Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
SILOAM
A water tunnel constructed in the eighth century B.C. at the direction of King Hezekiah (II Chronicles 32:30). It was primarily a defense measure in anticipation of attack by Sennacherib's army, which might cut off the main water supply of Israel (II Kings 18:17). As the water flowed into the southeast corner of the city, it emptied into a reservoir called the Pool of Siloam. It still survives, feeding water into a modern Pool of Siloam built centuries later. During his public ministry, one of Jesus' miracles was curing a blind man by having him wash in the Pool of Siloam (John 9:7).
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
