was an uninhabited area which became the seat of government under David's rule.
During the reign of Hezekiah, city walls around the Ophel were expanded to the west, enclosing the area we now call the "Old City of Jerusalem," west of the Temple Mount.
The Ophel is mentioned many times in the Old Testament. Jotham rebuilt much of the area (2nd Chronicles 27:3). Manasseh fortified the area including increasing the height of the wall around it (2nd Chronicles 33:14).
(Photo taken from the Mt. of Olives looking west)
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(Photo at the Jerusalem Model, looking northward from what would be the Hinnom Valley. The ancient core of Jerusalem is thought to be not much more than 15 acres. David purchased the threshing floor of a Jebusite, which eventually was developed by Solomon to include the Temple.)
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The Ophel was fortified by Solomon in his ongoing construction of Jerusalem: "...until he had made and end of building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem round about" 1st Kings 3:1).
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