Topical Bible: Fish Gate

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Fish Gate is a significant historical and biblical landmark mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the city of Jerusalem. It is one of the gates of Jerusalem's ancient walls and holds both historical and theological importance.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Chronicles 33:14 · The Fish Gate is first mentioned in the context of King Manasseh's reign. After his repentance and return to Jerusalem, Manasseh undertook the task of fortifying the city. "Afterward, he rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David, from west of the Gihon in the valley to the entrance of the Fish Gate, and encircling the hill of Ophel; he also made it much higher. He stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah."

2. Nehemiah 3:3 · During the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership, the Fish Gate is specifically noted as one of the gates being repaired. "The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars."

3. Nehemiah 12:39 · The Fish Gate is mentioned again during the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. "They went over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stopped at the Gate of the Guard."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Fish Gate likely derived its name from its proximity to the fish market or because it was the gate through which fish were brought into the city. This gate was strategically important for trade and commerce, as it facilitated the movement of goods and resources into Jerusalem. The gate's location would have been near the northern part of the city, close to the fish market, which was a bustling area of economic activity.

Theological Significance:

The Fish Gate, like other gates of Jerusalem, symbolizes the restoration and protection of God's people. Its mention in the context of Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts highlights the theme of renewal and divine providence. The rebuilding of the gates and walls of Jerusalem was not merely a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal for the Israelites, signifying God's faithfulness and the people's commitment to His covenant.

The Fish Gate serves as a reminder of the importance of community and cooperation among God's people. The collective effort to rebuild the gate, as described in Nehemiah, underscores the unity and dedication required to accomplish God's purposes. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of restoration, where God restores and redeems His people, often using them as instruments in His divine plan.

In summary, the Fish Gate is more than just a physical structure; it is a testament to the resilience and faith of the Israelites, their commitment to God's commands, and the ongoing narrative of redemption and restoration that runs throughout the Bible.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Fish Gate

FISH GATE

See JERUSALEM.

Library

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... Nehemiah 3:3: The Seventy render it by, The fish-gate. That was also southward.
Of it mention is made, Zephaniah 1:10; where the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

Thy Neck is as a Tower of ivory; Thine Eyes Like the Fish-Pools in ...
... 4. Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, which
are in the gate of the daughter of the multitude; thy nose is as the tower ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 thy neck is as.htm

Overcoming Great Difficulties
... of the Furnaces, and I after them, with half of the people, to the broad wall and
above the Gate of Ephraim and past the Old Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/overcoming great difficulties.htm

Manasseh's Sin and Repentance
... Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon,
in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/manassehs sin and repentance.htm

By the Sea of Galilee - the Final Call of the First Disciples, and ...
... [2258] It indicates the importance of this traffic, that one of the gates of Jerusalem
was called the fish-gate.' [2259] Indeed, there is a legend [2260] to ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii by the sea.htm

Chapter vii
... Thy neck is as a tower of ivory, thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, by the
gate of Bathrabbim; thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looked toward ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter vii.htm

No Man Can Serve Two Masters; and that Because it is Necessary ...
... [789] and if he ask of him a fish, will he, [29] think you, [790] instead of the
fish give him a serpent? ... [32] [793] Enter [794] ye by the narrow gate; for the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section x no man can.htm

The Testament of Zebulun Concerning Compassion and Mercy.
... came into Egypt they were unloosed by the servants of Joseph before the gate, and
so ... when I was in Canaan, by the sea-coast, I caught spoil of fish for Jacob ...
/.../vi the testament of zebulun concerning.htm

The First Sermon Preached in Goobbe.
... After taking an extensive survey of the place, I returned to the first gate, and
seeing a ... human being, or it may be into that of a beast, a bird, a fish, or an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter twelve the first sermon.htm

How to Pray
... or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent ... continuous hammering on
the door, like Peter's when he stood in the morning twilight at Mary's gate. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/how to pray.htm