Ophel

A location or structure that was a prominent part of OT Jerusalem, identified by the Hebrew ha'opel, lit., "the ophel."

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Derived from the root 'pl whose basic meaing is 'to swell up,' 'to be lifted up,' and when applied to a topographic or architectural structure, an elevated feature or structure is suggested. It has thus been understood as a 'hill,' 'mound,' 'knoll,' or 'citadel.' With the definite article ha, it has been variously translated 'the fortress,' 'the hill,' 'the citadel.' As a specific landmark in Jerusalem, it is first reported in 2 Chron 27:3: "Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of the Lord and did extensive work on the wall at the hill of Ophel" (NIV; most other versions omit "the hill of"). By then it seemed to have been such an obvious part of the city it needed no explanation from the author about its nature. Nehemiah reports that, in his time, it became the residential district of the temple servants (Neh 3:26 & 11:21).

Though the location of the Ophel remains uncertain; archaeologists and scholars, however, seem agreed that it was located between the modern Temple Mount and the City of David and overlooking the Kidron Valley.