The western marketplace has in effect taken over the background for The Book of Samuel.

Zion Square and such earlier sites has declined. The city paid little heed to the historic significance of the Square, which served as a central meeting place for 20th c. Israel. The Zion Cinema marquee, which served as a popular meeting place was replaced by a structure often used as a pissoir.

The Mahane Yehuda market, on the other hand, is full of life. David's appearance there makes sense.