Topical Bible: High Gate or Gate Of Benjamin

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Topical Encyclopedia

The High Gate, also referred to as the Gate of Benjamin, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the city of Jerusalem. This gate holds historical and theological importance, serving as a point of reference in various biblical narratives and prophecies.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 20:2 · The High Gate is notably mentioned in the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet Jeremiah is placed in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin by Pashhur, the priest and chief officer in the house of the LORD. The Berean Standard Bible states: "he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the house of the LORD."

2. 2 Kings 15:35 · The gate is also associated with King Jotham of Judah, who is credited with building the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD. The BSB records: "Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places. Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD."

3. 2 Chronicles 27:3 · This passage reiterates Jotham's construction efforts, emphasizing his role in fortifying the gate. The BSB notes: "Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD and carried out extensive work on the wall of Ophel."

Historical and Theological Significance:

The High Gate, or Gate of Benjamin, is traditionally understood to be located on the northern side of Jerusalem, leading towards the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. This strategic location made it a critical point for defense and access, influencing both the city's security and its interactions with surrounding regions.

Theologically, the gate's proximity to the temple complex underscores its importance in the religious life of Judah. It served as a place where significant religious and political events occurred, as seen in the accounts of Jeremiah and Jotham. The gate's mention in prophetic literature, particularly in Jeremiah, highlights its role as a backdrop for divine messages and judgments.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cities, gates were more than mere entry points; they were centers of social, economic, and judicial activity. The High Gate would have been a bustling hub where elders met, legal matters were adjudicated, and prophets like Jeremiah delivered their messages. Its association with the temple further elevated its status as a sacred and authoritative location.

Conclusion:

The High Gate, or Gate of Benjamin, stands as a testament to the intricate blend of religious, political, and social dynamics in ancient Jerusalem. Its repeated mention in the biblical narrative reflects its enduring significance in the history and faith of the people of Israel.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

High Gate or Gate Of Benjamin

(Jeremiah 20:2; 37:13; 38:7; Zechariah 14:10) [JERUSALEM]

Library

The World's Wages to a Prophet
... who laid hands on the prophet at the gate on the ... be construed with 'to go into the
land of Benjamin.' The others ... to this that he had held up a high standard of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the worlds wages to a.htm

How Samuel Found a Leader
... up to the town, and when they came inside the gate, Samuel was ... coming out toward
them to go up to the high place ... you a man out of the land of Benjamin, and you ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how samuel found a leader.htm

The Story of Benjamin.
... as they could; and riding on their high camels, with ... there came a loud knocking at
the gate, and the ... Benjamin answered with a low bow; and Joseph said, "May ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the story of benjamin.htm

The Call of Isaiah
... as Azariah] in the land of Judah and Benjamin was characterized by ... Suddenly the gate
and the inner veil of the ... of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 25 the call of.htm

The Old Judge and the Young King
... send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou ... Then Saul drew near to Samuel
in the gate, and said ... am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the old judge and the.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... than the house of God, and the very gate of heaven ... stone may partake of the blessing
of the Most High! ... Benjamin keach, one of the earliest pastors of this church ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... were of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin came together ... many of the posterity of Jeshua
the high priest, and ... open part of the temple, to the gate which looked ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... God, to the exit under the Golden Gate: towards the ... of the head was something like
a little high vessel or ... from Levi, and on her mother's side, from Benjamin. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... preacher of the gospel, to occupy the place high over the gate where another ... not
say, "Divine sovereignty," when they were beaten by Benjamin; but they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm

Faithlessness and Defeat
... And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army ... the seat backward by the side of
the gate, and his ... without blood sprinkled on its cover, the high priest might ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/faithlessness and defeat.htm