Topical Bible: Gates: Closed at Night

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Topical Encyclopedia

In ancient biblical times, city gates held significant importance both practically and symbolically. They served as points of entry and exit, centers of commerce, places for legal transactions, and venues for public discourse. The practice of closing city gates at night is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the need for security and protection against potential threats.

Biblical References

The practice of closing gates at night is mentioned in several passages throughout the Scriptures. In the book of Nehemiah, we find a clear directive regarding the closing of gates: "When the evening shadows fall on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, close the doors and bar them until after the Sabbath" (Nehemiah 13:19). This passage highlights the dual purpose of the gates: to protect the city from external threats and to ensure the sanctity of the Sabbath by controlling the flow of commerce and activity.

In the book of Joshua, the city of Jericho is described as being "tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in" (Joshua 6:1). This account underscores the defensive strategy employed by cities to safeguard against enemy incursions, particularly during times of siege or conflict.

Symbolic Significance

The closing of gates at night also carries symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. Gates often represent access and opportunity, and their closure signifies a period of rest, reflection, and security. In a spiritual sense, the closing of gates can be seen as a metaphor for the protection and preservation of one's faith and community against the encroachment of sin and worldly influences.

The book of Revelation offers a contrasting vision of the New Jerusalem, where "its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there" (Revelation 21:25). This imagery conveys the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of eternal security and peace, where the need for physical barriers is rendered obsolete by the presence of divine light and protection.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, city gates were typically closed at nightfall to prevent unauthorized entry and to protect inhabitants from marauders and wild animals. The gates were often made of heavy wood or metal, reinforced with bars and locks to ensure their strength and durability. Gatekeepers were appointed to oversee the opening and closing of the gates, as well as to monitor those who sought entry.

The closing of gates at night was not only a practical measure but also a reflection of the communal values and priorities of the time. It emphasized the importance of vigilance, order, and the safeguarding of the community's well-being.

Conclusion

The biblical motif of gates being closed at night serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and protection in both physical and spiritual realms. It reflects the ancient understanding of security and the communal responsibility to guard against external threats while maintaining the sanctity of the community's values and beliefs.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 2:5,7
And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I know not: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The "Little Knife" Insurrection
... thieves. In the winter season, when men have more leisure and more temptation
to plunder, these gates are closed every night. During ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vi the little knife insurrection.htm

His Journey to Rome, Venice, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land
... After reaching the city, he found the gates closed. He spent the night in a damp
church, and in the morning sought to enter the city, but could not obtain ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter iv his journey to.htm

Everybody's Sermon
... the bars of immutable justice shall have fast closed the gates ... shall have shut his
children within the gates of Paradise ... And at night time thou wast startled. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/everybodys sermon.htm

On the Incarnation and Redemption
... At night these gates were closed and guarded. Nearly all the people lived within
the walls and the country was lonely and almost deserted. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 7 on the incarnation.htm

The Capture of Jericho and Ai
... Now Jericho had closed its gates because of ... he had the ark of Jehovah carried around
the city once; then they returned to the camp and spent the night there ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the capture of jericho and.htm

Be Diligent
... 'The gates' of the New Jerusalem 'shall not be closed day nor night'; but through
the ever-open gates none can pass except they who have washed their robes and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/be diligent.htm

On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
... When he arrived before the gates, they closed themselves by ... Then the gates opened
of themselves, and he bore it into ... God seldom allows a day or a night to pass ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxi on the exaltation.htm

Angelic Comforters.
... swept majestically upwards"till (dimming on their view) the gates of heaven closed
on Him ... of God shouted for joy"onwards to the eventful night when they ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxii angelic comforters.htm

In Christ and in Ephesus
... But we must guard these plants by keeping the gates of our hearts closed night and
day against evil. Only thus can we keep pure and acceptable to God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-four in christ and.htm

Diamond Said Nothing to his Mother About his Adventures. ...
... at a bed of tulips, which, although they had closed for the ... You would like to go
with me to-night?". ... went out by the wicket in the-coach-house gates, and then ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 5 diamond said nothing.htm