Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of closing city gates on the Sabbath was deeply rooted in the observance of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship, as commanded by God. The practice of closing gates on the Sabbath is particularly highlighted in the context of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah.Biblical Context The Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is a day set apart for rest and spiritual reflection, as instituted in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). The closing of gates on the Sabbath was a practical measure to ensure that the sanctity of the day was maintained, preventing commercial activities and other forms of work that would violate the Sabbath rest. Nehemiah's Reforms The most explicit biblical reference to the closing of gates on the Sabbath is found in the book of Nehemiah. After the return from Babylonian exile, Nehemiah, the governor of Jerusalem, took decisive action to restore proper Sabbath observance among the people. Nehemiah 13:15-19 records his efforts: "In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain, loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of goods. They were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day. Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem. Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, 'What is this wicked thing you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day? Did not your forefathers do the same, so that our God brought all this calamity upon us and upon this city? Now you are bringing even more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!' When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered that the gates be shut and not opened until after the Sabbath. I stationed some of my men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day." Nehemiah's actions were a response to the neglect of Sabbath laws, which he saw as a contributing factor to the previous judgment and exile. By closing the gates, Nehemiah sought to prevent the entrance of merchants and the conduct of business, thereby upholding the holiness of the Sabbath. Theological Significance The closing of the gates on the Sabbath underscores the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the communal responsibility to honor the Sabbath. It reflects a commitment to setting apart time for God, free from the distractions and demands of daily commerce and labor. This practice served as a physical and symbolic barrier, reinforcing the separation between the sacred and the secular. Historical and Cultural Considerations In ancient Near Eastern cities, gates were not only entry points but also centers of economic and social activity. Closing them on the Sabbath would have had significant implications for the local economy and daily life. It required a collective commitment to prioritize spiritual observance over economic gain, a principle that resonates with the broader biblical theme of trusting in God's provision. Contemporary Reflections While the specific practice of closing city gates on the Sabbath is not directly applicable in modern contexts, the underlying principle of setting aside dedicated time for rest and worship remains relevant. It challenges believers to consider how they can honor the Sabbath in their own lives, amidst the busyness and commercial pressures of contemporary society. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 13:19And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. Nave's Topical Index Library The "Little Knife" Insurrection Everybody's Sermon Angelic Comforters. Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth Samson Conquered The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times. In Joseph's Tomb On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension A vision of the Latter-Day Glories Resources What is the significance of the twelve gates in Revelation 21? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What are the gates of hell? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gates of Cities: Battering Rams Used Against Gates of Cities: Chief Places of Concourse Gates of Cities: Chief Points of Attack in War Gates of Cities: Conferences Held At Gates of Cities: Councils of State Held At Gates of Cities: Courts of Justice Held At Gates of Cities: Criminals Punished At Gates of Cities: Custom of Sitting At, in the Evening, Alluded To Gates of Cities: Experienced officers Placed Over Gates of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed At Gates of Cities: Land Redeemed At Gates of Cities: Markets Held At Gates of Cities: Often Razed and Burned Gates of Cities: Proclamations Made At Gates of Cities: Public Censure Passed At Gates of Cities: Public Commendation Given At Gates of Cities: Shut at Night-Fall Gates of Cities: Troops Reviewed At, Going to War Gates of Jerusalem: Corner Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Ephraim Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Miphkad Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of the Fountain Gates of Jerusalem: High Gate of Benjamin Gates of Jerusalem: Horse Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Sheep Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Valley Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Water Gate Gates of the Powers of Hell (Hades) Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Righteousness Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of the Lord Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Zion Gates of the Temple: Charge of, Given by Lot Gates of the Temple: Frequented by Beggars Gates of the Temple: Levites the Porters of Gates of the Temple: One Specially Beautiful Gates of the Temple: Overlaid With Gold Gates of the Temple: The Pious Israelites Delighted to Enter Gates of the Temple: The Treasury Placed At Gates: (Of Heaven) Access to God Gates: (Of Hell) Satan's Power Gates: (Strait) the Entrance to Life Gates: (Wide) the Entrance to Ruin Gates: Bodies of Criminals Exposed to View At Gates: Carcase of Sin-Offering Burned Without Gates: Conferences on Public Affairs Gates: Criminals Generally Punished Without Gates: Fastened With Bars of Iron Gates: Holding Courts of Justice Gates: Jails Made in the Towers of Gates: Place for Public Concourse Gates: Punishment of Criminals Outside of Gates: Religious Services Held At Gates: The Open Square of, a Place for Idlers Gates: The Place for the Transaction of Public Business, Announcement of Legal Transactions Related Terms |
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