Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Hammiphkad" is derived from the Hebrew root "פקד" (paqad), which generally means "to number," "to muster," or "to appoint." The term "Hammiphkad" can be translated as "the appointed place" or "the muster gate," indicating a location associated with gathering or assembly.

Biblical Reference:
Hammiphkad is mentioned in the context of the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership. The specific reference is found in Nehemiah 3:31, which states: "Next to him, Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner."

Historical and Cultural Context:
The Book of Nehemiah details the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. This period was marked by a strong sense of community and religious renewal among the Jewish people. The reconstruction of the walls was not only a physical restoration but also a symbolic act of re-establishing the identity and security of the Jewish nation.

Hammiphkad, referred to as the "Inspection Gate" in the Berean Standard Bible, was one of the gates in the wall of Jerusalem. Its name suggests it was a place where people were gathered or mustered, possibly for military or administrative purposes. The gate's location and function would have been significant for the organization and defense of the city.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the rebuilding of the walls, including the gate of Hammiphkad, represents God's faithfulness in restoring His people. The meticulous record of the repairs in Nehemiah 3 highlights the collective effort and dedication of the Israelites in fulfilling God's purposes. Each gate and section of the wall had its own significance, contributing to the overall security and sanctity of Jerusalem.

Hammiphkad, as a place of gathering, can also be seen as a metaphor for the assembly of God's people. In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of gathering is often associated with divine purpose and order, reflecting God's sovereignty and the communal nature of His covenant with Israel.

Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence for Hammiphkad is limited, the general layout of ancient Jerusalem and its gates has been a subject of extensive study. Excavations in the area have provided insights into the city's fortifications during the Persian period, aligning with the biblical account of Nehemiah's reconstruction efforts.

Conclusion:
Hammiphkad, though briefly mentioned, plays a role in the rich tapestry of Jerusalem's history and the biblical narrative of restoration. Its mention in Nehemiah underscores the importance of community, order, and divine providence in the life of God's people.HAMMIPHKAD, GATE OF

ha-mif'-kad (sha`ar ha-miphqadh, "Gate of the Muster"): One of the gates of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:31) not mentioned elsewhere; probably situated near the Northeast corner of the Temple area.

Hammiphkad (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAMMIPHKAD, GATE OF. ha-mif'-kad ... area.
Multi-Version Concordance Hammiphkad (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 3 ...
/h/hammiphkad.htm - 7k

Miphkad (1 Occurrence)
... mif'-kad, (sha`ar ha-miphqadh; the Revised Version (British and American) "Hammiphkad"
(Nehemiah 3:31)): A gate in, or near, the north end of the east wall of ...
/m/miphkad.htm - 7k

Gate (248 Occurrences)
... Shaw Caldecott. GATE, VALLEY. In Nehemiah 2:13 the King James Version, "gate
of the valley." See JERUSALEM. HAMMIPHKAD, GATE OF. ha-mif ...
/g/gate.htm - 63k

Gold-workers (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:31 After him Malchijah, one of the gold-workers to the Nethinim and the
traders, made good the wall opposite the doorway of Hammiphkad and as far as ...
/g/gold-workers.htm - 7k

Goldsmiths (3 Occurrences)
... 3:31 After him repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths to the house of the Nethinim,
and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ...
/g/goldsmiths.htm - 7k

Inspection (23 Occurrences)
... 3:31 After him repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths unto the house of the Nethinim,
and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ...
/i/inspection.htm - 13k

Traders (31 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:31 After him Malchijah, one of the gold-workers to the Nethinim and the
traders, made good the wall opposite the doorway of Hammiphkad and as far as ...
/t/traders.htm - 15k

Malchi'jah (12 Occurrences)
... 3:31 After him repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths unto the house of the Nethinim,
and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ...
/m/malchi'jah.htm - 9k

Muster (9 Occurrences)
... 3:31 After him repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths to the house of the Nethinim,
and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ...
/m/muster.htm - 10k

Malchijah (15 Occurrences)
... 3:31 After him repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths to the house of the Nethinim,
and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ...
/m/malchijah.htm - 14k

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