Topical Encyclopedia The term "court-gate" in biblical context refers to the entrance or gateway to the courts of significant structures, particularly the tabernacle and the temple in ancient Israel. These gates were not merely physical entry points but held substantial religious and symbolic significance in the worship practices of the Israelites.Biblical References: 1. Tabernacle Court-Gate: The tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, was the portable dwelling place for the Divine Presence during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. The court-gate of the tabernacle is mentioned in Exodus 27:16: "For the gate of the courtyard there shall be a curtain twenty cubits long, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with four posts and four bases." . This gate served as the primary entrance to the outer court, where the altar of burnt offering and the bronze basin were located. The design and materials of the gate symbolized the holiness and majesty of God, inviting the Israelites to approach with reverence. 2. Temple Court-Gate: Solomon's Temple, later constructed in Jerusalem, also featured significant gates leading into its courts. These gates were integral to the temple's structure, facilitating the flow of worshippers and maintaining the sanctity of the inner areas. In 1 Kings 6:34-35, the craftsmanship of the temple gates is described: "He also made two doors of cypress wood, each with two folding panels. He carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers on them and overlaid them with gold, hammered evenly over the carvings." . The gates of the temple courts were not only functional but also richly adorned, reflecting the glory of God and the importance of worship. 3. Symbolic and Prophetic Significance: The court-gates also held symbolic meaning, representing the threshold between the secular and the sacred. In the prophetic literature, gates often symbolize places of judgment and decision. For instance, in Amos 5:15, the prophet calls for justice at the gates: "Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph." . This highlights the role of gates as places where divine justice and righteousness were to be upheld. 4. New Testament Context: While the New Testament does not explicitly mention "court-gates," the concept of entering God's presence through a gate is echoed in the teachings of Jesus. In John 10:9, Jesus declares, "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture." . Here, Jesus positions Himself as the spiritual gate, the means by which believers access the presence and salvation of God. Cultural and Religious Importance: The court-gates were central to the religious life of Israel, serving as the entry points for worship and sacrifice. They were places where the community gathered, where justice was administered, and where the faithful approached God. The design and function of these gates underscored the holiness of the space they protected and the reverence required of those who entered. In summary, the court-gates in biblical times were more than architectural features; they were deeply embedded in the spiritual and communal life of the Israelites, symbolizing access to the divine and the call to live justly and righteously. Library Power "In" and "Upon. " The Copies of Things in the Heavens Thesaurus Court-gate (4 Occurrences)Court-gate. Courtesy, Court-gate. Courtier . Multi-Version Concordance Court-gate (4 Occurrences). Exodus 38:15 And ... /c/court-gate.htm - 7k Hanging (82 Occurrences) Reared (22 Occurrences) Courtesy (1 Occurrence) Courtier (2 Occurrences) Vessels (210 Occurrences) Congregation (347 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of a city gate in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Court-gate (4 Occurrences)Exodus 38:15 Exodus 39:40 Exodus 40:8 Exodus 40:33 Subtopics Related Terms |