Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of an entryway held both practical and symbolic significance. An entryway, often referred to as a gate or door, served as a point of access and transition, marking the boundary between different spaces, such as the outside world and the sanctity of one's home or a sacred place. The entryway is frequently mentioned in Scripture, symbolizing both physical and spiritual thresholds.Physical Entryways Entryways in ancient Israelite architecture were crucial for security and privacy. City gates, for example, were fortified structures that controlled access to the city and served as places of judgment and commerce. In 2 Samuel 18:24, we read, "Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone." This passage highlights the strategic importance of city gates as vantage points and centers of activity. In domestic settings, entryways were the transition points into homes. The doorposts and lintels of these entryways were often marked with the blood of the Passover lamb, as instructed in Exodus 12:7: "They are to take some of the blood and put it on the two side posts and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs." This act of marking the entryway signified divine protection and obedience to God's command. Spiritual Symbolism Entryways also carry profound spiritual symbolism in the Bible. They represent the threshold between the profane and the sacred, the temporal and the eternal. Jesus Christ uses the metaphor of the entryway to describe Himself as the exclusive path to salvation. In John 10:9, He declares, "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." Here, the entryway symbolizes the means of entering into a relationship with God and receiving His provision and protection. The entryway is also a place of decision and choice. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus speaks of the narrow gate: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." This passage underscores the importance of choosing the right path, with the entryway serving as the point of decision between life and destruction. Cultural and Religious Practices In Jewish tradition, the mezuzah is affixed to the doorposts of homes, serving as a constant reminder of God's presence and commandments. This practice is rooted in Deuteronomy 6:9, which instructs, "Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." The entryway thus becomes a place of remembrance and dedication to God's law. In the New Testament, the entryway is also a place of hospitality and fellowship. In Acts 12:13-16, when Peter is miraculously released from prison, he goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, and knocks at the entryway. The entryway becomes a place of joyful reunion and answered prayer. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, the entryway serves as a powerful symbol of transition, choice, and divine encounter. Whether as a physical structure or a metaphorical concept, it invites believers to consider the paths they choose and the spiritual thresholds they cross in their journey of faith. Concordance Entryway (2 Occurrences)Mark 14:68 2 Kings 16:18 Thesaurus Entryway (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Entryway (2 Occurrences). Mark 14:68 and he denied, saying, 'I have not known 'him', neither do I understand ... /e/entryway.htm - 6k Entry (36 Occurrences) Entwined (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was King Ahaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgEntryway: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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